Shooting in Group-Specific Flash Modes

(1) Ceiling

For up to five groups (A–E), you can shoot with each group set to a specific flash mode.

Available flash modes include (1) E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash, (2) manual flash, and (3) auto external flash metering. When the flash mode is (1) or (3), exposure is controlled to result in standard exposure for the main subject as a single group.

This function is for advanced users who are very knowledgeable and experienced in lighting.

  1. Press the MODE button on the sender Cross keys cross keys.

  2. Set the flash mode to Gr.

    • Turn the Select dial dial to select Gr, then press Select/Set.
    • The receiver flash mode is set automatically during shooting, as controlled by the sender.

  3. Set the firing groups of the receivers.

    • Set a firing group (A–E) for each receiver.

  4. Configure each firing group.

    • On the sender, set the flash mode of each firing group.
    • Press Select/Set.
    • Turn the Select dial dial to select a firing group, then press Select/Set.

    Setting the flash mode

    • Turn the Select dial dial to select the flash mode from ETTL, M, or Ext.A.

    Setting the flash output and flash exposure compensation amount

    • Turn the Select dial dial to select an option, then press Select/Set.
    • Turn the Select dial dial to adjust flash output or flash exposure compensation, then press Select/Set.
    • For M, set the flash output level. For ETTL or Ext.A, set the flash exposure compensation amount as needed.
    • Repeat step 4 to configure flash features for all firing groups.
    • By setting P.Fn-04 to [1] (), you can change this setting simply by turning the Select dial dial.

  5. Before shooting, confirm that flash recharging is finished.

    • When CHARGE is displayed, you can determine which firing groups are not fully charged from the icons. For example, the icon shown in (1) indicates that firing group A is fully charged.
    • CHARGE is no longer displayed after all groups are fully charged.
    • For other details on checking recharge status, see step 7 in Autoflash with One Receiver.
    • Each receiver fires at the same time in the flash mode you have set.

Caution

  • For Ext.A flash mode, make sure the receivers support auto external flash metering. Receivers will not fire unless it is supported.
  • In ETTL or Ext.A flash mode, exposure is controlled to obtain standard exposure for the main subject as if using a single firing group, which may cause overexposure if multiple firing groups are pointing toward the main subject.

Note

  • For details on Ext.A, refer to the instruction manual of Speedlites that support auto external flash metering.
  • Letters of groups that fire do not need to be in consecutive alphabetical order; for example, A, C, E can be set.
  • Set any group you do not wish to fire to OFF when configuring flash modes in step 4.