Canon Speedlite 420EX Instruction Manual
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Canon Speedlite 420EX Instruction Manual

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INSTRUCTIONS

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  • Page 1 English Edition INSTRUCTIONS...
  • Page 2 Thank you for purchasing a Canon product. The Canon Speedlite 420EX is an autozoom flash unit equipped with a wireless sensor for E-TTL wireless autoflash. * E-TTL stands for Evaluative-Through-The-Lens. The features available with Speedlite 420EX depend on the EOS camera.

  • Page 3: Conventions Used In This Booklet

    Conventions Used in this Booklet This instruction booklet has separate chapters for Type-A and Type-B cameras. If you have a Type-A camera, read pages 9 to 30 and 39 to 53. If you have a Type-B camera, read pages 9 to 16 and 31 to 53. •...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Conventions Used in this Booklet..........3 Nomenclature ................6 Before You Start (For Type-A and Type-B Cameras) ..9 Installing the Batteries .............10 Mounting the Speedlite............12 Wireless Selector ..............13 Main Switch ................14 High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) Switch ........14 Pilot Lamp and Test Firing ............15 Flash Exposure Confirmation ..........15 Flash Coverage ...............16 AF-Assist Beam...............16...
  • Page 5 Contents Easy Flash Photography (For Type-B Cameras) ..31 Flash in Full Auto Mode............32 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes........34 Advanced Flash Photography (For Type-A and B Cameras) ...39 Bounce Flash ................40 Flash Exposure Compensation ..........41 Multi-Speedlite System............42 Troubleshooting Guide ............48 Major Specifications ..............49...

  • Page 6: Nomenclature

    Nomenclature Front Flash head Wireless sensor AF-assist beam emitter Battery chamber (→page 16) cover (→page 10) Locking pin(→page 12) Locking collar (→page 12) Mounting foot (→page 12) Contacts (→page 12) • The reference page is indicated by (→page • In the text, the 420EX's controls and settings are indicated with the corresponding icons enclosed in brackets <...
  • Page 7 Nomenclature Back < > < > Horizontal bounce Upward bounce release release button (→page 40) button (→page 40) E-TTL indicator Autozoom position < > indicators (→page 16) High-speed sync (FP flash) switch (→page 14) Main switch (→page 14) < > <...

  • Page 9: Before You Start (For Type-A And Type-B Cameras)

    This chapter helps you prepare for flash photography with the 420EX. Before You Start...

  • Page 10: Installing The Batteries

    Installing the Batteries Install one of the following types of batteries: (1) Four size-AA alkaline batteries (2) Four size-AA nickel-hydride batteries Open the battery chamber cover. • Slide the battery chamber cover as shown by arrow 1 and flip it up as shown by arrow 2.
  • Page 11 Size-AA alkaline batteries Approx. 0.1-7.5 sec. Approx. 200-1400 • The above specifications are based on Canon’s testing standards. • Using size-AA nickel-hydride batteries will yield only about 70 to 80 percent of the flashes (1550 mAh at full output) obtainable with size-AA alkaline batteries.

  • Page 12: Mounting The Speedlite

    Mounting the Speedlite Loosen the locking collar. • Turn it as shown by the arrow. Mount the 420EX onto the camera. • Slide the 420EX's mounting foot all the way into the hot shoe. Tighten the locking collar. Turn the locking collar as shown by the arrow.

  • Page 13: Wireless Selector

    Wireless Selector The wireless selector has the following settings. For Normal Flash Operation • Set the wireless selector to OFF to use the 420EX as a normal, on- camera Speedlite. For Wireless Flash Operation • Set the wireless selector to SLAVE to use the 420EX as a wireless slave unit.

  • Page 14: Main Switch

    Main Switch The main switch has the following settings. Turns off the power. Turns on the power. After 90 sec. of non-use, the SE (Save Energy) mode takes effect automatically to turn off the 420EX and save battery power. • To cancel the SE mode, press the test firing button.

