Canon SPEEDLIGHT 550EX User manual

E
E
English Edition
INSTRUCTIONS
This Instructions booklet is dated April 2000. For information on the camera’s
compatibility with system accessories marketed after this date, contact your nearest
Canon Service Center.
CANON INC. 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan
U.S.A. CANON U.S.A. INC.
For all inquiries concerning this camera, call toll free in the U.S.
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One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, N.Y. 11042-1198
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2828, 16th Street, N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7K7, Canada
For all inquiries concerning this camera, call toll free in Canada
1-800-OK-CANON
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CT1-1707-004 ©CANON INC. 1998 PRINTED IN JAPAN
1098Ni5.0

2
Key to Symbols
: Warning for preventing camera or Speedlite malfunction.
: Supplementary notes for basic operation.
: Helpful tip for Speedlite operation or picture taking.
• Keep this Instructions booklet handy for future reference.
Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.
The Canon Speedlite 550EX is a powerful, high-output flash unit featuring E-
TTL (Evaluative-Through-The-Lens) autoflash control. It can be used as an on-
camera Speedlite or as a master or slave unit in a wireless, multi-Speedlite
system.
When used with Type-A cameras (listed below), the 550EX obtains natural-look-
ing flash pictures by balancing the flash output and existing light. The 550EX
also enables high-speed sync (FP or Focal-Plane flash), FE (Flash Exposure)
lock, FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing), bounce flash and area AF-assist.
When used with Type-B cameras (listed below), the 550EX works as a TTL
autoflash unit.
With Type-B cameras, some 550EX features are not available. Refer to the
tables below to check your camera type and the features available.
This Instructions booklet has separate sections for Type-A and Type-B cam-
eras. Read the section which applies to your camera.
550EX Features Available with EOS Cameras ?: Available X: Not available
Type-A Camera E-TTL
EOS-1D, 1V, 3, D60, D30, ELAN 7/7E, 30/33, 50/50 E, ELAN ll/ELAN ll E,
300/REBEL 2000, 500N/REBEL G, 3000N/66/REBEL XSN, IX, IX 7/IX Lite
Type-B Camera TTL All other EOS cameras.
Features With Type-A Cameras With Type-B Cameras
E-TTL autoflash control ?X
High-speed sync (FP flash) ?X
FE lock ?X
FEB ??
Wireless, multi-Speedlite E-TTL ?X
127
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.

Conventions Used in this Booklet
The Instructions are divided into separate sections for Type-A and Type-B
cameras. If you have a Type-A camera, see pages 10 to 76 and 112 to
125. If you have a Type-B camera, see pages 10 to 22 and 77 to 125.
●The Speedlite operation procedures assume that the Speedlite 550EX
has been turned on with its main switch. Before proceeding, turn on
the main switch.
●The camera and Speedlite’s buttons and dials and their settings are
indicated by icons in the Instructions. The name of each button and
dial can be found in “Nomenclature” on page 6. Icons for camera
modes are also used. They are as follows:
: Full Auto
P : Program AE
Av : Aperture-priority AE
Tv : Shutter speed-priority AE
M : Manual
●The icon indicates a simple explanation of a relevant Custom
Function. For details, see “Custom Functions” on page 112. The
Custom Function explanations assume that the default Custom
Function settings are in effect.
3
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Contents
4
Before You Start
Basic Flash
Photography
Advanced Flash
Photography
Wireless Flash
Photography
Basic Flash
Photography
Advanced Flash
Photography
Wireless Flash
Photography
Nomenclature .........................................6
1. Installing Batteries..........................10
2. External Power Sources ................12
3. Attachment to Camera ...................13
4. Wireless Selector ...........................14
5. Main Switch....................................16
1. Using Flash in Full Auto Mode .......24
2. Using Flash in
Other Camera Modes ....................26
1. High-Speed Sync
(FP Flash) ......................................32
2. FE Lock..........................................34
3. Flash Exposure
Compensation................................36
[1] Wireless System Setup and Testing ...52
1. Setting the 550EX as the Master Unit ....52
2. Setting the 550EX as a Slave Unit........53
3. Setting the Master/Slave Channel ........54
4. Setting the Slave ID..............................56
5. Master Flash ON/OFF ..........................57
6. Wireless Flash Range...........................58
1. Using Flash in Full Auto Mode .......78
2. Using Flash in
Other Camera Modes ....................80
1. Flash Exposure Compensation......86
2. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) ......88
3. Bounce Flash .................................90
[1] Wireless System Setup and Testing...100
1. Setting the 550EX as the Master Unit ....100
2. Setting the 550EX as a Slave Unit......100
3. Setting the Master/Slave Channel ......101
4. Setting the Slave ID............................103
5. Master Flash ON/OFF ........................104
6. Wireless Flash Range.........................105
For Type-A Cameras
For Type-B Cameras
01. F073-E (3~) 02.4.1 2:07 PM Page 4

