Canon 540EZ - Speedlite - Hot-shoe clip-on Flash User manual

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Canon
Canon

Thank you for purchasing this Canon product.
The Canon Speedlite 540EZ is a high-performance flash unit designed
for use with EOS Series cameras. The 540EZ incorporates a rich selec¬
tion of features, including an auto zoom function, TTL automatic flash
exposure control, and powerful light output sufficient for virtually any
shooting situation. When used with an EOS camera, the 540EZ is capa¬
ble of everything from simple, automated flash shooting to advanced
techniques such as flash exposure compensation, automatic flash control
based on user-selected shutter speed and/or aperture settings, manual
firing with eight selectable flash output levels, and intricate multiple-flash
lighting setups using EOS multi-flash accessories.
@ 540EZ Features
(1) A-TTL Automatic Flash Control
A-TTL automatic flash control stands for Advanced Through The Lens automat¬
ic flash control. When used with an EOS camera set to Program AE or Full
Auto mode, the camera and flash unit work together to automatically set the
appropriate aperture and shutter speed for proper flash exposure for indoor and
low-light scenes as well as backlit subjects in daylight.
(2) TTL Automatic Flash Control
TTL automatic flash shooting is possible in other shooting modes such as aper¬
ture-priority AE, shutter-priority AE or manual exposure mode. When the 540EZ
is combined with aperture-priority AE for an indoor shot or a night scene, the
camera automatically sets a slow shutter speed to properly expose the back¬
ground while the flash fires to properly expose the subject.
(3) Three-Zone Flash Metering for Multi-Point Autofocus Systems
When the 540EZ is used with an EOS camera that has multiple focusing points,
the flash automatically weights the exposure in the area of the active focusing
point using the camera’s three-zone flash metering system.
(4) Automatic Flash Exposure Confirmation
After a picture is taken using flash, an LED on the back of the flash unit lights
for two seconds to indicate that proper flash exposure was achieved.
(5) Auto Zoom
The flash head automatically zooms to set the proper flash coverage angle
according to the lens focal length. Settings from 24mm wide-angle to 105mm
telephoto are possible with the flash alone, and coverage for ultra-wide-angle
lenses down to 18mm is possible using the built-in wide panel. The flash cover¬
age angle can also be set manually to any desired position.
(6) Flash Exposure Compensation
The 540EZ allows the flash exposure to be adjusted independently of the cam¬
era, providing a compensation range of ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments
(7) Manual Flash Control at Eight Output Levels 7
The flash output can be set manually to any of eight power levels, from full (1/1)
power to 1/128 power.
(8) Bounce Flash
The flash head can be tilted upward or can be surveled to the right or left for
bouncing the flash off of nearby surfaces such as a ceiling or wall to create a
softer lighting effect. The flash head can also be tilted 7° downward for close-up
shots. .7
(9) AF Auxiliary Light Corresponding to Five Focusing Points
The built-in AF auxiliary light automatically fires in low-light and low-contrast sit¬
uations to aid the camera’s autofocus system. When combined with the EOS-1
N, the AF auxiliary light emission automatically corresponds to the camera’s
five autofocusing points.
(10) Stroboscopic Flash
The 540EZ can be set to automatically fire several flash bursts during a single
exposure, creating a stroboscopic effect that records the flow of subject move¬
ment. The stroboscopic firing speed can be freely set to frequencies as fast as
100 bursts per second.
(11) Flash Sync Timing
The sync timing can be set to either first-curtain sync, which fires the flash as
soon as the shutter is fully opened, or second-curtain sync, which fires the flash
immediately before the shutter closes.
(12) SE (Save Energy) Function
When the flash is set to SE mode, the power automatically turns off after 90
seconds of non-operation in order to conserve battery power.
(13) Rich Selection of External Power Supplies
Three types of external power supplies are available, including the Compact
Battery Pack E.
(14) System Accessories for Professional Flash Lighting Techniques
Canon’s line of dedicated flash accessories include the Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2
for separating the flash from the camera, as well as adapters and cords for con¬
figuring elaborate multiple-flash setups. Even when using more than one flash,
the flash exposure can be controlled automatically by the EOS TTL system.
♦ The instructions in this manual assume use with the EO.S-1 N camera.
♦ Flash functions and the information displayed in the LCD panel may differ when
used with other EOS cameras.
♦ When the 540EZ is used with a camera set to Full-Auto mode or a
Programmed Image Control (PIC) mode, all flash functions are controlled by
the camera and function settings on the flash unit itself are canceled.

