Canon 380EX User Manual
English
INSTRUC
Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.
The Canon Speedlite 380EX is a Canon EOS-dedicated autofocus zoom flash unit featuring
the newly-developed E-TTL (Evaluative-Through-The-Lens) auto flash control system, It also
has two new features: FP (Focal-Plane) flash and FE (Flash Exposure) lock. FP flash enables
the Speedlite to synchronize with all shutter speeds (high-speed sync) while FE lock locks the
flash exposure reading for a specific area. These new features are available when Speedlite
380EX is coupled to a Type-A camera (see below),
Other features include auto flash-exposure compensation, auto flash exposure with a
manually-set shutter speed and aperture, second-curtain synchronization, and multiple-flash
compatibility.
When used with a Type-B camera, Speedlite 380EX operates as a TTL autofocus zoom flash
unit.
The features available with Speedlite 380EX differ depending on the camera it is used with.
Refer to the table below to check your camera type.
This Instructions booklet has separate sections for Type-A and Type-B cameras. Read the
sections which apply to your camera.
Type-A Camera E-TTL EOS 50 EOS 50E EOS ELAN П EOS ELAN ПЕ
Type-B Camera TTL EOS 650 EOS 620 EOS 750 EOS 850 EOS 630 EOS-1
EOSRT EOS 10 EOS 10S EOS 700 EOS 1000
EOS REBEL EOS 100 EOS ELAN EOS 1000N
EOSREBELD EOS 1000FN EOS REBEL SI
EOS 5 EOS A2 EOS A2E EOS 500 EOS REBEL X
EOS 5000 EOS 888 EOS-1 N EOS-1 NRS
Available Features with EOS Cameras
O: Available X: Not available.
Speedlite Feature With Type-A Cameras
E-TTL auto flash control
FP flash 0
FE lock О
Second-curtain sync
Fill flash о
Slow-speed sync
Bounce flash
Multiple flash О'
Flash exposure compensation о
■ TTL auto flash control operates Instead.
" Available only with the EOS-1 N. EOS-1 N RS, EOS A2/A2E
о
О
о О
о
With Туре-В Cameras
X*
X
X
X
о
О
О
О"
Canon Speedlite 380EX Features
1 E-TTL auto flash control
When Speedlite 380EX is used with a Type-A camera, E-TTL auto flash control takes
over Unlike the A-TTL and TTL auto flash systems which use a multiple-zone flash
metering sensor to read the flash exposure, the E-TTL auto flash system uses normal
evaluative metering with the camera’s metering sensor and controls the flash exposure
automatically.
The E-TTL auto flash system thereby controls the flash exposure with higher precision and
boosts the performance of the AIM (Advanced Integrated Multi-point) system (which links
the metering and flash exposure to the focusing point)
The E-TTL auto flash system controls the exposure of the main subject as well as the
background for a balanced exposure It combines automatic exposure control for ambient
light and flash exposure control for both fill flash and low-light conditions
2 FP flash (high-speed sync)
When Speedlite 380EX is used with a Type-A camera, it can synchronize with all shutter
speeds
FP flash is effective when you want to use fill flash for an outdoor portrait while creating
background blur with a large aperture. Or, when you want to produce a catchlight in the
subject's eyes in daylight.
3 FE lock
When Speedlite 380EX is used with a Type-A camera, you can lock the correct flash
exposure reading for any portion of the picture.
4 Flash exposure confirmation
The flash confirmation lamp on the back of the Speedlite lights for 2 sec. after the flash
fires if the flash exposure was sufficient. It therefore gives you immediate feedback on
proper flash exposure.
5 Auto zoom
The flash head zooms automatically for optimum flash coverage for lens focal lengths
ranging from 24mm to 105mm.
6 Bounce flash
The flash head can tilt upward up to 90' to bounce the flash.
7 Auto power off
If the Speedlite has been turned on and it is not used for about 90 sec., it turns off
automatically to conserve battery power. To turn on the Speedlite again, press the shutter
button or the Speedlite's test firing button.
8 Speedlite accessories for creative lighting
Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 connects the Speedlite off the camera while retaining E-TTL
auto fiash controi. Accessories are aiso avaiiabie to set up muitipie-fiash systems
maintaining auto flash exposure control.
Speedlite Care
1 Speedlite 380EX contains high-voltage circuitry. Never attempt to
disassemble the Speedlite. For any repairs, take the Speedlite to a
Canon Service Center.
2 Do not get the Speedlite wet. If it is exposed to rain or snow, wipe
immediately with a dry cloth.
3 When the Speedlite is not to be used for an extended period, remove
the batteries.
4 Avoid putting the Speedlite where it may be exposed to high
temperatures. High temperatures may cause the Speedlite to
malfunction.
Symbols used in this Instructions:
Warning for preventing camera malfunction or damage.
Information you should know when operating the Speedlite 380EX.
a
iii!;
Helpful tip for using the Speedlite 380EX and taking pictures.
Contents
• If you have a Type-A camera, read pages 2-28 and 36-46.
• If you have a Type-B camera, read pages 2~16 and 29-46.
Quick Start Guide
Nomenclature
1. Instailing the Batteries
2. Mounting the Speedlite
3. Power Switch
I. Before You
Start
II. Speedlite
380EX with
Type-A
Cameras
III. Speedlite
380EX with
Type-B
Cameras
IV. Other
Applications
4 FP Flash Switch
5. Piiot Lamp and Test Firing.......................................................14
6 Flash Exposure Confirmation
7. Flash Coverage .......................................................................15
8 AF-Assist Beam .........................
9. Shutter Button Operation.................................................
1 Fully-Automatic Flash Operation.............................................17
Fill Flash
2 Flash with Other Modes
(1) Flash with Aperture-Priority AE................