• For Type-A cameras, see pages 10 to 76 and 112 to 125.
• For Type-B cameras, see pages 10 to 22 and 77 to 125.
5
[2] Wireless E-TTL Autoflash ....60
1. Wireless E-TTL Autoflash
With Flash Ratio OFF .......................60
2. Wireless E-TTL Autoflash
With Flash Ratio ON .........................63
[3] Wireless Manual Flash ....71
1. Wireless Manual Flash
With Uniform Flash Output ...............71
2. Wireless Manual Flash
With Varied Flash Output..................72
[4] Wireless Stroboscopic Flash ....73
[5] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash
With a Slave Unit ....74
1. Setting Manual Flash
With a Slave Unit ..............................74
2. Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit ...75
6. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing..........17
7. Flash Exposure Confirmation .....18
8. Using the Zoom Button and
Wide Panel .................................18
9. Flash Mode.................................21
10. Setting the Film Speed ...............21
11. LCD Panel Illumination ...............21
12. AF-Assist Beam..........................22
Automatic Reversion to Default
Settings.......................................22
(1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and
E-TTL Autoflash..........................27
(2) Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority AE and
E-TTL Autoflash ..........................29
(3) M: Manual Exposure and
E-TTL Autoflash..........................30
4. FEB
(Flash Exposure Bracketing) ......38
5. Bounce Flash..............................40
6. Close-Distance Flash
Photography ...............................43
7. Manual Flash Mode ....................44
8. Stroboscopic Flash .....................46
9. Second-Curtain
Synchronization ..........................49
10. Modeling Flash ...........................50
(1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and
E-TTL Autoflash..........................81
(2) Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority AE and
E-TTL Autoflash ..........................83
(3) M: Manual Exposure and
E-TTL Autoflash..........................84
4. Close-Distance
Flash Photography .....................92
5. Manual Flash Mode ....................93
6. Stroboscopic Flash .....................95
7. Second-Curtain Synchronization ...98
[2] Wireless Manual Flash ...107
1. Wireless Manual Flash
With Uniform Flash Output .............107
2. Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output ..108
[3] Wireless Stroboscopic Flash ...109
[4] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash
With a Slave Unit ...110
1. Manual Flash With a Slave Unit......110
2. Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit ...111
Custom Functions ...........................112
Canon Speedlite 550EX System.....114
Troubleshooting Guide....................116
Specifications..................................118
01. F073-E (3~) 02.4.1 2:07 PM Page 5

Nomenclature
●Front
6
Flash head and
transmitter
Built-in Wide Panel (retracted)
(page 20, 42)
External power source socket
Locking collar (page 13)
Electrical contacts
Battery compartment
cover (page 10)
*The battery
compartment has a
switch to display the
distance in feet or
meters on the LCD
panel.
Sensor
AF-assist beam emitter
(page 22)
Mounting foot (page 13)
Locking pin (page 13)
Mini stand pocket
Case
Shoe
Mini stand
01. F073-E (3~) 02.4.1 2:07 PM Page 6