Precautions
(1) The 540EZ contains high-voltage
circuits. Do not attempt to disassem¬
ble the flash unit yourself. Always
take it to an authorized Canon ser¬
vice facility for repair.
(2) The 540EZ is not resistant to water
and should not be used outdoors in
snow or rain. If momentarily
exposed to snow, rain or water
spray, immediately wipe water drops
from the flash unit’s surface with a
dry cloth.
(3) Always slide the 540EZ’s power
switch to the OFF position after use.
If left on, the flash circuitry will drain
the battery power.
(4) Be sure to keep the 540EZ out of
direct sunlight, and away from “hot
spots” such as the trunk or rear win¬
dow shelf of a car. Extended expo¬
sure to high temperatures can
cause the flash unit to malfunction.
• Throughout this manual special pre¬
cautions relating to the various flash
unit operations are enclosed in
boxes marked with the following
symbols.
O : Cautionary measures to
ensure proper use and pre¬
vent undesired results or mal-
_ function.
Q : Reference information for
helping you gain maximum
,, / functionality from the 540EZ.
: Helpful hints for using the
540EZ productively and with
maximum efficiency.
Contents
I. Preparations for
Use
II. Changing the
Flash Settings
III. Basic Flash
Operation
IV. Flash Operation
in Various
Shooting Modes
V. Advanced Flash
Techniques
Speedlite
System
Nomenclature. 4
1. Loading the Batteries. 5
2. Using an External Power Supply.6
3. Mounting the Flash.6
4. Setting the Main Switch. 7
1. F lash Coverage Angle (Zoom Button)
and Use of the Wide Panel.8
• Automatic Zoom Operation.8
• Manual Zoom Operation.9
• Using the Wide Panel.9
1. Fully Automatic Flash Operation.11
• Fill-in Flash For Bright Outdoor
Scenes.12
5. Ready Lamp and Test Firing. 7
6. Recycle Time.8
• Normal Firing.8
• Quick Firing.8
2. Flash Mode Button.10
3. Film Speed Setting.10
4. Display Panel Illumination. 1 0
5. AF Auxiliary Light.10
1. Manual Exposure Mode. 1 3
2. Aperture-priority AE Mode. 1 4
3. Shutter-priority AE Mode. 1 5
4. S low Synchro Photography.16
1. Flash Exposure Compensation.17
2. Manual Flash Shooting.18
3. Stroboscopic Flash. 1 9
• Setting the Firing Frequency, No. of
Bursts, and Power Level.20
• Taking Pictures with Stroboscopic
Flash.20
• Maximum No. of Continuous Flash
Bursts.21
• External Power Supplies.27
• Multiple Flash Accessories.27
Troubleshooting.28
Specifications.29
4. Bounce Flash.22
• Catchlight Photography.23
5. Close-up Flash Photography.24
6. Second-Curtain Synchronization.24
7. Multiple Flash Setups.25
• Multiple Flash Connection
Example.25
• 540EZ Functions When Used In A
Multiple Flash Configuration.26
540EZ Function Chart For
EOS Cameras. 3 1
• Exposure Warnings.31
3

Nomenclature
Sync
Timing.
Buttons
Pre-flash Emitter
Pre-fiash Receptor
Battery Cover
AF Auxiliary Light
Emitter
External Power
Supply Socket
(with cover)
Mounting Foot
Direct-Coupled
Contacts
A “m/ft” switch is located inside the bat¬
tery chamber. Use this switch to
change the coupling range display
units to meters or feet as desired.
"TT\'
r~ Canon T 1
\Jrlc\
y
Right/Left -
Bounce Latch
(pysHjca
Up/Down Bounce
Latch
• Minus (-) Button —
■ Plus (+) Button —
LCD Panel -
Illumination Button
Flash Mode Button ■
Ready Lamp/Test
Firing Button
Flash Exposure -
’Check Lamp
M E-tfla/iso j
mfbr i
LCD Panel
■ Select/Set Button
■ Zoom Button
■ Main Switch
O : Power Off
I : Power On
SE : Save Energy
Position
1 LCD Panel
Flash Exposure
Compensation Indicator -
A-TTL, TTL Automatic_
Flash Mode Indicator
Manual Flash Mode_
Indicator
Multiple (Stroboscopic) ^
Flash Mode Indicator
Coupling Range
Distance Scale
Manual Zoom Indicator
Flash Exposure Compensation
Amount/Manual Flash Power Level
-ATTL I 03 Zoom IBB mm
— iv/i H+03/jflfl l
- MULTI IBB- F< 8 f B Hz ♦ »
0.5 0.7 1 1.5 2
9 13NJ8 m
1.7 2^4 5 7 10 15 20 30 40 6ff\ft
No. of Stroboscopic Aperture Value/Stroboscopic
Flash Bursts Flash Frequency
. Zoom ■ Focal Length
Indicator
- Bounce Flash Indicator
\ Up/Left/Right
Bounce Indicator
• Catchlight Setting
Indicator
♦ » 7 ° Down Indicator
- Second-Curtain
Sync Indicator

