Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT User manual

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MODE D’EMPLOI
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
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English
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The Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT/600EX is a high-output, multi-feature
flash unit for Canon EOS cameras, compatible with E-TTL II, E-TTL and
TTL autoflash and external flash metering systems. The Speedlite can
be used as an on-camera flash that attaches to the hot shoe of the
camera (normal shooting), and as a master unit or slave unit during
wireless shooting. In addition to these three functions, the Speedlite
also has dust and water resistance equivalent to EOS-1D series
cameras.
Note that the 600EX-RT is equipped with a wireless flash shooting
function that uses either radio transmission or optical transmission. The
600EX is equipped with a wireless flash shooting function that uses
optical transmission only.
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 familiarize yourself with the Speedlite
operations.
Using with an EOS digital camera (Type-A camera)
• You can use the Speedlite for easy autoflash shooting in the same
way as a camera’s built-in flash.
Using with an EOS film camera
•When using with an EOS film camera compatible with E-TTL II
and E-TTL autoflash systems (Type-A camera), you can use the
Speedlite for easy autoflash shooting in the same way as a
camera’s built-in flash.
•When using the Speedlite with an EOS film camera compatible
with TTL autoflash system (Type-B camera), see page 116.
*This instruction manual assumes that the Speedlite is used with an
Type-A camera.
Introduction
Using the Speedlite with a Camera
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Chapters
When using a Speedlite 600EX, which does not have a radio
transmission function, wireless shooting described in Chapter 4 is not
available. To shoot with wireless flash, see Chapter 5.
Introduction 2
Getting Started and Basic Operations
Flash preparations and basic flash shooting 13
Advanced Flash Shooting
Advanced shooting using the flash shooting functions 21
Setting Flash Functions with Camera Operations
Setting the flash functions from the camera’s menu screen 41
Wireless Flash Shooting: Radio Transmission
Wireless flash shooting with radio transmission 47
Wireless Flash Shooting: Optical Transmission
Wireless flash shooting with optical transmission 75
Customizing the Speedlite
Customizing with Custom Functions and Personal Functions 91
Reference
System map, FAQ, use with a type-B camera 103
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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1
2
3
4
Introduction 2
Chapters ...................................................................................................3
Nomenclature............................................................................................6
Conventions Used in this Manual ...........................................................12
Getting Started and Basic Operations 13
Installing the Batteries.............................................................................14
Attaching and Detaching the Flash .........................................................15
Turning on the Power..............................................................................16
Fully Automatic Flash Shooting ..............................................................18
Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash in the Shooting Modes ..................19
Advanced Flash Shooting 21
f Flash Exposure Compensation..........................................................22
g FEB...................................................................................................23
7: FE Lock...........................................................................................24
c High-speed Sync ................................................................................25
r Second-curtain Sync ........................................................................26
Bounce....................................................................................................27
e: Flash Coverage Setting ..............................................................29
q: Manual Flash.....................................................................................31
?: Stroboscopic Flash....................................................................33
//.: Flash External Metering ...............................................36
Modeling Flash........................................................................................38
Clearing Speedlite Settings.....................................................................38
o Color Filter........................................................................................39
Setting Flash Functions with Camera Operations 41
Flash Control from Camera’s Menu Screen............................................42
Wireless Flash Shooting: Radio Transmission 47
' Radio Transmission Wireless Flash Shooting....................................48
Wireless Settings ....................................................................................52
a: Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Shooting...................................57
Contents
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Contents
5
6
7
a: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with Flash Ratio ................... 61
q: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with Manual Flash Output ........... 64
[: Shooting with a Different Flash Mode for Each Group .................... 65
Test Flash and Modeling Flash from a Slave Unit ................................. 67
Remote Release from a Slave Unit........................................................ 68
Linked Shooting with Radio Transmission ............................................. 70
Wireless Flash Shooting: Optical Transmission 75
:Optical Transmission Wireless Flash Shooting................................ 76
Wireless Settings ................................................................................... 78
a: Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Shooting.................................. 81
a: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with Flash Ratio ................... 85
q: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with Manual Flash Output ........... 88
Manual Flash/Stroboscopic Flash Setting on a Slave Unit .................... 89
Customizing the Speedlite 91
C / >: Setting Custom and Personal Functions ............................ 92
C: Setting Custom Functions ............................................................ 95
>: Setting Personal Functions ......................................................... 101
Reference 103
600EX-RT/600EX System.................................................................... 104
Flash Firing Restriction due to Temperature Increase ......................... 106
Troubleshooting Guide......................................................................... 107
Specifications ....................................................................................... 112
Using with a Type-B Camera ............................................................... 116
Index .................................................................................................... 120
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*Not provided on Speedlite 600EX. (Do not function.)