(2) Flash with Shutter Speed-Priority AE...............................22
(3) Flash with Manual Exposure
3, Using Special Features
(1) FP flash
(2) FE Lock..............................................................................26
(3) Second-Curtain Synchronization...........................
1. Fully-Automatic Flash Operation.............................................29
Fill-in Flash..............................................................................31
2. Flash with Other Modes...........................................................32
(1) Flash with Aperture-Priority AE
(2) Flash with Shutter Speed-Priority AE
(3) Flash with Manual Exposure...
1 Slow-Speed Sync
2, Bounce Flash
3, Flash Exposure Compensation
4, Multiple Flash
Troubleshooting Guide.................................
Specifications.
Speedlite 380EX Feature Availability
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„12
, 34
.36
.21
28
6
8
10
13
13
14
16
23
24
33
35
39
42
46
•m
i; ^
IhI
Quick Start Guide
Before following this Guide, attach Speedlite 380EX to the camera and
turn on the camera and Speedlite.
* The asterisked features are available only with Type-A cameras. For
more details, see the specified pages.
Test firing
(Pagel 4)
Flash
coverage
check
(Pagel 5)
Flash
confirmation
(Paget 4)
*
FE lock
(Page26)
*
Second-
curtain sync
(Page28)
Slow-speed
sync
(Page36)
Bounce flash
(Page38)
Nomenclature
Front
Flash head
• Rear
Nomenclature
Turns on the power.
I. Before You Start
1. Installing the Batteries
Install one of the following types of batteries:
(1) Four size-AA alkaline batteries (LR6 or AM-3)
(2) Four size-AA NiCd batteries (KR15 or KR51)
H Slide the battery compartment
’ cover as shown by the arrow and
fiip it up.
Insert the batteries with the
contacts oriented as shown in the
battery compartment. Use four new
batteries of the same type.
• To prevent faulty connections, make sure
the battery contacts are clean.
Close the battery compartment
cover as shown in the figure.
10
I. Before You Start
Battery Cautions
When replacing batteries, replace all four batteries at one time.
Although ordinary, non-alkaline batteries (R6 or UM3) may be used, the
number of flashes will be less.
The contacts of NiCd batteries are not standardized If you want to use NiCd
batteries, make sure the battery contacts touch the battery compartment's
contacts securely.
When you will not use the Speedlite for an extended period, remove the
batteries.
In low temperatures, take two sets of fully-charged NiCd batteries and keep
one set warm in a pocket, etc., and use the batteries alternately.
Speedlite 380EX cannot be used with an external power source.
Battery Life and Recycling Time
r
Battery Type
No. of Flashes
Recycling Time
Size-AA alkaline batteries
(LR6 or AM-3)
SIze-AA NICd batteries
(KR15orKR51)
The above figures are based on Canon's Standard Test Method with a new set of batteries
260 to 1800
75 to 500
0.1 to 7.5 sec.
0.1 to 4.5 sec.
11
2. Mounting the Speedlite
1
Loosen the locking collar by turning
it as shown by the arrow.
Slip the Speedlite’s mounting foot
on 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 extends
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.)
12
Although the hot shoe on the EOS 650, EOS 620, EOS 750, and EOS 050 does
not have a locking pin hole, Speedlite 380EX can still be mounted on these
cameras.
3. Power Switch
Set the power switch as
follows:
0 :To turn off the power.
1 :To turn on the power. If the
Speedlite is left unused for about
90 sec., it turns off automatically to
save battery power. To turn on the
Speedlite again, press the shutter
button or press the test firing
button.
4. FP Flash Switch
Use this switch to set high
speed sync.
• : For normal sync,
: For high-speed sync.
When Speedlite 380EX is used with a Type-A camera and the switch Is set for high-speed
sync, using a shutter speed faster than the camera's maximum sync speed sets the high
speed sync mode and using a shutter speed slower than the maximum sync speed sets the
normal sync mode.
When a Type-B camera Is used, normal sync mode Is set regardless of this switch's setting.
13
5. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing
^ Set the power switch to I.
The Speedlite starts to recharge. When
recharging is completed, the pilot lamp
lights.
O After the pilot lamp lights, press it
^ to test fire the flash. (The pilot lamp
is also a test firing button.)
The flash cannot be test fired while the exposure setting Is displayed during the
L|1 halfway pressing of the shutter button and the four seconds after the shutter
button is released.
6. Flash Exposure Confirmation
14
The flash confirmation lamp lights for
2 sec. after the flash fires if the correct
flash exposure has been obtained. If
the flash confirmation lamp does not
light after the flash fires, the picture
may have been underexposed. Move
closer to the subject and try again.
7. Flash Coverage
Speedlite 380EX’s flash head zooms automatically to provide adequate
flash coverage for the lens focal length in use. Flash coverage is provided
for 24mm to 105mm focal lengths. The corresponding flash coverage
indicator on the Speediite lights.
When a zoom lens is used, the Speedlite adjusts the flash coverage
automatically whenever the lens is zoomed. The corresponding fiash
coverage indicator iights.
• When the flash coverage changes, the Speedlite's Guide No also changes. See “Guide
No ” on page 44 to see how the Guide No. changes
• If a lens wider than 24mm is used, the light will fallotf at the picture’s periphery.
• Using any lens longer than 100mm lights the 105 flash coverage indicator.
Turn on the camera.
2 Turn on Speedlite 380EX.
O Press the shutter button halfway.
The flash coverage indicator
corresponding to the lens focal
length lights.
I ••
15
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