Canon 430EX User Manual

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL

English

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English

Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.

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The Canon Speedlite 430EX II is a multi-feature flash unit for Canon EOS cameras. It works automatically with E-TTL II, E-TTL, and TTL autoflash systems. It can be used as an on-camera flash or as part of a wireless flash system.

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.

The basic operation is the same as with normal AE shooting.

When the 430EX II is attached to an EOS camera, almost all automatic exposure control for flash photography is handled by the camera.

Although the 430EX II is an external flash unit, it works automatically and seamlessly like the camera’s built-in flash.

It becomes automatically compatible with the camera’s flash

metering mode (E-TTL ll, E-TTL, and TTL).

In accordance with the camera’s flash control system, the Speedlite controls the flash automatically in the respective flash metering mode:

1. E-TTL II autoflash (evaluative flash metering with preflash reading/lens distance information)

2. E-TTL autoflash (evaluative flash metering with preflash reading)

3. TTL autoflash (off-the-film metering for real-time flash metering)

Regarding the camera’s available flash metering modes, refer to the “External Speedlite” specification in the “Specifications” of your camera’s instruction manual.

In the camera instruction manual, cameras having flash metering modes 1 or 2 are called Type-A cameras (compatible with E-TTL II or E-TTL). And cameras having flash metering mode 3 (compatible only with TTL) are Type-B cameras.

* This instruction manual assume that you are using the Speedlite with a Type-A

camera.

For Type-B cameras, see page 37.

Contents

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Getting Started and Basic Operation................................. 7

2 Using Flash ........................................................................ 13

3 Wireless Flash ................................................................... 25

Reference ............................................................................ 32

Conventions Used in this Manual

The operation procedures in this instruction manual assume that both

the camera and Speedlite’s power switches are ON.

Icons used in the text to indicate the respective buttons, dials, and

settings match the same icons found on the camera and Speedlite.

The (4) / (0) / (3) icons indicate that the respective function

remains in effect for 4 sec., 6 sec., or 16 sec. after you let go of the button.

Reference page numbers are indicated by (p.**). This instruction manual uses the following alert symbols:

: Warning to prevent shooting problems.

: Gives supplemental information.

The <9> symbol in the text refers to the +/– button.

The <8> symbol in the text refers to the Select/

Setting button.

Nomenclature

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Flash head

Wireless sensor

Built-in wide panel (retracted) (p.18)

Bracket mounting hole

AF-assist beam emitter (p.23)

Mounting foot (p.9)

Mini stand pocket

Bracket mount cover

Locking pin

Case Mini stand

Contacts

Shoe

LCD panel (p.6)

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* <A> LCD panel illumination/ Custom Function setting button (p.6/21)

<J> Pilot lamp/ Test firing button (p.10)

Flash exposure confirmation lamp (p.11)

<D> Flash mode/Slave setting button (p.11, 19/31)

<9> +/– button

* <8> Select/Setting button

Bounce angle index

<z> Bounce lock release button (p.17)

<E>

High-speed sync (FP flash)/Shutter curtain synchronization button (p.16)

Battery compartment cover (p.8)

<G> Zoom button/Wireless setting button (p.18/26, 29, 30)

Power switch (p.10)

Mounting foot’s lock lever (p.9)

Asterisked buttons have functions which remain active for 8 sec. after you press and let go of the button. The illumination lasts for 12 sec.

Lock-release button (p.9)

LCD Panel

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Manual flash output level Flash exposure compensation amount Max. flash range Aperture Custom Function

<q> Manual flash

<a/b> E-TTL (ll)/TTL autoflash

<f> Flash exposure compensation

<c> High-speed sync (FP flash)

Custom Function

<r> Second-curtain sync

X> Slave flash

<d> Manual zoom

Zoom focal length

<s> Auto zoom for image sensor size

Indicator (meters)

Indicator (feet)

Slave ID

Channel

To illuminate the LCD panel, press the button. The items actually displayed depend on the current settings.

