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. Use the joystick on the sender to select MODE.

  2. Set the flash mode to Gr.

    • Press the joystick vertically or horizontally or turn Select dial to select Gr, then push the joystick straight in.
    • 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.
    • Push the joystick straight in.
    • Press the joystick vertically or horizontally or turn Select dial to select a firing group, then push the joystick straight in.

    Setting the flash mode

    • Press the joystick vertically or horizontally or turn Select dial to select the flash mode from ETTL, M, or Ext.A.

    Setting the flash output and flash exposure compensation amount

    • Press the joystick vertically or horizontally or turn Select dial to select the item, then push the joystick straight in.
    • Press the joystick horizontally or turn Select dial to set the flash output or flash exposure compensation amount, then push the joystick straight in.
    • For M, set the flash output. 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-03 to [1] (), you can change this setting simply by turning Select dial. To select a setting item when P.Fn-03 is set to [1], press the joystick vertically or horizontally.

  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 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. Similarly, modeling lamps of groups set to OFF are not lit when the sender LAMP button is pressed.