Canon 430EX - Speedlite II - Hot-shoe clip-on... User manual

English
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Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.
The Canon Speedlite 430EX is a multi-feature flash unit for Canon EOS
cameras. It works automatically with E-TTL II, E-TTL, and TTL
autoflash systems. It can be used as an on-camera flash or as part of a
wireless flash system.
Read this instruction manual while also referring to your
camera’s instruction manual.
Before using the Speedlite, read this instruction manual and your camera’s
instruction manual to familairize yourself with the Speedlite operations.
The basic operation is the same as with normal AE shooting.
When the 430EX is attached to an EOS camera, almost all automatic
exposure control for flash photography is handled by the camera.
Although the 430EX is an external flash unit, it works automatically and
seamlessly like the camera’s built-in flash.
It is automatically compatible with the camera’s flash metering
mode (E-TTL ll, E-TTL, and TTL).
The camera controls the Speedlite automatically in the following flash metering
modes:
1. E-TTL II autoflash (evaluative flash metering with preflash reading/lens
distance information)
2. E-TTL autoflash (evaluative flash metering with preflash reading)
3. TTL autoflash (off-the-film metering for real-time flash metering)
Regarding the camera’s available flash metering modes, refer to the
“External Speedlite” specification in the “Specifications” of your
camera’s instruction manual. The Speedlite’s major specifications are
listed in “External Flash Items.”
The camera instruction manual’s chapter on flash photography will refer
to cameras having 1 and 2 as a Type-A camera (compatible with E-
TTL II or E-TTL). And cameras having 3(compatible with only TTL) are
called Type-B cameras.
* This instruction manual assume that you are using the 430EX with a Type-A
camera.
For Type-B cameras, see page 35.
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The operation procedures in this instruction manual assume that both
the camera and Speedlite’s power switches are ON.
Icons are used in the text to indicate the respective buttons, dials,
and settings. They match the same icons found on the camera and
Speedlite.
The (1) / (2) icons indicate that the respective function remains
in effect for 8 sec. or 12 sec.
Reference page numbers are indicated by (p.**).
This instruction manual uses the following alert symbols:
: The Caution symbol indicates a warning to prevent shooting
problems.
: The Note symbol gives supplemental information.
Contents
Conventions Used in this Manual
The <9> symbol in the text refers to the +/– button.
The <8> symbol in the text refers to the Select/Set
button.
1Getting Started and Basic Operation................................. 7
2Using Flash ........................................................................ 13
3Wireless Flash ................................................................... 23
Reference ............................................................................ 30
9
8
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Nomenclature
Built-in wide panel
(retracted) (p.18)
Flash head
Wireless sensor
AF-assist beam emitter
(p.22)
Mounting foot (p.9)
Locking pin (p.9) Contacts
Bracket mount
cover
Locking ring (p.9)
Bracket fitting
Case Mini stand
Mini stand pocket
Shoe
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LCD panel
* <A>
LCD panel illumination/
Custom Function
setting button (p.6/20)
* <8> Select/Set button
<J>
Pilot lamp/Test firing/
Wireless slave auto power
off cancel button (p.10/25)
<D>
Flash mode/Slave setting button
(p.11, 19/29)
<z>
Bounce lock release
button (p.17)
Bounce angle index
<G>
Zoom button/
Wireless set button
(p.18/27, 28)
<E>
High-speed sync (FP flash)/
Shutter curtain
synchronization button (p.16)
Flash exposure
confirmation lamp (p.11)
Battery compartment cover
(p.8)
Power switch (p.10)
<L> : Power off
<K> : Power on
Wireless selector (p.9, 24)
<L> :
Wireless off (for on-camera flash)
<N> : Slave unit
<9> +/– button
Asterisked buttons have a timer that keep the button’s function active for 8
sec. (1) after you let go of the button. The <B> illumination lasts for 12
sec.
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LCD Panel
To illuminate the LCD panel, press the <B> button.
The items actually displayed depend on the current settings.
