Canon SPEEDLITE EL-1 Assembly instructions
Advanced User Guide
E
CT2-D068-A © CANON INC. 2020
Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Instruction Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Nomenclature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Getting Started and Basic Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Charging the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Insert the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Attaching and Detaching the Speedlite to and from the Camera. . . . . . . . . . . 33
Turning on the Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Fully Automatic Flash Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
E-TTL II / E-TTL Autoflash by Shooting Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Checking the Battery Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Advanced Flash Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Flash Exposure Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
FEB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
FE Lock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
High-Speed Sync. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Second-Curtain Sync. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Bounce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Set the Flash Coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Manual Flash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Stroboscopic Flash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Flash External Metering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Continuous Shooting Priority Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
About the Modeling Lamp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Modeling Flash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Color Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Clearing Speedlite Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Flash Function Settings with Camera Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Flash Control from the Camera's Menu Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Radio Transmission Wireless Flash Shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Radio Transmission Wireless Flash Shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Radio Transmission Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Automatic Flash Photography with 1 Flash Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Automatic Flash Photography with Receivers divided into 2 Groups. . . . . . . 133
Automatic Flash Photography with Receivers divided into 3 Groups. . . . . . . 136
Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with a set Flash Ratio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Shooting in a Different Flash Mode for Each Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Test Flash / Modeling Flash from a Receiver Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Remote Release from a Receiver Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Linked Shooting with Radio Transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Optical Transmission Wireless Flash Shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Optical Transmission Wireless Flash Shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Optical Transmission Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Automatic Flash Photography with 1 Flash Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Automatic Flash Photography with Receivers divided into 2 Groups. . . . . . . 181
Automatic Flash Photography with Receivers divided into 3 Groups. . . . . . . 184
Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with a set Flash Ratio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Manual Flash / Multiple Flash set in the Receiver unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Customizing the Speedlite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Setting Custom and Personal Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Settings that can be changed with Custom Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Settings that can be changed with Personal Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
EL-1 system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Flash Firing Restriction due to Temperature Increase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Introduction
Canon Speedlite EL-1 is an external flash for the EOS that is compatible with the E-TTL II /
E-TTL autoflash. The Speedlite can be used as an on-camera flash that attaches to the hot
shoe of the camera (normal shooting), and as a sender / receiver unit during radio
transmission / optical transmission wireless flash shooting. In addition to these functions, the
Speedlite also has dust and water resistance equivalent to EOS-1D series cameras.
Be sure to read this manual before use.
To avoid botched pictures and accidents, first read the Safety Instructions. Also, read this
"Advanced User Guide" carefully to ensure that you use the flash correctly.
Read this instruction manual while also referring to your camera's
instruction manual.
Before using the product, read this "Advanced User Guide" and the detailed guide of your
camera to familiarize yourself with their operations.
* This "Advanced User Guide" assumes that the Speedlite is used in combination with
an EOS DIGITAL camera.
Using the Speedlite in combination with an EOS film camera
When the Speedlite is used in combination with an EOS film camera with E-TTL II / E-TTL
autoflash, pictures can be taken with the autoflash. When used in combination with a TTL
autoflash EOS film camera, pictures cannot be taken with the autoflash.
Cautions when using continuous flash
Flashes will fire repeatedly in continuous shooting using a flash, multi-flash shooting,
modeling flash, etc. Some people may experience seizures, etc. due to visual
overstimulation from continuous flashes (including light reflected off brightly colored walls,
etc.). Stop using flashes immediately if any symptoms emerge.
•Instruction Manual
•About This Guide
•Safety Instructions
•Nomenclature
4
Instruction Manual
The manual enclosed with the product is an "Instruction Manual" that summarizes the
basic operations and functions of flash photography.
Advanced User Guide
All uses of the Speedlite are described in this "Advanced User Guide".
Please check the latest detailed guide at the following site.
https://cam.start.canon/A003/
5
About This Guide
Icons in this Manual
Assumptions in Operating Instructions
Icons in this Manual
< > Indicates the select dial.
/ Indicates that the respective function remains active for approx. 12 sec. or 16 sec.
after you let go of the button.
In addition, icons used on the flash, such as the buttons and displays on the monitor
etc., are used to describe the operation buttons and setting positions in the manual.
Indicates a link to a related topic.
Describes the precautions to take to prevent shooting problems.
Describes supplementary information and explanations.
The to the right of the page title indicates that the function works when the camera is
in the < > < > < > < > < > < > shooting mode (Advanced
Shooting Zone).
Provides troubleshooting information.
6
Assumptions in Operating Instructions
The operation procedures assume that both the Speedlite and the camera's power
switches are turned ON ( ).
The icons used for buttons, dials, and symbols in the text match the icons found on the
Speedlite and the camera.
To set a function, press the joystick up / down / left / right or turn < > to select the
function.
To end function setup, press the < > button.
The operation procedures assume that the Custom Functions and Personal Functions of
the Speedlite, and the menu and Custom Functions of the camera are at their default
settings.
7
WARNING:
Safety Instructions
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.
Denotes the risk of serious injury or death.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
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.
Do not touch the product connected to a power outlet during lightning storms.
This may cause electric shock.
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 / battery packs 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.