Nomenclature
●Rear
7
Buttons marked with an asterisk remain active for 8 sec. after the button is released. LCD
panel illumination with the < > button remains on for 12 sec.
< >Horizontal bounce release
button (page 40, 90)
PUSH
When these two
buttons are pressed
simultaneously, the
setting changes in the
following loop:
* < > Decrement
button
LCD panel
< > Vertical bounce
release button
(page 40, 90)
PUSH
* < > Select/
Set button
< > Zoom
button (page 18)
Main switch (page 16)
: Turns off the power.
: Turns on the power.
SE : Turns on the power and
enables the SE mode.
Wireless selector (page 14)
< > : For operation as an on-
camera Speedlite.
< > : For operation as a
wireless master unit.
< > : For operation as a
wireless slave unit.
Flash exposure confirmation
lamp (page 18)
* < > Increment
button
< > Flash
mode and slave
setting button
(page 21, 74, 112)
< > Pilot
lamp/Test firing
button/Wireless slave
SE cancel button
(page 17, 59, 107)
* < > LCD panel
illumination button
(page 21)
Custom Function
setting button(page 112)
(Off)
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Nomenclature
●LCD Panel
8
Manual flash output display
Flash exposure
compensation display
Flash exposure
bracketing (FEB) display
High-speed sync
(FP flash) icon
FEB icon
/ Autoflash icon
Flash exposure
compensation icon
Manual
flash icon Multi
(stroboscopic)
flash icon
/
Custom
Function icon
Flash range scale
Flash ratio scale
Wireless icon
Master :
Slave :
Flash mode icon
Master flash ON :
Master flash OFF :
Slave flash :
Manual zoom icon
Zoom and focal length
coverage display
Second-curtain
flash sync icon
Slave icon
Flash ratio icon
Aperture display
FEB status display
Stroboscopic flash count and
frequency display
Custom Function display
Channel icon
Flash mode icon
(Blinks when flash head is
tilted down 7°)
Flash ratio
Distance
unit (meters)
Distance
unit (feet)
01. F073-E (3~) 02.4.1 2:07 PM Page 8

9
Before You Start
This chapter is for preparing the Speedlite 550EX for actual operation.
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 9

1. Installing Batteries
Speedlite 550EX requires one of the following two types of batteries:
(1) Size-AA alkaline batteries ×4
(2) Size-AA nickel-hydride batteries ×4
Slide the battery compartment cover
as shown by the arrow and flip it up.
Insert the batteries with the + and –
contacts oriented as shown in the
battery compartment.
10
Close the battery compartment cover
as shown in the figure.
1
2
3
1
1
2
2
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 10

Installing Batteries
Recharging Time and Available Flashes
•The minimum recycling time applies in the E-TTL or TTL mode while the maximum recycling time
applies in the manual or full-output (1/1) mode.
•The minimum flash count applies in the manual or full-output (1/1) mode while the maximum
flash count applies in the E-TTL or TTL mode.
•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. The recycling time will also be
about half the time with size-AA alkaline batteries.
11
• Use four new batteries of the same type. When replacing batteries, replace
all four batteries at one time.
•Size-AA lithium batteries can also be used.
•Although non-alkaline, manganese batteries may also be used, the number
of flashes will be less.
•Remove the batteries when the 550EX will not be used for an extended
period.
•In low temperatures, take two sets of batteries and keep one set warm in a
pocket, etc., and use the batteries alternately.
Battery Type Recharging Time Available Flashes
Quick Flash Normal Flash
Size-AA alkaline
batteries Approx. 0.1 - 4 sec. Approx. 0.1 - 8 sec. Approx. 100 to 700
• To prevent faulty connections, make sure the battery contacts are clean. If
necessary, use a clean cloth to wipe the battery contacts.
•In the case of size-AA nickel-hydride and size-AA lithium batteries, the shape
of the contacts is not standardized. Be sure that the batteries are compatible
with the flash unit before buying.
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 11