  • Page 15: Pilot Lamp And Test Firing

    Pilot Lamp and Test Firing Before taking the flash picture, you can fire a test flash. Check that the < > lamp is lit. • When the flash is ready, the < > lamp lights. After the < > lamp lights, press it to fire a test flash.

  • Page 16: Flash Coverage

    Flash Coverage The 420EX's flash head zooms automatically to provide adequate flash coverage for the lens focal length in use. Flash coverage is provided for the 24mm to 105mm focal lengths. The corresponding autozoom position indicator on the Speedlite lights. When a zoom lens is used, the flash coverage changes automatically to suit the focal length you zoom to.

  • Page 17: Easy Flash Photography (For Type-A Cameras)

    When the 420EX is mounted on a Type- A camera such as the EOS 30/ELAN 7E, using E-TTL autoflash is just as easy as normal autoexposure (AE). E-TTL autoflash uses the camera's multi-zone metering sensor for highly precise flash exposure control. A preflash is fired for evaluative flash metering and the reading is used to determine the main flash output.

  • Page 18: Flash In Full Auto Mode

    Flash in Full Auto Mode With the 420EX attached to a Type-A camera set to < > (Full Auto) or < > (Program AE), flash photography will be fully automatic and as easy as normal AE photography without flash. The camera sets the shutter speed and aperture automatically to suit the lighting situation, whether it is dark or daylight (fill flash).
  • Page 19 Flash in Full Auto Mode Check that the flash exposure confirmation lamp lights. • When a correct flash exposure has been obtained, the lamp lights for about 3 sec. If it does not light, underexposure may have occurred. Check that the < >...

  • Page 20: Flash In Other Picture-Taking Modes

    Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes You can also use E-TTL autoflash with the camera set to < > (aperture- priority AE), < > (shutter speed-priority AE), or < > (manual). Shutter Speed and Aperture Settings According to Mode Mode Shutter Speed Flash Aperture (Program AE) Automatically set (1/60 sec.
  • Page 21 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : E-TTL Autoflash and Aperture-Priority AE When you want to control the depth of field or when you want both the subject and background exposed correctly, use aperture-priority AE. You set the aperture, and the camera sets the shutter speed automatically to expose the background correctly.
  • Page 22 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Slow-Speed Sync for Dark Backgrounds By using a slow sync speed with flash, you can correctly expose both the subject and a dark background. For automatic slow-speed sync, set the camera to the < > mode. When using slow-speed sync, use a tripod to prevent camera shake.
  • Page 23 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : E-TTL Autoflash and Shutter Speed-Priority AE When you want to use the shutter speed to create a certain effect, set the camera to shutter speed-priority AE. In this mode, you set the shutter speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the camera's fastest sync speed. The camera then sets the aperture automatically to obtain the correct background exposure.
  • Page 24 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : E-TTL Autoflash and Manual Exposure When you want to set both the shutter speed and aperture, use manual exposure. E-TTL autoflash controls the flash output according to the aperture you set. The background exposure is determined by the shutter speed and aperture combination.

  • Page 25: High-Speed Sync (Fp Flash)

    High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) When the flash mode is set to high-speed sync (FP flash), the flash can synchronize with shutter speeds faster than the camera's fastest sync speed. When high-speed sync is set, the < > icon lights in the viewfinder. •...
  • Page 26 High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) Take the picture. • Focus the subject, check that the < > icon is lit in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • Using high-speed sync changes the Guide No. See page 50. • If you want to set the aperture, first set the camera to the < >...

  • Page 27: Fe Lock

    FE Lock FE (flash exposure) lock is the flash version of AE lock. With the 420EX attached to the camera, the camera's AE lock button becomes an FE lock button. With FE lock, you can lock the correct flash exposure reading for any part of the picture.
  • Page 28 FE Lock Recompose and take the picture. • Focus the subject, check that the < > icon is lit in the viewfinder, then take the picture. With FE lock. Focusing Point for FE Lock with the EOS 30/ELAN 7E Focusing Point Selection Method Focusing Point for FE Lock Automatic Center...