8
CAUTION:
Observe the following instructions when using a battery charger.
• Periodically remove any dust buildup from the power plug and power outlet using a
dry cloth.
• Do not plug in or unplug the product with wet hands.
• Do not use the product if the power plug is not fully inserted into the power outlet.
• Do not expose the power plug and terminals to dirt or let them come into contact
with metallic pins or other metal objects.
• Do not touch the battery charger or AC adapter connected to a power outlet during
lightning storms.
• Do not place heavy objects on the power cord. Do not damage, break or modify the
power cord.
• Do not wrap the product in cloth or other materials when in use or shortly after use
when the product is still warm in temperature.
• Do not leave the product connected to a power source for long periods of time.
• Do not charge batteries / battery packs at temperatures outside the range of 5 -
40 °C (41 - 104 °F).
This may cause electric shock, explosion or fire.
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.
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.
Follow the cautions below. Otherwise physical
injury or property damage may result.
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.
9
(1) Catch light panel (stowed state)
(2) Wide panel (stowed state)
(3) Flash head (Light-emitting unit)
(4) Color filter detector
(5) External flash metering receiver
(6) Optical transmission wireless receiver
(7) AF-assist beam emitter
(8) Mounting foot
(9) Locking pin
(10) Contacts
(11) External power source socket
(12) Bounce adapter detector
(13) Terminal cover
(14) Battery compartment lid
(15) Battery compartment cover lock
(16) Sync terminal
Note
Not equipped with remote release terminal (release cable SR-N3 cannot be used).
11
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(12)
(11)
(13)
(14)
(15)
12
(1) Bounce adapter / color filter attachment part
(2) < > Radio transmission confirmation lamp
(3) LCD panel
(4) < > Sub menu button
(5) < > LAMP button
(6) < > Undo button
(7) Mounting foot lock lever
(8) Lock-release button
(9) Bounce angle index
(10) Bounce lock-release button
(11) Joystick
< > Zoom
<> Flash mode
< > Wireless / linked shooting setting
< > Flash exposure compensation / flash output setting
(12) Power switch
< > Power ON
< > Button / Dial Lock (Power On)
<> Power OFF
(13) < > Flash-ready lamp / test flash button
(14) < > Select dial
(15) Dust-proof and drip-proof adapter
13
(1) < > Flash exposure compensation
(2) < > E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash
< > Continuous shooting priority mode
(3) < > Standard
< > Guide number priority
<> Light distribution priority
< > Top bounce
< > Bottom bounce
< > Bounce adapter attached
< > Color filter attached
<> Temperature increase (flash firing restriction)
< > Modeling lamp lit
(4) < > First-curtain sync (normal shooting)
< > 2nd-curtain sync
< > High-speed sync
(5) Flash exposure compensation amount
(6) Effective flash range / shooting distance
<> Meter display
< > Feet display
(7) < > Charge indicator
< > Automatic setting
<> Manual setting
(8) < > Zoom display
< > Wide panel + bounce warning
< > Out of flash coverage range warning
(9) Flash coverage (focal length)
(10) Battery level display
(11) < > FEB
(12) FEB sequence
(13) Flash exposure level
(14) < > Aperture value
15
Manual Flash ( )
(1)
(2)
(3)
(1) < > Manual flash
(2) Manual flash output
(3) Manual flash level
Note
The displays shown are examples. Only the section corresponding to the settings
will be displayed.
When a button or dial is operated, the LCD panel is illuminated ( ).
Stroboscopic Flash ( )
(1)
(2)
(3)
(1) < > Stroboscopic flash
(2) Flash frequency
(3) Number of flashes
16
Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting / Optical Transmission
Wireless Shooting ( / )
Sender unit(s)
(3)
(2)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(1) (8)
(9)
(11)
(10)
(1) < > Sender setting
< > Sub sender setting*1
(2) < > Radio transmission wireless
< > Optical transmission wireless
(3) Flash mode
< > E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash
< > Manual flash
<> Stroboscopic flash
<> Group firing*1
(4) < > Sender flash firing ON
< > Sender flash firing OFF
(5) Firing group control
(6) < > Transmission channel
< > Transmission channel automatic setting*1
(7) Wireless radio ID*1
(8) < > Sender / receiver charge indicator
(9) < > Synchronization speed warning*1
(10) < > Receiver charging completed*1
(11) Flash ratio
* 1: < > Radio transmission wireless only
18
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(1) < > Receiver charging completed*1
(2) Firing group control
(3) Sender / receiver charge indicator
(4) Group firing mode*2
*1: < > Radio transmission wireless only
* 2: < > Group firing only
Note
During radio transmission wireless shooting, when the sender and receiver are
fully charged, < > disappears.
For < > group firing, you can select the and the flash mode from < >
< > < > < >.
19
Receiver unit
(3)
(1)
(2)
(4)
(5)
(1) < > Receiver
(2) < > Transmission channel
(3) < > Test flash*1
< > Remote release*1
< > Modeling flash*1
(4) < > Receiver setting
(5) < > Individual receiver*2
* 1: < > Radio transmission wireless only
*2: < > Optical transmission wireless only
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Table of contents