I. Preparations for Use
1. Loading the Batteries
The 540EZ uses four AA-size batteries. Use either of the following battery
types:
(1) Four AA-size alkaline-manganese batteries (LR6/AM-3)
(2) Four AA-size Ni-Cd batteries (KR15/51)
“j Open the battery cover by
sliding it downward slightly
and then swinging it outward.
2 Load the batteries with their +
and - ends oriented as shown
in the diagram inside the bat¬
tery chamber.
3 Close the battery cover.
Battery Notes
• Use four new batteries of the same type, and always replace all four batteries at
the same time.
• AA-size manganese batteries (R6/UM-3) can also be used, but will provide fewer
flashes than alkaline-manganese or Ni-Cd batteries.
• The terminals of some AA-size Ni-Cd batteries are of different shape than stan¬
dard AA-size batteries. Make sure the batteries are usable before purchasing.
• When you will not use the flash for a long period of time, be sure to remove the
batteries and store them separately.
• In cold environments, prepare two sets of fully-charged Ni-Cd batteries and keep
one set in a warm location such as an inside pocket. When the set in the flash
becomes weak, exchange it with the warm set. The weak set can be used again
later after it returns to a warmer temperature.
• Dirty battery contacts can prevent the flow of electrical power to the flash circuit¬
ry. To prevent corrosion and dirt built-up, wipe the contacts with a clean cloth
each time you exchange the batteries.
• AA-size lithium batteries (FR6) can also be used in the 540EZ.
Battery Life and Recycle Time:
Battery type
Battery life
(No. of bursts)
Recycle time (seconds)
Quick flash I Normal flash
AA-size alkaline-manganese (LR6/AM-3)
100-700
0.2 - appx. 2
0.2-13
AA-size Ni-Cd (KR15/51)
45-300
0.2 - appx. 1.5
0.2- 7
In the battery life column, figures on the right indicate the number of bursts in A-TTL
mode, and figures on the left indicate the number of bursts in manual full-power (1/1)
mode.
In the recycle time columns, figures on the left indicate the recycle time in A-TTL mode,
and figures on the right indicate the recycle time in manual full-power (1/1) mode.
When using an external power source with the 540EZ, note the following cautions. The
battery life will depend on the batteries installed in the 540EZ and not on the external
power supply.
«
Use of internal batteries with an external power supply—
• Batteries must be loaded in the flash unit even when using an external power
supply in order to supply power to the flash circuitry. Make sure batteries are
loaded in the flash unit at all times during use.
• When using an external power supply, both the internal batteries and the exter¬
nal power supply are used for flash charging. Accordingly, it is possible that the
internal batteries will become exhausted before the external power supply bat¬
tery, Be sure to always carry a spare set of AA-size batteries for the flash unit.

