Canon Macro Twin Light MT-26EX-RT User manual

E
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

2
The Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-26EX-RT is a flash unit for shooting close-
ups with Canon EOS cameras, compatible with E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash
systems. The flash unit is equipped with various functions suitable for a
wide range of shooting objectives, from simple shooting to advanced
shooting. It has functions to control the flash ratio between flash heads A
and B, single-side firing, radio/optical transmission wireless multiple flash
photography using additional slave flash units, and manual flash.
Before Starting to Shoot, Be Sure to Read the Following
To avoid botched pictures and accidents, first read the “Safety
Instructions” (pages 8-9). Also, read this manual carefully to ensure that
you use the product correctly.
Read This Instruction Manual while also Referring to Your
Camera’s Instruction Manual
Before using the product, read this Instruction Manual and your
camera’s Instruction Manual to familiarize yourself with their operations.
Be sure to store this manual safely, too, so that you can refer to it again
when necessary.
Using with an EOS DIGITAL camera (Type-A camera)
You can use the MT-26EX-RT for easy macro flash photography
using autoflash control in the same way as a camera’s built-in flash.
Using with an EOS film camera
An EOS camera with E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash metering
system (Type-A camera)
You can use the MT-26EX-RT for easy macro flash photography
using autoflash control in the same way as a camera’s built-in flash.
An EOS camera with TTL autoflash metering system (Type-B
camera)
See page 121.
* This Instruction Manual assumes that the MT-26EX-RT is used with a
Type-A camera.
Introduction
Using the MT-26EX-RT with a Camera

3
Chapters
Introduction 2
Getting Started with Macro Flash Photography
Preparing for macro flash photography and basic shooting operations
17
Setting Flash Functions with Camera Controls
Setting the flash functions from the camera’s menu screen 51
Radio Transmission Wireless Multiple Flash
Photography
Wireless multiple flash shooting by radio transmission
57
Optical Transmission Wireless Multiple Flash
Photography
Wireless multiple flash shooting by optical transmission
81
Customizing the MT-26EX-RT
Customizing with Custom Functions and Personal Functions 97
Reference
System map, troubleshooting guide, using with a type-B camera 107
1
2
3
4
5
6

4
Icons in this Manual
9: Indicates the Select dial.
8: Indicates the Select/Set button.
3/1/4/ : Indicates that the respective function remains
7/2active for approx. 4 sec., 6 sec., 8 sec., 10 sec., or 16
sec. after you let go of the button.
(p.**) : Reference page numbers for more information.
: Warning to prevent shooting problems.
: Supplemental information.
M:Mshown on the upper right of the page title indicates
that the function is performed when the camera’s
shooting mode is set to <d/s/f/a/bulb(B)>
(Creative Zone mode).
Basic Assumptions
The operation procedures assume that the MT-26EX-RT is attached to
the camera and that both are turned on.
The icons used for buttons, dials, and symbols in the text match the icons
found on the MT-26EX-RT and the camera.
The selection operation performed when setting a function basically
describes selecting a function by turning <9>.
When <?> is displayed at the Function button 4 position, the screen
returns to the previous screen by pressing <?>.
The operation procedures assume that the Custom Functions and
Personal Functions of the MT-26EX-RT, and the menu and Custom
Functions of the camera are at their default settings.
All figures such as the number of flashes are based on the use of four
AA/LR6 alkaline batteries and Canon’s testing standards.
The operation procedures assume that a macro lens is used.
Conventions Used in this Manual

5
2
1
Introduction 2
Chapters ...........................................................................................3
Conventions Used in this Manual .....................................................4
Index to Features ..............................................................................7
Safety Instructions ............................................................................8
Nomenclature..................................................................................10
Getting Started with Macro Flash Photography 17
Installing the Batteries.....................................................................18
Attaching and Detaching the Control Unit to and from
the Camera .....................................................................................20
Attaching and Detaching the Flash Unit to the Lens.......................21
Adjusting the Flash Unit ..................................................................22
Turning on the Power......................................................................27
a: Fully Automatic Flash Photography ...................................30
E-TTL II/E-TTL Autoflash by Shooting Mode..................................32
Effective Flash Metering Range......................................................35
DCombined Use with the Diffuser Adapter .................................36
lSetting the Flash Ratio .....................................................38
fFlash Exposure Compensation .................................................40
gFEB...........................................................................................41
7: FE Lock...................................................................................42
cHigh-speed Sync........................................................................43
rSecond-curtain Sync ................................................................44
q: Manual Flash.............................................................................45
Clearing MT-26EX-RT Settings ......................................................49
Setting Flash Functions with Camera Controls 51
Flash Control from the Camera’s Menu Screen..............................52
Contents