Nomenclature
Catchlight panel (retracted) (p.28)
Built-in wide panel
(retracted) (p.30)
Terminal cover
Remote release
terminal* (p.68, 70)
Terminal cover
External power
source socket
PC terminal
Bracket
mounting hole
Flash head/
Optical
transmission
wireless
transmitter
Optical transmission
wireless sensor
External metering sensor (p.36)
AF-assist beam emitter (p.20)
Color filter sensor
Mounting foot (p.15)
Locking pin Contacts
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Nomenclature
test flash button
<8> Select/Set button
<9> Select Dial
Color filter holder
attachment (p.39)
Bounce angle index
(p.27, 28)
<z> Bounce lock
release button (p.27, 29)
Function button 3
Function button 4
Battery compartment
cover (p.14)
Battery compartment
cover lock lever (p.14)
Power switch (p.16)
<K> : Power on
<a> : Button/dial lock
(Power on)
<J> : Power off
<D>
Radio transmission
confirmation lamp*
(p.53, 55, 58, 60, 72)
LCD panel
Function button 2
Function button 1
Mounting foot lock lever
(p.15)
Lock-release button (p.15)
Dust- and water-resistant
adapter
<I>
Wireless button/
Linked shooting button
(p.52, 78/71)
<E>
Flash mode button
(p.18, 31, 33, 36, 37,
58, 64, 65, 82, 88, 89)
<Q>
Flash-ready lamp/
Test flash button
(p.16, 58, 82, 95)
Flash exposure confirmation lamp
(p.18, 58, 82)
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Nomenclature
LCD panel
E-TTL II/E-TTL/TTL autoflash (p.19)
a : E-TTL II/E-TTL
autoflash
b : TTL autoflash
f : Flash exposure
compensation (p.22, 44)
Flash exposure compensation
amount
Flash exposure level
FEB sequence (p.96)
g : FEB (p.23, 44)
e : Zoom display (p.29)
N : Wide panel + bounce warning
O : Outside of flash coverage
warning c : High-speed sync
(p.25, 44)
r : Second-curtain
sync (p.26, 44)
S : Auto zoom for
sensor size
(p.20, 98)
u : Custom
Functions (p.95)
T : Personal
Functions
(p.101)
v : Aperture (p.37)
Distance indicator
display (p.95)
R : Meters
@ : Feet
j : Standard
k : Guide number
priority (p.100)
l : Even coverage
(p.100)
m : Bounce (p.27)
n : 7° down bounce
(p.29)
o : Color filter holder attached
(p.39)
l : Use of commercially-available
color filters warning (p.40)
t : Temperature increase (flash
restriction/p.106) Effective flash range
(p.18)
L : Automatic
d : Manual (p.29)
Focal length
(flash coverage/p.29)
0 : Beep (p.99)
The display will show only the settings currently applied.
The functions displayed above function buttons 1 to 4, such as <[>
and <@>, change according to settings’ status.
When a button or dial is operated, the LCD panel illuminates (p.17).