2. Using an External Power Supply
The following external power supplies are available for the 540EZ. For
details on use, read the instructions provided with the power supply.
(1) Compact Battery Pack E
• This external battery pack uses six AA-size alkaline-manganese (LR6/AM-3)
or Ni-Cd batteries.
(2) Transistor Pack E
• This external battery pack uses the Canon Battery Magazine TP, which
holds six C-size alkaline-manganese batteries (LR14/AM-2).
• The Ni-Cd Pack TP can also be used.
n recommends that AA-size lithium batteries not be used in this product
its initial high voltage may cause damage to the product,
n recommends the use of Canon-dedicated power packs. Using a non-
n power pack may cause damage to SPEEDLITE 540EZ.
6
3. Mounting the Flash
"j Turn the lock nut several
times in the direction of the
arrow to loosen.
2 Slide the flash unit’s mounting
foot fully into the camera’s
accessory shoe until it stops.
3 Turn the lock nut in the oppo¬
site direction to secure the
flash firmly to the accessory
shoe. (The lock pin protrudes
from the bottom of the foot to
lock the flash in place.)
• To remove the flash, loosen the
lock nut by turning it all the way
until it stops, then slide the
mounting foot out of the acces¬
sory shoe.
Even though lock pin holes are not provided on the EOS 650, EOS 620, EOS 750
or EOS 850, the 540EZ can be mounted without any problem.

4. Setting the Main Switch
The main switch as three setting positions, as described below.
O : Turns the power off.
| : Turns the power on. The power is
always on when the switch is set
to this position.
SE : Turns the power on and activates
the SE (Save Energy) function.
The SE function automatically
turns off the power after 90 sec¬
onds of non-operation to prevent
unnecessary battery consump¬
tion. The LCD panel display also
goes off when the SE function
activates. The power comes back
on when the camera’s shutter
button is pressed halfway or the
test firing button is pressed.
If the main switch is set to the SE position when using the Command Back ETs
interval timer function, power to the flash is automatically turned on one minute
before the picture is taken.
Mode Memory Function
When the power is turned off, the 540EZ's mode memory function automatically
memorizes all of the flash unit’s settings including the flash mode, zoom position
and flash exposure compensation level. When you turn the flash back on, all of
the settings are automatically restored to the same state you left them in.
To make sure the mode memory function holds the flash settings in memory
when you exchange batteries, first turn off the main switches on both the flash
and camera, then exchange the batteries quickly by loading the new batteries
within one minute after removing the old batteries.
5. Ready Lamp and Test Firing
"I Turn on the power by setting
the flash unit’s main switch to
the I position.
• The flash unit starts charging.
When fully charged, the ready
lamp lights up.
2 After the ready lamp lights,
press the ready lamp (also
used as the test firing button)
to make sure the flash fires.
m m
Test firing is not possible while the camera’s metering timer is activated after
pressing the shutter button halfway.
7

6. Recycle Time
Short recycle times are invaluable in fast-changing situations where quick
shooting is necessary. For this purpose, the 540EZ provides a quick firing
mode in addition to its normal, full-power firing mode. In quick firing
mode, the flash can be fired before it is fully charged to provide fast recy¬
cle times. You can tell whether the flash is operating in normal firing
mode or quick firing mode by the color of the ready lamp, as described
below.
• For details on recycle times and guide numbers in normal and quick firing modes,
refer to page n in the Specifications section.
• Normal firing
Normal, full-charge firing is possible when the ready lamp lights red.
® Quick firing
When the A-TTL mode is set and the camera is set to single-frame
shooting, the pilot lamp turns green and quick firing is enabled.
What is a guide number?
The guide number of a flash unit is a numerical indicator of its light output capaci¬
ty. The appropriate shooting distance or lens aperture required for proper flash
exposure can be calculated from the guide number using the following formulas:
Guide number -f shooting distance (m) = proper aperture value
Max. shooting distance = guide number -f largest lens aperture
• The film speed is usually assumed to be ISO 100 when stating guide numbers.
At different film speeds, the guide number increases or decreases accordingly.
II. Changing the Flash Settings
1. Flash Coverage Angle (Zoo
and Use of the Wide Panel
The 540EZ incorporates an auto zoom function which automatically sets
the flash coverage angle to match the focal length of the lens mounted on
the camera. Coverage angles are available for focal lengths ranging from
24mm to 105mm, and the coverage angle automatically changes when the
lens is zoomed. The flash coverage angle can be set either automatically or
manually. Moreover, a built-in wide panel provides coverage for super-
wide-angle focal lengths as short as 18mm.
• When the flash coverage angle is changed, the guide number also changes. The
relationship between the flash coverage angle and the guide number is shown on
page n in the Specifications section.
• The lens focal length corresponding to the currently set flash coverage angle is
displayed in the LCD panel.
• Auto Zoom Operation
The flash coverage angle is automatically set according to the focal
length of the lens mounted on the camera, and the setting is displayed in
the LCD panel. Also, when a zoom lens is used, the flash coverage angle
automatically changes when the lens is zoomed, and the new setting is
displayed in the LCD panel.
1 Turn on the power to the cam¬
era.
O Turn on the power to the
540EZ.
• If El Zoom is displayed in the
LCD panel, press the zoom but¬
ton until only “ZOOM” is dis¬
played.