2. External Power Sources
Speedlite 550EX can use any of the following two external power sources.
For details, refer to the Instructions of the respective external power source.
(1) Transistor Pack E
Uses Canon Battery Magazine TP (six size-C alkaline batteries) or Ni-Cd
Pack TP.
(2) Compact Battery Pack CP-E2
Uses six size-AA alkaline or nickel-hydride batteries.
Size-AA lithium batteries can also be used.
Recharging Time and Available Flashes
12
•While High-Voltage Pack E315’s main switch is still on, do not clean the connector
plug with water or a metal pin and do not touch the plug.
•Even when an external power source is used, batteries must be installed in the 550EX
to power the internal circuitry.
•The 550EX uses both the internal and external power sources to recharge the flash.
Therefore, the internal power source may become exhausted sooner than the external
power source. For prolonged flash photography, keep a spare set of batteries handy
for the internal power source.
Internal
Power
Sources
External
Power
Sources
Power Source Recharging Time (sec.) Available Flashes
Quick Flash Normal Flash
Size-AA alkaline batteries ×4 Approx. 0.1 - 4 Approx. 0.1 - 8 Approx. 100 - 700
Transistor Pack E (Ni-Cd Pack TP) Approx. 0.1 - 1.5 Approx. 0.1 - 3
Approx. 300 - 1800
Transistor Pack E Approx. 0.1 - 2 Approx. 0.1 - 5
Approx. 350 - 2200
(Size-C alkaline batteries)
Compact Battery Pack CP-E2 Approx. 0.1 - 1.5 Approx. 0.1 - 5
Approx. 350 - 2200
(Size-AA alkaline batteries)
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 12

3. Attaching the Speedlite to the Camera
Loosen the locking collar by turning it
as shown by the arrow.
Slip the Speedlite’s mounting foot
into the camera’s hot shoe until it
stops.
Turn the locking collar as shown by
the arrow and tighten. (The mounting
foot’s locking pin will extend into the
hot shoe.)
•To detach the Speedlite, turn the locking
collar in the opposite direction until it stops.
(The locking pin retracts into the mounting
foot.)
13
1
2
3
Although the hot shoe on the EOS 650, EOS 620, EOS 750, and EOS 850 does not have
a locking pin hole, Speedlite 550EX can still be mounted on these cameras.
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 13

4. Wireless Selector
The wireless selector has three settings as shown below.
Set to OFF to use the 550EX as a
normal, on-camera Speedlite.
Set to MASTER to use the 550EX as the
master unit in a wireless, multi-Speedlite
system.
14
Set to SLAVE to use the 550EX as a
slave unit in a wireless, multi-Speedlite
system.
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 14

Wireless Selector
15
If the 550EX is to be used as a normal, on-camera Speedlite but the wireless selector
has been set to or , the following applies:
: If master flash ON has also been set, it will be the same as using the
Speedlite at the wireless selector’s OFF setting. If master flash OFF has
been set, a picture cannot be taken.
: It will be the same as using the Speedlite at the wireless selector’s OFF
setting. However, when the camera’s exposure meter turns off 6 sec. after
the shutter button is pressed, the 550EX will be a slave unit.
•If the wireless selector is set to and master flash OFF has been set, the
flash will not fire. (see page 57)
•When the wireless selector is set to or , the flash coverage is set
automatically to . The Guide No. decreases as a result.
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 15

5. Main Switch
The main switch has three settings as shown below.
Turns off the power.
Turns on the power.
16
Turns on the power and enables the SE
mode.
•The SE (Save Energy) mode turns off the
Speedlite automatically after a period of non-use
as indicated in the following table.
•When the wireless selector is set to or and the SE mode takes effect, the LCD
panel display turns off. To cancel the SE mode, either press the camera’s shutter button halfway
or press the Speedlite’s test firing button. The Speedlite will then turn on again.
•If the wireless selector is set to and the SE mode takes effect,
SE is displayed on the
LCD panel. If the time limit (1 hour or 8 hours) for turning on the Speedlite again (SE mode
cancellation) elapses,
SE turns off on the LCD panel. In this case, you must turn the Speedlite’s
main switch off and on again to turn it on again.
Custom Function CF-4 can alter the time it takes before the slave unit enters the SE
mode. See page 113.
Custom Function CF-5 can alter the time limit for the master unit to be able to cancel
the slave unit’s SE mode. See page 113.
CF
CF
Memory feature
The Speedlite’s current mode, zoom setting, flash exposure compensation setting, etc.,
are retained in memory even after the Speedlite is turned off. When the Speedlite is
turned on again, all the settings remain effective. When replacing the batteries, the
settings stored in memory can still be retained if the new batteries are installed within one
minute.
Wireless Selector Setting
OFF MASTER SLAVE
90 sec. 60 min.
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 16

6. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing
Set the Speedlite’s main switch to .
•The flash will start charging. When the flash
is ready, the pilot lamp lights.
●Red pilot lamp
When the flash is fully charged, the pilot
lamp lights in red. For normal use, confirm
that the pilot lamp is red before taking the
picture.
●Yellow pilot lamp
When the camera is set for single shooting, a
yellow pilot lamp indicates a less-than-full
charge which enables a quick flash (see
description below). For close subjects which
do not require full-output flash, quick flash
shortens the recharging time.
To test the Speedlite, press the pilot
lamp (test firing button) to fire a test
flash.
17
1
2
●About Quick Flash
With the quick-flash feature, you can fire a flash even before the flash is fully charged. When the
pilot lamp is yellow, a quick flash can be fired. The Guide No. for a quick flash is 1/2 to 1/16 that of a
normal flash. For details, see page 121.
Quick flash cannot be fired in the following cases:
•When the Speedlite is used with a Type-B camera.
•The camera is set to continuous shooting .
•FEB is used.
•In the manual flash mode or stroboscopic flash mode with the output set to 1/1 and 1/2.
•In the stroboscopic flash mode.
•When TTL Hot Shoe Adapter 3 is used with the Speedlite.
•When Custom Function CF-3 is set to 1 (TTL autoflash).
•The Speedlite cannot be test fired during the 6 sec. after you press the camera’s
shutter button halfway (while exposure metering is active).
•If the Speedlite is in the SE mode, pressing the test firing button turns on the
Speedlite.
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 17

8. Using the Zoom Button and Wide Panel
7. Flash Exposure Confirmation
When a correct flash exposure has been
obtained, the flash exposure
confirmation lamp on the back of the
Speedlite lights in yellow-green for 3 sec.
If the flash exposure confirmation lamp
does not light after the flash fires, the
picture may have been underexposed.
Move closer to the subject and try again.
The Speedlite’s flash head zooms
automatically to provide adequate flash
coverage for the current lens focal
length. The Speedlite can provide
adequate flash coverage for 24mm to
105mm lens focal lengths. If a zoom lens
is zoomed, the flash head also zooms to
suit the lens focal length. The flash
head’s zoom setting can also be set
manually.
The Speedlite’s built-in wide panel
provides flash coverage for 17mm wide-
angle lenses.
18
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 18

Using the Zoom Button and Wide Panel
●Automatic Flash Head Zooming
Turn on the camera.
Turn on the Speedlite.
•If is displayed, press the < >
button until turns off.
Press the camera’s shutter button
halfway. The current lens focal length
will appear on the Speedlite’s LCD
panel.
●Manual Flash Head Zooming
19
Press the < > button. and
will be displayed. Keep pressing
the < > button until the desired
zoom setting (focal length) appears.
Pressing the < > button changes
the zoom setting in the loop shown
below.
1
2
3
If the zoom setting is a focal length longer than the actual lens focal length, the light will
fall off along the periphery of the picture.
(Automatic )
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 19

Using the Zoom Button and Wide Panel
●Using the Wide Panel
PUSH
Pull out the built-in wide panel and flip it
down to cover the flash head. The flash
head’s zoom setting will be set to 17mm
automatically.
•Using the wide panel disables the < >
button.
•Use the wide panel with flash head at the normal
or 7°downward tilt position.
20
•If the built-in wide panel is used and the flash head is turned or tilted for bounce flash,
the flash result may look uneven. The LCD panel display will blink as a warning.
•Do not pull out the wide panel too hard. Otherwise, the wide panel may come off.
If the wide panel comes off, the
< > button will not work. If this
happens, follow the procedure below.
•Use your finger to push in the panel as
shown by the arrow.
•The < > button will work again,
but the entire LCD panel display will
keep blinking. Take the Speedlite to the
nearest Canon Service Center for
repair.
02. F073-E (9~) 02.4.1 2:08 PM Page 20