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Getting Started and

Basic Operation

Installing the Batteries ............................................ 8

Attaching and Detaching the Flash......................... 9

Turning on the Power Switch................................ 10

Fully Automatic Flash Shooting............................. 11

Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash in the

Shooting Modes.................................................... 12

Cautions for firing continuous flashes

To avoid overheating and degrading the flash

head, 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 more flashes in short intervals, the inner overheating prevention function may be activated to make the recycling time about 8 to 20 sec. If this occurs, allow a rest time of about 15 min. and the flash will then return to normal.

Installing the Batteries

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Install four size-AA batteries.

Open the cover.

Slide the battery compartment cover

as shown by the arrow and open it.

Install the batteries.

Make sure the + and – battery

contacts are correctly oriented as shown in the battery compartment.

Close the cover.

Close the battery compartment cover

and slide it as shown by the arrow.

Recycling Time and Flash Count

Recycling Time (Approx.) Flash Count (Approx.)

0.1 - 3.0 sec. 200 - 1400

Based on new size-AA alkaline batteries and Canon’s testing standards.

Using size-AA 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 many flashes continuously, be

aware that the batteries might be hot.

Use a new set of four batteries of the same brand. When replacing the

batteries, replace all four at one time.

Size-AA Ni-MH or lithium batteries can also be used.

Attaching and Detaching the Flash

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Attach the Speedlite.

Slip the Speedlite’s mounting foot into

the camera’s hot shoe all the way. (The mounting foot will protrude slightly from the hot shoe.)

Secure the Speedlite.

On the mounting foot, slide the lock

lever to the right.

X When the lock lever clicks in place, it

will be locked.

Detach the Speedlite.

While pressing the lock-release

button, slide the lock lever to the left and detach the Speedlite.

Before attaching or detaching the Speedlite, be sure to turn off the Speedlite.

Turning on the Power Switch

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Set the power switch to <K>.

X The flash recycling starts.

Check that the flash is ready.

When the pilot lamp lights in red, the

flash is ready to fire (fully charged).

To fire a test flash, press the

<J> button.

About Auto Power Off

To save battery power, the power will turn off automatically after a certain period (approx. 1.5 min. to 15 min.) of idle use. To turn on the Speedlite again, press the camera’s shutter button halfway. Or press the Speedlite’s <J> button.

A test firing cannot be fired while the camera’s operation timer 4 or 0

is active.

The Speedlite’s settings will be retained in memory even after the power

is turned off. To retain the Speedlite’s settings after you replace the batteries, turn off the power and replace the batteries within 1 minute.

Fully Automatic Flash Shooting

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When you set the camera’s shooting mode to <V> (Program AE) or (Full Auto), E-TTL II/E-TTL fully automatic flash will make it as easy as normal AE shooting in the <V> and modes.

Set the Speedlite to <a>.

Press the <D> button so that

<a> is displayed.

Maximum effective range

When you press the shutter button

halfway, the maximum effective range (distance) of the flash will be displayed.

Focus the subject.

Press the shutter button halfway to

focu

X The shutter speed and aperture will

be set as displayed in the viewfinder.

Check that the <Q> icon is lit in the

viewfinder.

Take the picture.

When you press the shutter button completely, the flash will fire and the picture will be taken.

X If a standard flash exposure was

obtained, the flash exposure confirmation lamp (green) will light for about 3 sec.

If the lens focal length blinks on the LCD panel, the periphery of the flash picture may turn out dark. Use the built-in wide panel (p.18).

<a> will be displayed on the LCD panel even if the camera is

compatible with E-TTL II.

If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not light, move closer to the

subject and take the picture again. With a digital camera, you can also increase the camera’s ISO speed.

Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash in the Shooting Modes

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Just set the camera’s shooting mode to <X> (shutter-priority AE), <W> (aperture-priority AE), or <q> (manual) and you can use E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash.

Select this mode when you want to set the shutter speed manually. The camera will then automatically set the aperture matching the shutter speed to obtain a standard exposure.

If the aperture display blinks, it means that the background exposure will

be underexposed or overexposed. Adjust the shutter speed until the aperture display stops blinking.

Select this mode when you want to set the aperture manually. The camera will then automatically set the shutter speed matching the aperture to obtain a standard exposure. If the background is dark like a night scene, a slow sync speed will be used to obtain a standard exposure of both the main subject and background. Standard exposure of the main subject is obtained with the flash, while a

standard exposure of the background is obtained with a slow shutter speed.