3 When the camera’s shutter button
responding to the focal length of
LCD panel.
is pressed halfway, the setting cor-
the lens in use is displayed in the
® Manual Zoom Operation
To set the flash coverage angle
manually, press the zoom button.
When the zoom button is pressed,
the manual zoom indicator EJZoom
and the ZOOM indicator both
appear in the display. Each press
of the zoom button changes the
coverage angle in the following
cycle:
CD Zoom 34 mm -4 El Zoom 38 mm -4 E) Zoom 35 mm -4 El Zoom 53 mm
Zoom (automatic <— El Zoom >05 mm <— ElZoom SB mm <— El Zoom 1C mm
setting mm)
Be careful to select a setting that is equal to or less than the focal length of the
lens mounted on the camera. If you select a setting that is larger than the focal
length of the lens, the resulting photograph will be dark around the edges.
@ Using the Wide Pane!
By pulling out the wide panel and
letting it swing down to cover the
front of the flash head as shown in
the diagram, the flash can be
used to cover super-wide-angle
focal lengths as short as 18mm.
• The zoom button does not function
when the wide panel is in use.
• The wide panel should only be used
when the flash head is in the normal
(straight ahead) or 7° downward
position.
If the flash head is set to a bounce
position while the wide panel is
being used, both bounced flash
and direct flash may illuminate the
subject, creating an unnatural
effect. If this occurs, the entire
LCD panel blinks as a warning to
retract the wide panel.
<*
Be careful not to use excessive force when pulling out the wide panel.
□ I
• If the wide panel accidentally breaks loose from the flash unit, you will not be
able to operate the zoom button. If this occurs, operation of the zoom button
can be restored using the following procedure:
• While simultaneously pressing
both the flash mode button and the
zoom button, slide the main switch
from O to I , and then to the SE
position.
• This will restore the zoom button
operation, but the bounce indicator
will continue to blink in the display.
To repair the wide panel, take the
flash to your nearest Canon
service station.
(Display after zoom operation is
restored.)
9

2. Flash Mode Button
4. Display Panel Illumination
The Speedlite 540EZ has three
firing modes: A-TTL/TTL automat¬
ic flash mode, Manual (M) flash
mode, and Stroboscopic (MULTI)
flash mode. You can select the
desired mode by pressing the
flash mode button. Each press of
the flash mode button changes
the flash mode in the following
cycle:
A-TTL/TTL —> M (Manual flash) —> MULTI (Stroboscopic flash)
• A-TTL is automatically set when the camera is set to Full Auto mode, a
Programmed Image Control (PIC) mode, Program AE mode, or DEP mode. TTL
is automatically set in other camera shooting modes.
• When the flash head is set to a bounce position other than the 7° downward posi¬
tion, the flash mode is set to TTL regardless of the camera shooting mode.
3. Film Speed Setting
The film speed is set automatically according to the film speed set on the
camera. No setting is required on the flash unit.
The LCD panel is equipped with
an illumination function for viewing
in low light. When the display
panel illumination button is
pressed, the LCD panel lights up
for approximately 8 seconds. To
turn off the illumination before the
8 seconds elapse, press the dis¬
play panel illumination button
again.
5. AF Auxiliary Light
With dark or low-contrast subjects, the flash unit automatically emits an
AF auxiliary light to help the camera focus the subject. The 540EZ’s AF
auxiliary light is designed to correspond to the EOS-1 N’s five focusing
points. The effective operating range of the AF auxiliary light is 0.5 - 15m
/ 1.7 - 49.5ft at the center and 0.7 - 6m / 2.3 - 19.8ft at the left and right
focusing point positions. Flash coverage is effective for lenses as wide as
28mm.
• Muiti-focusing-point EOS cameras with built-in flash units have built-in AF auxil¬
iary lights which override the 540EZ's AF auxiliary light.
• When the 540EZ is used with a camera that has only a single focusing point, only
the center AF auxiliary light is used.
• The AF auxiliary light is emitted only when the camera is set to One-shot AF
mode.
10