  • Page 29: Second-Curtain Synchronization

    Second-Curtain Synchronization The EOS 30/ELAN 7E has a Custom Function enabling 2nd-curtain synchronization. Normally, 1st-curtain synchronization is set so that the flash is fired when the shutter curtains fully open. With 2nd-curtain synchronization, the flash is fired right before the shutter curtains close. When this is combined with a slow shutter speed, you can capture the light trail following the moving subject.

  • Page 30: Modeling Flash

    Modeling Flash With the 420EX attached to the EOS-1D, 1V, 3, D60, D30, ELAN 7/7E, or 30/33 you can fire a modeling flash to check the shadow effects of the flash or the lighting balance in a wireless flash system before you take the picture. Set the wireless selector to <...

  • Page 31: Easy Flash Photography (For Type-B Cameras)

    When the 420EX is mounted on a Type- B camera, using TTL autoflash is just as easy as normal autoexposure (AE). Flash photography can be fully automatic or manual where you set the shutter speed and aperture. Easy Flash Photography (For Type-B Cameras) •...

  • Page 32: Flash In Full Auto Mode

    Flash in Full Auto Mode With the 420EX attached to a Type-B camera set to < > (Program AE), flash photography will be fully automatic and as easy as normal AE photography without flash. The camera sets the shutter speed and aperture automatically to suit the lighting situation, whether it is dark or daylight (fill flash).
  • Page 33 Flash in Full Auto Mode Fill Flash Even in daylight, you can use flash as fill light to soften harsh shadows or illuminate a dark, backlit subject. With fill flash, the subject illuminated with flash might look unnatural compared to the background's brightness.

  • Page 34: Flash In Other Picture-Taking Modes

    Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes You can also use TTL autoflash with the camera set to < > (aperture- priority AE), < > (shutter speed-priority AE), or < > (manual). Shutter Speed and Aperture Settings According to Mode Mode Shutter Speed Flash Aperture (Program AE) Automatically set (1/60 sec.
  • Page 35 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : TTL Autoflash and Aperture-Priority AE When you want to control the depth of field or when you want both the subject and background exposed correctly, use aperture-priority AE. You set the aperture, and the camera sets the shutter speed automatically to expose the background correctly.
  • Page 36 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Slow-Speed Sync for Dark Backgrounds By using a slow sync speed with flash, you can correctly expose both the subject and a dark background. For automatic slow-speed sync, set the camera to the < > mode. When using slow-speed sync, use a tripod to prevent camera shake.
  • Page 37 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : TTL Autoflash and Shutter Speed-Priority AE When you want to use the shutter speed to create a certain effect, set the camera to shutter speed-priority AE. In this mode, you set the shutter speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the camera's fastest sync speed. The camera then sets the aperture automatically to obtain the correct background exposure.
  • Page 38 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : TTL Autoflash and Manual Exposure When you want to set both the shutter speed and aperture, use manual exposure. TTL autoflash controls the flash output according to the aperture you set. The background exposure is determined by the shutter speed and aperture combination.

  • Page 39: Advanced Flash Photography (For Type-A And B Cameras)

    Bounce flash, flash exposure compensation, and a multi-Speedlite system are possible with the 420EX and a Type-A or B camera. Advanced Flash Photography (For Type-A and B Cameras)

  • Page 40: Bounce Flash

    Bounce Flash When the flash is aimed directly at the subject, a harsh shadow may appear behind the subject. By bouncing the flash off the ceiling or wall, you can reduce or eliminate the shadow for a more natural-looking picture. Taken with bounce flash.

  • Page 41: Flash Exposure Compensation

    Bounce Flash Take the picture. • Focus the subject, check that the < > icon is lit in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not light after the picture is taken, use a larger aperture and try again.