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Nomenclature
Manual flash (p.31)
Stroboscopic flash (p.33)
Auto/manual external flash metering (p.36/37)
Manual flash output
q : Manual flash
Flash frequency
Number of flashes
? : Multi (Stroboscopic)
flash
ISO speed
- : ISO display
/ : Auto external
flash metering
. : Manual external
flash metering
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Nomenclature
Radio transmission wireless shooting/optical transmission
wireless shooting (p.47/75)
Master unit
Slave unit
Linked shooting (p.70)
' : Radio transmission
wireless shooting
: : Optical transmission
wireless shooting
Flash mode
[ : Group flash
(radio
transmission)
k : Sync speed warning
(radio transmission)
Firing group
g : Master flash
firing ON
d : Master flash
firing OFF
* : Channel
) : Channel automatic
setting (radio
transmission)
M : Master
Q : Slave flash ready
(radio transmission)
Flash ratio
, : Flash ratio
x: Slave
h: Slave icon
:
Individual slave (optical
transmission)
x: Slave
M : Master
:
Linked shooting
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Nomenclature
Accessories provided
Mini stand pocket
Speedlite case Mini stand
(p.48, 76)
Shoe
Slits
Filter attachment
pins
Reflection
area
Color filter holder
SCH-E1
(p.39)
Color filter holder case
Color filter set
SCF-E1
(2 types/p.39)
Color filter case
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Icons in this Manual
9: Indicates the selection dial.
8: Indicates the select/set button.
3/1/2: Indicates that the respective function remains active
for 4 sec., 6 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.
Basic Assumptions
The operation procedures assume that both the camera and the
Speedlite’s power switches are already set to <K>.
The icons used for buttons, dials and symbols in the text match the
icons found on the camera and the Speedlite.
The operation procedures assume that the menu and Custom
Functions of the camera and the Custom Functions and Personal
Functions of the Speedlite are at their default settings.
All figures are based on the use of four AA/LR6 alkaline batteries
and Canon’s testing standards.
For explanatory purposes, the illustrations show the Speedlite
600EX-RT.
Conventions Used in this Manual
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1
Getting Started and
Basic Operations
This chapter describes the preparations before starting
flash shooting and the basic shooting operations.
To avoid degrading and damaging the flash head
due to overheating, do not fire more than 20
continuous flashes. After 20 continuous flashes,
allow a rest time of at least 10 min.
If you fire more than 20 continuous flashes, and
then fire the flash again repeatedly in short
intervals, the safety function may activate and
restrict flash firing. While flash firing is restricted,
the recycling time is automatically set to an interval
between approx. 8 and 20 sec. If this happens,
allow a rest time of at least 15 min.
For details, see “Flash Firing Restriction due to
Temperature Increase” on page 106.
Cautions for firing continuous flashes
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Install four AA/LR6 batteries.
1Open the cover.
Slide the lock lever to the left as
shown in ", slide the cover down,
and open the battery compartment
cover.
2Install the batteries.
Make sure the + and – battery
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.
When it clicks in place, the battery
compartment cover is locked.
Based on new AA/LR6 alkaline batteries and Canon’s testing standards.
The Quick Flash function enables flash shooting before the flash is fully
charged (p.16).
Installing the Batteries
Recycling Time and Number of Flashes
Recycling Time Number of Flashes
Quick Flash Normal Flash
Approx. 0.1 to 3.3 sec. Approx. 0.1 to 5.5 sec. Approx. 100 to 700 flashes
Using AA/LR6 batteries other than the alkaline type may cause improper
battery contact due to the irregular shape of the battery contacts.
If you change the batteries after firing flashes continuously, be aware that
the batteries might be hot.
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Attaching and Detaching the Flash
1Attach the Speedlite.
Slip the Speedlite’s mounting foot all
the way into the camera’s hot shoe.
2Secure the Speedlite.
On the mounting foot, slide the lock
lever to the right.
When the lock lever clicks in place, it
will be locked.
3Detach the Speedlite.
While pressing the lock-release
button, slide the lock lever to the left
and detach the Speedlite.