6
Contents
6
3
5
4
Radio Transmission Wireless Multiple Flash Photography 57
'Radio Transmission Wireless Multiple Flash Photography ....... 58
Radio Transmission Wireless Settings........................................... 64
a: Multiple Flash Photography with Slave C Added .............. 69
a: Advanced Multiple Flash Photography with Slaves A, B,
and C Added .................................................................................. 74
q: Multiple Flash Photography with Manual Flash Output ............ 76
[: Shooting in a Different Flash Mode for Each Group ................ 78
Optical Transmission Wireless Multiple Flash Photography 81
:Optical Transmission Wireless Multiple Flash Photography .... 82
Optical Transmission Wireless Settings ......................................... 85
a: Multiple Flash Photography with Slave C Added .............. 88
a: Advanced Multiple Flash Photography with Slaves A, B,
and C Added .................................................................................. 92
q: Wireless Multiple Flash Photography with Manual Flash
Output............................................................................................. 94
Customizing the MT-26EX-RT 97
C/ >: Setting Custom and Personal Functions................... 98
C: Setting Custom Functions.................................................. 101
>: Setting Personal Functions................................................. 104
Reference 107
MT-26EX-RT System ................................................................... 108
fFlash Firing Restrictions due to Temperature Increase ......... 110
Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................. 112
Specifications ............................................................................... 116
Using with a Type-B Camera ....................................................... 121
Radio Transmission Wireless Function ........................................ 122
Index............................................................................................. 125

7
Power Source
Batteries Îp.18
Firing interval/count Îp.18
Power ON/OFF Îp.27
Flash ready Îp.27
Quick flash Îp.27
Auto power off Îp.28
Operations
Attaching and detaching
the MT-26EX-RT Îp.20,
p.21
Lock function Îp.28
LCD panel illumination Îp.29
Normal Flash Photography
Full auto (E-TTL) Îp.30
Autoflash by shooting
mode Îp.32
Manual flash Îp.45
Metered manual flash Îp.48
Function
Modeling flash Îp.34
Diffuser adapter Îp.36
Flash exposure
compensation Îp.40
FEB Îp.41
FE lock Îp.42
High-speed sync Îp.43
Second-curtain sync Îp.44
Clearing settings
(Reverting to defaults) Îp.49
Flash function settings Îp.51
Flash firing restriction Îp.110
Type-B camera Îp.121
Radio Transmission Wireless
Photography
Remote release Îp.67
Memory function Îp.68
Manual flash Îp.76
Group flash Îp.78
Optical Transmission Wireless
Photography
Memory function Îp.87
Manual flash Îp.94
Customization
Clear all Îp.100
Custom Functions (C.Fn) Îp.101
Personal Functions (P.Fn) Îp.104
Index to Features

8
Be sure to read these instructions in order to operate the product safely.
Follow these instructions to prevent injury or harm to the operator of the
product or others.
Safety Instructions
WARNING: Denotes the risk of serious injury or death.
Keep the product out of the reach of young children.
A strap or cord wrapped around a person’s neck may result in strangulation.
The battery is dangerous if swallowed. If swallowed, seek immediate medical
assistance.
Use only power sources specified in this instruction manual for use with the product.
Do not disassemble or modify the product.
Do not expose the product to strong shocks or vibration.
Do not touch any exposed internal parts.
Stop using the product in any case of unusual circumstances such as the presence of
smoke or a strange smell.
Do not use organic solvents such as alcohol, benzine or paint thinner to clean the
product.
Do not get the product wet. Do not insert foreign objects or liquids into the product.
Do not use the product where flammable gases may be present.
This may cause electric shock, explosion or fire.
Observe the following instructions when using commercially available batteries or
provided battery packs.
• Use batteries/battery packs only with their specified product.
• Do not heat batteries or expose them to fire.
• Do not charge batteries/battery packs using non-authorized battery chargers.
• Do not expose the terminals to dirt or let them come into contact with metallic pins or
other metal objects.
• Do not use leaking batteries/battery packs.
• When disposing of batteries/battery packs, insulate the terminals with tape or other
means.
This may cause electric shock, explosion or fire.
If a battery/battery pack leaks and the material contacts your skin or clothing, flush the
exposed area thoroughly with running water. In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly
with copious amounts of clean running water and seek immediate medical assistance.
Do not allow the product to maintain contact with the same area of skin for extended
periods of time during use.
This may result in low-temperature contact burns, including skin redness and blistering,
even if the product does not feel hot. The use of a tripod or similar equipment is
recommended when using the product in hot places and for people with circulation
problems or less sensitive skin.