Since a slow shutter speed will be used for low-light scenes, using a

tripod is recommended.

If the shutter speed display blinks, it means that the background

exposure will be underexposed or overexposed. Adjust the aperture until the shutter speed display stops blinking.

Select this mode if you want to set both the shutter speed and aperture manually.

Standard exposure of the main subject is obtained with the flash. The exposure of the background is obtained with the shutter speed and aperture combination you set.

If you use the <Z> or <Y> shooting mode, the result will be the same as

using the <V> (Program AE) mode.

Flash Sync Speeds and Apertures Used

Shutter Speed Setting Aperture Setting

V Set automatically (1/X sec. - 1/60 sec.) Automatic X Set manually (1/X sec. - 30 sec.) Automatic W Set automatically (1/X sec. - 30 sec.) Manual

q Set manually (1/X sec. - 30 sec., Bulb) Manual

1/X sec. is the camera’s maximum flash sync speed.

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Using Flash

fFlash Exposure Compensation (M) ................. 14

7: FE Lock (M) ................................................. 15

cHigh-Speed Sync (M) ....................................... 16

rSecond-Curtain Sync (M) ............................... 16

Bounce Flash.......................................................... 17

H: Setting the Flash Coverage (M) and

Using the Wide Panel ............................................. 18

q: Manual Flash (M) ........................................... 19

C: Setting Custom Functions (M).................... 21

Auto Zoom for Image Sensor Size ......................... 23

About Color Temperature Information Transmission

About the AF-Assist Beam ..................................... 23

Speedlite Control with the Camera’s Menu

Screen (M) ............................................................ 24

Features with a star cannot be used in Basic Zone modes.

.... 23

fFlash Exposure Compensation

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In the same way as normal exposure compensation, you can set exposure compensation for flash. The flash exposure compensation amount can be set up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments. (If the camera’s exposure compensation is in 1/2-stop increments, flash exposure compensation will be in 1/2-stop increments.)

Press the <8> button until the

<f> icon and compensation amount start blinking.

Set the flash exposure

compensation amount.

Press the <9> button to set the

amount.

To cancel the flash exposure

compensation, set the amount to “+0.”

Press the <8> button.

X Flash exposure compensation will be

set.

If flash exposure compensation has been set with both the Speedlite and camera, the Speedlite’s flash exposure compensation amount will override the camera’s.

Using <9>

This is for setting various numeric settings. Pressing the <6> (plus) button increases the number, while the <5> (minus) button decreases the number.

7: FE Lock

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FE (flash exposure) lock locks the correct flash exposure setting for any part of the scene. With <a> displayed on the LCD panel, you press the camera’s <7> button. If the camera does not have the <7> button, press the button.

Focus the subject.

Press the <7> button. (3)

Aim the subject at the center of the

viewfinder and press the <7> button.

X The Speedlite fires a preflash, then

the required flash output is retained in memory.

X “FEL” will be displayed in the

viewfinder for 0.5 sec.

Each time you press the <7>

button, a preflash will be fired and a new flash exposure reading will be locked.

If the subject is too far away and underexposure will result, the <Q> icon

will blink in the viewfinder. Move closer to the subject and try the FE lock again.

If <a> is not displayed on the LCD panel, FE lock cannot be set. If the target subject is too small in the viewfinder, the FE lock might not

be very effective.

cHigh-Speed Sync

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With high-speed sync (FP flash), the flash can synchronize with all shutter speeds. This is convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash portraits.

Press the <E> button so that <c> is displayed.

Check that the <F> icon is lit in the

viewfinder.

If you set a shutter speed that is the same or slower than the camera’s

maximum flash sync speed, <F> will not be displayed in the viewfinder.

With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the

effective flash range will be. Check the LCD panel for the maximum flash range for the respective shutter speed.

To return to normal flash, press the <E> button so that <c> icon

turns off.

rSecond-Curtain Sync

With a slow shutter speed, you can create a light trail following the subject. The flash fires right before the shutter closes.

Press the <E> button so that <r> is displayed.