Attaching and Detaching the Flash
When <!> is displayed, 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/LR6 rechargeable Ni-MH or lithium batteries can also be used.
Before attaching or detaching the Speedlite, be sure to turn off the
Speedlite.
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1Set the power switch to <K>.
The flash recycling starts.
2Check that the flash is ready.
The flash-ready lamp changes in
order from off to green (Quick Flash
ready) to red (fully charged).
Press the flash-ready lamp (test flash
button) to fire a test flash.
The Quick Flash function enables flash shooting while the flash-ready
lamp is green (before the flash is fully charged).
The guide number is 1/2 to 1/6 of the full output, but it is useful for
shooting with a faster recycling time at a short shooting distance.
Set the drive mode to single shooting. You cannot use Quick Flash
when continuous shooting, FEB, manual flash or stroboscopic flash is
set.
To save battery power, the power will turn off automatically after approx.
90 sec. of idle use. To turn on the Speedlite again, press the camera’s
shutter button halfway, or press the test flash button (flash-ready lamp).
During radio transmission wireless master flash shooting (p.59) or
during linked shooting (p.73), the time until auto power off takes effect is
5 min.
Turning on the Power
About Quick Flash
About Auto Power Off
Quick Flash cannot be used when the flash mode is set to <b>.
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Turning on the Power
By setting the power switch to <a>, you can disable flash’s button
and dial operations. Use this to prevent the flash function settings from
being accidentally changed after you set them.
If you operate a button or dial, <LOCKED> is displayed on the LCD
panel (the functions displayed above function buttons 1 to 4, such as
<[> and <@>, are not displayed).
When a button or dial is operated, the LCD panel illuminates for 12 sec.
When setting a function, the illumination continues until the setting is
complete.
During normal flash shooting, wireless master flash shooting and
master linked shooting, the LCD panel illuminates in green. If the
Speedlite is a slave unit, it illuminates in orange.
About the Lock Function
About the LCD Panel Illumination
You cannot use the test flash while the camera’s 3/1/2 timer is
operating.
The flash settings are stored even when the power is turned off. To retain
the settings when replacing the batteries, replace the batteries within
1min. of turning off the power switch and removing the batteries.
When the temperature of the flash head has risen due to continuous flash
firing, the time until auto power off takes effect may increase.
You can fire a test flash while the power switch is set to the <a>
position. Also, when a button or dial is operated, the LCD panel
illuminates.
You can set a beep to sound when the Speedlite is fully charged (C.Fn-
20/p.99).
You can enable the (Quick) flash to fire when the flash-ready lamp is lit
green during continuous shooting (C.Fn-06/p.97).
Auto power off can be disabled (C.Fn-01/p.95).
You can change the duration of the LCD panel illumination (C.Fn-22/
p.100).
You can change the color of the LCD panel illumination (P.Fn-02 to 04/
p.101).
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When you set the camera’s shooting mode to <V> (Program AE) or Full
Auto, you can shoot in E-TTL II/E-TTL fully automatic flash mode.
1Set the flash mode to <a>.
Press the <E> button and set to
<a>.
Check that <M> or
<x> is not displayed.
2Focus the subject.
Press the shutter button halfway to
focus.
The shutter speed and aperture are
displayed in the viewfinder.
Check that <Q> is lit in the viewfinder.
3Take the picture.
Check that the subject is in the
effective flash range.
When you press the shutter button
completely, the flash will fire and the
picture will be taken.
If a standard flash exposure was
obtained, the flash exposure
confirmation lamp lights for 3 sec.
Fully Automatic Flash Shooting
Even when attached to a camera that supports E-TTL II autoflash
system, <a> is displayed on the LCD panel.
If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not light or if the subject is
dark (underexposed) when you check the image on the camera’s LCD
monitor, move closer to the subject and shoot again. You can also
increase the ISO speed when using a digital camera.
“Full Auto” refers to <A>, <1>, and <C> shooting modes.
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