9
Safety Instructions
Follow any indications to turn off the product in places where its use is forbidden.
Not doing so may cause other equipment to malfunction due to the effect of
electromagnetic waves and even result in accidents.
To prevent fire, excessive heat, chemical leakage, explosions, and electrical shock,
follow the safeguards below:
• Do not insert the battery’s plus and minus ends incorrectly.
Do not fire the flash at anyone driving a car or other vehicle.
It may cause an accident.
Do not use or store the equipment in dusty or humid places.
This is to prevent fire, excessive heat, electrical shock, and burns.
CAUTION: Denotes the risk of injury.
Do not fire the flash near the eyes.
It may hurt the eyes.
Flash emits high temperatures when fired. Keep fingers, any other part of your body,
and objects away from the flash unit while taking pictures.
This may cause burns or malfunction of the flash.
Do not leave the product in places exposed to extremely high or low temperatures.
The product may become extremely hot/cold and cause burns or injury when touched.
Do not touch any parts inside the product.
This may cause injury.
When the product is not in use for a prolonged period, make sure to remove the
batteries before storing.
This is to prevent malfunction or corrosion.
Be careful when you replace the batteries after continually firing.
The batteries may be hot and it may cause a skin burn.

10
Nomenclature
Flash Unit
Hood mount (p.26)
Release button
(p.21, 22)
Mount ring (p.21, 22)
Flash head A
(p.21, 36)
Filter mounting thread (p.25)
(58 mm dia.)
Standard position index
(Vertical angle) (p.22)
Flash head mount
(p.21, 22)
Flash head B
(p.21, 36)
Rotate button
(p.22)
Focusing lamp
(p.33)
Connecting
cord
Flash Unit
Flash Unit Rear Flash Head Side & Bottom
Release levers Diffuser adapter
attachment mount (p.36)
<b> Indicator
(p.36)
<a> Indicator
(p.36)
Mounting foot
(Flash unit) (p.21)
Tripod socket
Standard
position index
(Horizontal
angle)
Angle setting
scale
(p.22)

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Nomenclature
Control Unit
Function button 3
LCD panel
<,>
Flash ratio setting/
Flash head select button
(p.38, 45, 64, 69, 74, 76,
85, 88, 92, 94)
Power switch (p.27)
<K>:Poweron
<a> : Button/Dial lock
(Power on)
<J>:Poweroff
Flash exposure confirmation
lamp (p.30, 71, 89)
<9> Select Dial
<8> Setting button
Contacts
Battery compartment
cover (p.18)
Battery compartment cover
lock release lever (p.18)
Mounting foot locking pin
External power
source terminal
Mounting foot (Control unit)
(p.20)
Lock-release button (p.20)
Mounting foot lock lever (p.20)
Function button 2
Function button 1
<d>
Focusing lamp button
(p.33)
<E>
Flash mode button
(p.30, 45, 69, 76, 78,
88, 94)
<Q>
Flash-ready lamp/
Test flash button
(p.28, 70, 89, 101, 105,
112)
Terminal cover
Function button 4

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Nomenclature
E-TTL II/E-TTL Autoflash (p.30)
Manual Flash (p.45)
LCD Panel
c: High-speed sync (p.43, 55)
r: Second-curtain sync (p.44, 55)
Flash exposure level
FEB sequence (p.102)
g: FEB (p.41, 55)
,: Flash ratio setting
(p.38)
Flash ratio
G: Charge indicator (p.27)
a: E-TTL II/E-TTL
autoflash
Diffuser adapter
(p.36)
E: Attached to A
F: Attached to B
D: Attached to
A, B
f: Flash exposure
compensation (p.40, 55)
Flash exposure
compensation amount
Firing group
l: Fire A:B (flash ratio control)
4: Fire A (single-side firing)
5: Fire B (single-side firing)
<: Personal Functions
(p.98, 101)
=: Custom Functions
(p.98, 104)
>: Personal/Custom
Functions
Aperture
The displays shown are examples. The display will show only the
conditions currently applied.
The functions displayed above function buttons 1 to 4, such as <u>
and <@>, change according to the setting status.
When a button or dial is operated, the LCD panel illuminates (p.29).

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Nomenclature
Radio Transmission Wireless Multiple Flash Photography
(p.57)
Firing group control G: Master unit/Slave unit charge
status
k: Sync speed warning
M: Master setting
v: Sub-master status (p.73)
': Radio transmission
wireless shooting
w: Unconnected
x: Connection error
*: Transmission
channel
): Transmission
channel
automatic setting
Q: Slave flash ready
Flash ratio
,: Flash ratio control
Flash mode
a: E-TTL II/E-TTL
autoflash
q: Manual flash
[: Group flash
g
: Wireless shooting
(master)
Firing group
l: Fire A:B
(flash ratio control)
4:FireA
5:FireB
6: Fire C (slave C)
j: Fire A, B, and C
Flash mode for each
group ([only) Firing group charge
status ([only)
m: Flash not ready
x: Flash ready
During radio transmission wireless multiple flash shooting, when the master
unit and slave unit are fully charged, <G> disappears. Also, during
<[> flash shooting, when all flash units are fully charged, the “firing group
charge status” indication also disappears.