Manual flash output level
Flash exposure compensation
amount
<d> Manual zoom
<c> High-speed
sync (FP flash)
<f>
Flash exposure
compensation
<u> Custom Function
<r> Second-curtain sync
<q> Manual flash
<a/b>
E-TTL (ll)/TTL autoflash
Firing mode
Slave flash :X
<w> Channel
<x> Slave
<s> Auto zoom
for image size
Indicator (feet)
Indicator (meters)
Slave ID
Aperture
Max. flash range
Custom Function No.
Custom Function setting
Zoom focal length
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Getting Started and
Basic Operation
Installing Batteries .................................................. 8
Attaching to the Camera......................................... 9
Turn on the Power Switch .................................... 10
Fully Automatic Flash Shooting............................. 11
Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash in the
Shooting Modes.................................................... 12
To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not fire
rapid bursts of more than 20 continuous flashes. After 20
continuous flashes, allow a rest time of at least 10 min.
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Install four size-AA batteries.
1Open the cover.
Slide the battery compartment cover
as shown by the arrow and open it.
2Install the batteries.
Make sure the + and – battery
contacts are correctly oriented as
shown in the battery compartment.
3Close the cover.
Close the battery compartment cover
and slide it as shown by the arrow.
Recycling Time and Flash Count (with size-AA alkaline batteries)
Based on new size-AA alkarine batteries and Canon’s testing standards.
Installing Batteries
Recycling Time (Approx.) Flash Count (Approx.)
Normal Flash
0.1 - 3.7 sec. 200 - 1400
Since the shape of their contacts is not standardized, using non-alkaline
size-AA batteries may result in faulty battery connection.
Use four new batteries of the same brand and type. Do not mix battery
types. When replacing batteries, replace all four batteries at the same time.
Size-AA Ni-MH or lithium batteries can also be used.
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1Loosen the locking ring.
Turn the locking ring as shown by the
arrow to loosen it.
2Attach it to the camera.
Slip the Speedlite’s mounting foot all
the way into the hot shoe.
3Tighten.
Turn the locking ring as shown by the
arrow. The locking pin will protrude
from the mounting foot to further
secure the attachment.
To detach the Speedlite, loosen the
locking ring until the locking pin
disengages. Then slip the Speedlite
out of the hot shoe.
The wireless selector is for switching
between normal flash shooting and
wireless flash shooting.
For normal flash shooting, be sure to set
the wireless selector to <L>.
Attaching to the Camera
Wireless Selector Settings
Before attaching or detaching the Speedlite, be sure to turn off the Speedlite.
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1Set the power switch to <K>.
XThe flash will start recycling.
2Check that the flash is ready.
When the pilot lamp lights in red, the
flash is ready to fire.
To fire a test flash, press the pilot
lamp.
To save battery power, the power will turn off automatically after 90 sec.
of idle use. To turn on the Speedlite again, press the shutter button
halfway. Or press the Speedlite’s test firing button.
Turn on the Power Switch
About Auto Power Off
A test firing cannot be fired while the camera’s operation timer 4or 0
is active.
The Speedlite’s settings will be retained in memory even after the power
is turned off. To retain the Speedlite’s settings when you replace the
batteries, replace the batteries within 1 minute after turning off the power.
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When you set the camera’s shooting mode to <V> (Program AE) or
<U> (Full Auto), E-TTL II/E-TTL fully automatic flash will make it as
easy as normal AE shooting.
1Set the Speedlite to <a>.
Press the <D> button so that
<a> is displayed.
2Focus the subject.
Press the shutter button halfway to focus.
XThe shutter speed and aperture will
be set as displayed in the viewfinder.
Check that the <Q> icon is lit in the
viewfinder.
3Take the picture.
Take the picture.
X A preflash is fired right before the shot
is taken, then the main flash is fired.
X If a standard flash exposure was
obtained, the flash exposure confirmation
lamp will light for about 3 sec.
Fully Automatic Flash Shooting
If the lens focal length blinks on the LCD panel, the periphery of the flash
picture may turn out dark. Use the built-in wide panel (p.18).
<a> will be displayed on the LCD panel even if the camera is
compatible with E-TTL II.
