Manual Flash

Flash output can be set in a range of 1/1024 to full output (1/1), in 1/3-stop increments.

By using a commercially available flash meter, you can determine the flash output required for suitable exposure. Setting the camera shooting mode to Aperture-priority AE or Manual exposure is recommended.

  1. Select MODE with the joystick.

  2. Set the flash mode to Manual exposure.

    • Press the joystick vertically or horizontally or turn Select dial to select M, then push the joystick straight in.

  3. Select Flash exposure compensation / flash output setting with the joystick.

  4. Set the flash output.

    • Press the joystick horizontally or turn Select dial to set the flash output, then push the joystick straight in.
    • The approximate shooting distance (1) and the aperture value (2) are displayed when you press the camera shutter button halfway.

Note

  • The flash output setting range is 1/128–1/1 when high-speed sync is set.
  • For details on guide numbers when manual flash is used, see Specifications.
  • Flash output can also be set directly by turning Select dial without first selecting MODE with the joystick, if you configure C.Fn-13.

Setting Manual Flash Output from FE Memory

The flash output level used when shooting in ETTL flash mode can be applied as the level for M flash mode.

  1. Set up the FE memory function.

    • Set the Custom Function C.Fn-19 FEM to 1: ON ().

  2. Shoot in ETTL flash mode.

    • Select MODE with the joystick.
    • Press the joystick vertically or horizontally or turn Select dial to select ETTL, then push the joystick straight in.
    • Press the shutter button completely to shoot.

  3. Set the flash mode to M.

    • Select MODE with the joystick.
    • Press the joystick vertically or horizontally or turn Select dial to select M, then push the joystick straight in.

  4. Check the flash output.

    • Confirm that the subject is within the effective flash range (1).

Caution

  • Before firing with the Speedlite set to ETTL, make sure the flash-ready lamp is red (fully charged).
  • If you adjust the ISO speed, aperture value, or other settings that involve flash output (such as light intensity or flash zoom) after shooting with the Speedlite set to ETTL, we recommend shooting with it set to ETTL again.

  • Color temperature of the Speedlite may differ greatly from that of the ambient light when the camera white balance is set to Auto white balance, and color tones of shots may differ between ETTL and M settings when flash compensation is set to the negative side and [E-TTL balance] is set to [Ambience priority].

  • When using FE memory in wireless multi-flash shooting, configure settings for ETTL and M firing groups identically in advance. When ETTL is set to A:B C, set M to A:B:C.
  • The effective flash range indicated for ETTL may not match the focus distance indicated for M, depending on shooting conditions.
  • Setting flash output to 1/1024 may result in overexposure.

Note

  • You can simply press the joystick down to switch between ETTL and M when C.Fn-19 FEM is set to [2] (ON / MODE ETTL/M).

Metered Manual Flash Exposure

Using a camera compatible with metered manual flash, you can set the flash exposure level manually before shooting. This is effective in close-range flash photography. Use a standard 18% gray reflector (commercially available) and shoot as follows.

  1. Configure the camera and Speedlite settings.

    • Set the camera shooting mode to Manual exposure or Aperture-priority AE.
    • Set the Speedlite flash mode to Manual exposure.

  2. Focus on the subject.

    • Focus on the subject manually.

  3. Set up the 18% gray reflector.

    • Place it at the position of the subject.
    • Aim the camera so that the reflector fills the entire spot metering circle in the viewfinder.

  4. Press the Multi-function or AE lock / FE Lock button (Timer 16 seconds).

    • The Speedlite fires a preflash and stores the flash output required for suitable flash exposure.
    • On the right side of the viewfinder, the exposure level indicator shows the flash exposure level relative to standard exposure.

  5. Set the flash exposure level.

    • Adjust the Speedlite's manual flash output to align the flash exposure level with the standard exposure index.

  6. Take the picture.

    • Remove the gray reflector and take the picture.

Note

  • Refer to camera instruction manuals for details on cameras that are compatible with metered manual flash.