14
Nomenclature
Optical Transmission Wireless Multiple Flash Photography
(p.81)
Flash mode
a: E-TTL II/E-TTL
autoflash
q: Manual flash
G: Charge indicator
M: Master setting
*: Transmission
channel
:: Optical
transmission
wireless
shooting
g
: Wireless shooting
(master)
Firing group
l: Fire A:B
(flash ratio control)
4:FireA
5:FireB
6: Fire C (slave C)
j: Fire A, B, and C

15
Nomenclature
Provided Accessories
Case
Diffuser adapter pockets
Diffuser adapter
SDA-E1
(p.36)
Flash head pockets
Mount ring pocket

16

17
1
Getting Started with
Macro Flash Photography
This chapter describes the preparations before starting
macro flash photography and the basic shooting
operations.
Cautions for firing continuous flash
To avoid degrading and damaging the flash unit due to
overheating, limit the continuous firing at full output to 20
times or less. After continuously firing the flash 20 times,
allow a rest time of at least 10 min.
If you fire the flash continuously 48 times and then fire the
flash again repeatedly at short intervals, the safety function
may activate and restrict flash firing. With flash firing
restriction, the firing interval is automatically set to approx.
8-20 sec. If this happens, allow a rest time of at least 25 min.
For details, see “Flash Firing Restrictions due to
Temperature Increase” on page 110.
Conditions of the subject greatly influence the exposure when
shooting close-ups. Therefore, it is recommended to shoot the
same subject with different exposures (p.40) and check the
exposure after shooting.

18
Install four AA/R6 batteries for power supply.
1Open the cover.
Slide the lock-release lever to the left
as shown in the illustration, slide the
cover down, then open the battery
compartment cover.
2Install the batteries.
Make sure the “+” and “-” electrical
contacts are correctly oriented as
shown in the battery compartment.
The grooves on the side surfaces of
the battery compartment indicate “-”.
This is convenient when replacing the
batteries in a dark place.
3Close the cover.
Close the battery compartment cover
and slide it up.
XWhen it clicks in place, the battery
compartment cover is locked.
Based on new AA/LR6 alkaline batteries, both-sides firing, and Canon’s testing
standards.
The Quick flash function enables flash photography before the flash is fully
charged (p.27).
Installing the Batteries
Firing Interval and Number of Flashes
MT-26EX-RT alone
Firing Interval Number of Flashes
Quick Flash Normal Flash
Approx. 0.1-3.3 seconds Approx. 0.1 - 5.5 seconds Approx. 100 - 700 times

19
Installing the Batteries
CAUTION
Do not use “AA/R6 lithium batteries”.
Note that certain “AA/R6 lithium batteries” may become extremely hot in
rare cases during use. Due to safety reasons, do not use “AA/R6 lithium
batteries”.
When performing continuous flash, do not touch the flash unit,
batteries, or the area near the battery compartment.
When continuous flash or modeling flash is repeatedly fired at short
intervals, do not touch the flash unit, batteries, or the area near the battery
compartment. The flash unit, batteries, and area near the battery
compartment may become hot, resulting in the risk of burn.
Do not allow the product to maintain contact with the same area of
skin for extended periods of time during use.
This may result in low-temperature contact burns, including skin redness
and blistering, even if the product does not feel hot. The use of a tripod or
similar equipment is recommended when using the product in hot places
and for people with circulation problems or less sensitive skin.
Using AA/R6 batteries other than the alkaline type may cause contact
failure because their battery contact shapes are not standardized.
When using the Compact Battery Pack CP-E4N (sold separately, p.109),
also refer to the CP-E4N Instruction Manual.
When <!> is displayed or the LCD panel display turns off during
recharging, replace the batteries with new ones.
Use a new set of four batteries of the same brand. When replacing the
batteries, replace all four at one time.
AA/HR6 Ni-MH batteries can also be used.

20
1Attach the control unit.
Slip the control unit’s mounting foot
all the way into the camera’s hot
shoe.
2Secure the control unit.
Slide the mounting foot lock lever to
the right.
XWhen the lock lever clicks in place, it
is locked.
3Detach the control unit.
While pressing the lock-release
button, slide the lock lever to the left
and detach the control unit from the
camera.
Attaching and Detaching the Control Unit
to and from the Camera
Be sure to turn off the MT-26EX-RT before attaching or detaching it.