If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not light, move closer to the
subject and take the picture again. With a digital camera, you can also
increase the camera’s ISO speed.
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Just set the camera’s shooting mode to <W> (aperture-priority AE),
<X> (shutter-priority AE), or <q> (manual) and you can use E-TTL
II/E-TTL autoflash.
If you use the <Z> or <Y> shooting mode, the result will be the same as
using the <V> (Program AE) mode.
1/X sec. is the camera’s maximum flash sync speed.
Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash in the Shooting Modes
X
Select this mode when you want to set the shutter speed manually.
The camera will then automatically set the aperture matching the shutter
speed to obtain a standard exposure.
If the aperture display blinks, it means that the background exposure will
be underexposed or overexposed. Adjust the shutter speed until the
aperture display stops blinking.
W
Select this mode when you want to set the aperture manually.
The camera will then automatically set the shutter speed matching the
aperture to obtain a standard exposure.
If the background is dark like a night scene, a slow sync speed will be used
to obtain a standard exposure of both the main subject and background.
Standard exposure of the main subject is obtained with the flash, while a
standard exposure of the background is obtained with a slow shutter speed.
Since a slow shutter speed will be used for low-light scenes, using a
tripod is recommended.
If the shutter speed display blinks, it means that the background
exposure will be underexposed or overexposed. Adjust the aperture until
the shutter speed display stops blinking.
q
Select this mode when you want to set both the shutter speed and aperture
manually.
Standard exposure of the main subject is obtained with the flash. The
exposure of the background is obtained with the shutter speed and aperture
combination you set.
Flash Sync Speeds and Apertures Used
Shutter Speed Setting Aperture Setting
VAutomatic (1/60 sec. - 1/X sec.) Automatic
XManual (30 sec. - 1/X sec.) Automatic
WAutomatic (30 sec. - 1/X sec.) Manual
qManual (buLb, 30 sec. - 1/X sec.) Manual
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Using Flash
fFlash Exposure Compensation ....................... 14
7FE Lock ........................................................ 15
cHigh-Speed Sync ............................................. 16
rSecond-Curtain Sync ..................................... 16
Bounce Flash........................................................ 17
HSetting the Flash Coverage and Using
the Wide Panel ..................................................... 18
qManual Flash .................................................. 19
CSetting Custom Functions........................... 20
Custom Function Settings .................................... 21
About Color Temperature Information Transmission .. 22
Reverting to 430EX Default Settings .................... 22
About the AF-Assist Beam ................................... 22
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You can adjust the flash output as easily as normal exposure
compensation. Flash exposure compensation can be set up to ±3 stops
in 1/3-stop increments. (If the camera’s exposure compensation is set in
1/2-stop increments, flash exposure compensation is set in 1/2-stop
increments.)
1Press the <8> button until the
<f> icon and compensation
amount start blinking.
2Set the flash exposure
compensation amount.
Press the <9> button to set the
amount.
To cancel the flash exposure
compensation, set the amount to +0.
3Press the <8> button.
XThe flash exposure compensation
amount will be set.
This is for setting various numeric settings. Pressing the <6> (plus)
button increases the number, while the <5> (minus) button decreases
the number.
fFlash Exposure Compensation
Using <9>
If flash exposure compensation has been set with both the Speedlite and
camera, the Speedlite’s flash exposure compensation amount will override
the camera’s.
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FE (flash exposure) lock enables you to lock the correct flash exposure
for any part of the picture.
With <a> displayed on the LCD panel, you press the camera’s
<7> button. If the camera does not have the <7> button, press
the <P> button.
1Focus the subject.
2Press the <7> button. (3)
Aim the viewfinder center over the
subject and press the <7> button.
XA preflash will be fired to obtain a
flash exposure reading for the
subject.
X“FEL” will be displyed on the LCD
panel for 0.5 sec.
Each time you press the <7>
button, a preflash will be fired and a
new flash exposure reading will be
locked.
7FE Lock
If the subject is too far away and underexposure will result, the <Q> icon
will blink in the viewfinder. Move closer to the subject and try the FE lock
again.