  • Page 42: Multi-Speedlite System

    Multi-Speedlite System By using multiple Speedlites, you can create more sophisticated lighting effects. The subject's face can look more three-dimensional or an accent light can be created. The flash exposure is fully automatic even with multiple Speedlites, making it very easy. The multi-Speedlite system can be wireless or wired.
  • Page 43 Multi-Speedlite System Set the channel No. • Press the < > button and set the same channel No. as the master unit's. • Pressing the < > button selects the channel No. in the following looping sequence: 1, 2, 3, 4... Set the slave group ID.
  • Page 44 Multi-Speedlite System Sample Wireless Flash System You can easily set up an E-TTL wireless autoflash system with the 550EX, ST-E2, MR-14EX or MT-24EX as the master unit and the 420EX as the slave unit. Just set the 420EX's wireless selector to < >...
  • Page 45 Multi-Speedlite System Wireless Flash Equipment Master unit 1 Speedlite 420EX (Slave unit) 2 Mini-stand (Provided with 420EX) Props up the 420EX and provides a tripod socket. 3 Speedlite 550EX Serves as a normal Speedlite or as the master unit or slave unit in a wireless flash system.
  • Page 46 Multi-Speedlite System Wired Flash System With wired flash system accessories, you can easily set up a TTL wired autoflash system with any EOS camera. Up to four Speedlites can be connected in a wired flash system. Any EOS- dedicated EX-series, EZ-series, EG-series, and E-series Speedlite can be used.
  • Page 47 Multi-Speedlite System Wired Flash System Accessories 1 Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 Enables the Speedlite to be used off-the-camera up to 60 cm away. All of the Speedlite's functions can still be used. Multi-Speedlite Accessories 2 Off-Camera Shoe Adapter OA-2 Enables the Speedlite to be positioned off-the-camera. This adapter is connected to the TTL Hot Shoe Adapter 3 or TTL Distributor via a Connecting Cord.

  • Page 48: Troubleshooting Guide

    Troubleshooting Guide The flash does not The batteries are exhausted. fire. Install new batteries. (→ page 10) Batteries are installed incorrectly. Install the batteries in the proper orientation. (→ page 10) The 420EX's mounting foot is not securely mounted on the camera's hot shoe.

  • Page 49: Major Specifications

    Dimensions (mm) ....71.5 (W) x 123 (H) x 99.4 (D) mm 2.8 (W) x 4.82 (H) x 3.89 (D) in Weight ........300 g /10.6 oz (excluding batteries) • The above specifications are based on Canon's testing standards. • Specifications and the external appearance are subject to change without notice.
  • Page 50 Approx. 0.1 - 7.5 Approx. 200-1400 • The above specifications are based on Canon’s testing standards. • Using size-AA nickel-hydride batteries will yield only about 70 to 80 percent of the flashes (1550 mAh at full output) obtainable with size-AA alkaline batteries.
  • Page 51 Major Specifications Camera's Flash Exposure Warnings Mode Warning Indication Description Remarks Minimum aperture The subject is too Attach a neutral-density setting blinks. bright. (ND) filter to the lens to Program AE reduce the amount of light received by the camera. Fastest sync speed The background will Only the flash exposure...
  • Page 52 Major Specifications EOS Camera and 420EX Feature Availability Camera's Max. Sync Speed (sec.) Camera 1/500 1/90 1/125 1/200 1/250 EOS 650 EOS 620 EOS 750 EOS 850 EOS 630/600 EOS-1 EOS RT EOS 10/10S EOS 700 EOS REBEL/REBEL S/1000/1000 F EOS ELAN/100 EOS 1000REBEL II/REBEL S II/1000 N/1000 FN EOS 5/A2/A2E...
  • Page 53 Major Specifications G: Available. ×: Not available. Flash Exposure Flash Metering 2nd-Curtain Modeling Slave Setting FP Flash FE Lock Compensation Sync Flash (E-TTL) E-TTL w/Camera × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×...
  • Page 54 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the instructions.
  • Page 55 The CE Mark is a Directive conformity mark of the European Community (EC) The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. Dry batteries shall not be subjected to charging.
  • Page 56 CANON SALES CO., INC. 12-15 Mita, 3-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8011, Japan This Instruction Booklet is current as of August 2000. For information on using this product with cameras introduced after this date, contact your nearest Canon Service Center. © CT1-1718-004 CANON INC.

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