If <a> is not displayed on the LCD panel, FE lock will not be
possible.
If the subject is too small, FE lock might not be very effective.
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With high-speed sync, you can use flash with all shutter speeds. This is
convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash portraits.
Press the <E> button so that
<c> is displayed.
Check that the <F> icon is lit in the
viewfinder.
cHigh-Speed Sync
If you set a shutter speed that is the same or slower than the camera’s
maximum flash sync speed, <F> wil not be displayed in the viewfinder.
With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the
effective flash range will be. Check the LCD panel for the maximum flash
range for the respective shutter speed.
To return to normal flash, press the <E> button so that <c> icon
turns off.
With a slow shutter speed, you can create a light trail following the
subject. The flash fires right before the shutter closes.
Press the <E> button so that
<r> is displayed.
rSecond-Curtain Sync
Setting the shooting mode to “buLb” will make it easier for second-
curtain sync.
To return to normal flash, press the <E> button so that the <r>
icon turns off.
With E-TTL ll/E-TTL, the flash will fire twice even with a slow sync speed.
The first flash is the preflash.
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By pointing the flash head toward a wall or ceiling, the flash will bounce
off the surface before illuminating the subject. This can soften shadows
behind the subject for a more natural-looking shot. This is called bounce
flash.
Set the Bounce Direction
Hold down the <z> button and turn the flash head.
If the flash coverage is set automatically, the flash coverage will be set
to 50mm.
The LCD panel will also display <O> mm. (p.18)
You can also set the flash coverage manually.
Bounce Flash
If the wall or ceiling is too far away, the bounced flash might be too weak
and result in underexposure.
The wall or ceiling should be a plain, white color for high reflectance. If
the bounce surface is not white, a color cast may result in the picture.
After you take the shot, if the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not
light, use a larger aperture opening and try again. With a digital camera,
you can also increase the ISO speed.
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The flash coverage can be set to match the lens focal length from
24mm to 105mm. The flash coverage can be set automatically or
manually. Also, with the built-in wide panel, the flash coverage will be
compatible with ultra wide-angle lenses as short as 14mm.
Press the <G> button.
Press the <9> button to change the
flash coverage.
When the flash coverage is set
automatically, <d> is not displayed.
Pull out the wide panel and place it over
the flash head as shown.
The <G> button will not
work.
H Setting the Flash Coverage and Using the Wide Panel
Using the Wide Panel
If you set the flash coverage manually, make sure it covers the lens focal
length so that the picture will not have a dark periphery.
The flash coverage will not be compatible with the EF15mm f/2.8
Fisheye lens.
For the effective lens focal length (or crop factor), refer to the camera’s
instruction manual.
If you use bounce flash with the wide panel in place, the entire display on
the LCD panel will blink as a warning. Since the subject will be
illuminated by both the bounce flash and direct flash, it will look
unnatural.
Pull out the wide panel gently. Using excessive force may detach the
wide panel.
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You can set the flash output from 1/64 power to 1/1 full power in full-
stop increments.
Use a hand-held flash meter to determine the required flash output to
obtain a correct flash exposure. Be sure to first set the camera’s
shooting mode to <W> or <q>.
1Press the <D> button so
that <q> is displayed.
2Set the flash output.
Press the <8> button.
XThe flash output display will blink.
Press the <9> button to set the
flash output, then press the <8>
button.
Press the shutter button halfway to
see the effective flash range
displayed.
qManual Flash
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You can customize Speedlite features to suit your preferences. Do it
with Custom Functions.
1Press the <A> button for 2
sec. so that <u> is displayed.
2Select the Custom Function No.
Press the <9> button to select the
Custom Function number.
3Change the setting.
Press the <8> button.
XThe Custom Function number and
setting number will blink.
XPress the <9> button to select “0”
or “1”, then press the <8> button.
XAfter you set the Custom Function
and press the <D> button, the
camera will be ready to shoot.
CSetting Custom Functions
Changing Meters or Feet
After step 1 above, press the <8> button for at least 2 sec. When the
distance display blinks, press the <9> button to switch between meters
and feet. Then press the <8> button.
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