Second-curtain sync works well in the camera’s “buLb” mode. To return to normal flash, press the <E> button. The <r> icon will

disappear.

With E-TTL II/E-TTL, when you press the shutter button completely, a

preflash will be fired. Then right before the shutter closes, the main flash is fired.

Bounce Flash

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By pointing the flash head toward a wall or ceiling, the flash will bounce off the surface before illuminating the subject. This can soften shadows behind the subject for a more natural-looking shot. This is called bounce flash.

Set the Bounce Direction

Hold down the <z> button and turn the flash head.

If the flash coverage is set automatically, the flash coverage will be fixed to 50mm. The LCD panel will also display <Zoom Omm>.

You can also set the flash coverage manually. (p.18)

If the wall or ceiling is too far away, the bounced flash might be too weak

and result in underexposure.

The wall or ceiling should be a plain, white color for high reflectance. If

the bounce surface is not white, a color cast may result in the picture.

After you take the shot, if the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not

light, use a larger aperture opening and try again. With a digital camera, you can also increase the ISO speed.

H: Setting the Flash Coverage and Using the Wide Panel

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The flash coverage can be set to match the lens focal length from 24mm to 105mm. The flash coverage can be set automatically or manually. Also, with the built-in wide panel, the flash coverage will be compatible with ultra wide-angle lenses as short as 14mm.

Press the <G> button.

Press the <9> button to change the

flash coverage.

If <d> is not displayed, the flash

coverage will be set automatically.

If you set the flash coverage manually, make sure it covers the lens focal length so that the picture will not have a dark periphery.

Using the Wide Panel

Pull out the wide panel and place it as shown.

The <G> button will not

work.

The flash coverage will not be compatible with the EF15mm f/2.8

Fisheye lens.

For the effective lens focal length (or crop factor), refer to the camera’s

instruction manual.

If you use bounce flash with the wide panel in place, the entire display on

the LCD panel will blink as a warning. Since the subject will be illuminated by both the bounce flash and direct flash, it will look unnatural.

Pull out the wide panel gently. Using excessive force may detach the

wide panel.

q: Manual Flash

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You can set the flash output from 1/64 power to 1/1 full power in 1/3stop increments. Use a hand-held flash meter to determine the required flash output to obtain a correct flash exposure. Setting the camera’s shooting mode to <W> or <q> is recommended.

Press the <D> button so

that <q> is displayed.

Set the flash output.

Press the <8> button.

X The flash output blinks.

Press the <9> button to set the

flash output, then press the <8> button.

Press the shutter button halfway to

see the effective flash range displayed.

Flash Output Display

The manual flash output value will change as shown below when the flash output is decreased or increased.

(Example) Figures for decreased flash output →

1/1 -0.3 1/1 -0.7

1/1

1/2 +0.7 1/2 +0.3 1/4 +0.7 1/4 +0.3 •••

← Figures for increased flash output

1/2 -0.3 1/2 -0.7

1/2

1/4

•••

Metered Manual Flash Exposures

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When the Speedlite is attached to an EOS-1D series camera, you can also set the flash exposure level manually.

1 Set the camera and Speedlite.

Setting the camera’s shooting mode to <W> or <q> is

recommended.

Set the Speedlite’s flash mode to <q> (Manual flash).

2 Focus the subject.

Focus manually.

3 Set up an 18% gray card.

Place the gray card at the subject’s position. In the viewfinder, the entire spot metering circle at the center

should cover the gray card.

4 Press the <7> button. (3)

X The Speedlite will fire a preflash and the required flash output for

the subject is retained in memory.

X On the right side of the viewfinder, the exposure level indicator

will show the flash exposure level for the correct flash exposure.

5 Set the flash exposure level.

Adjust the Speedlite’s manual flash level and the

camera aperture so that the flash exposure level aligns with the standard exposure index.

6 Take the picture.

Remove the gray card and take the picture.

C: Setting Custom Functions

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You can customize Speedlite features to suit your shooting preferences. You do this with Custom Functions.

Custom

Function

No.

C.Fn-00 Distance indicator display

C.Fn-01 Auto power off

C.Fn-02 Modeling flash

C.Fn-07 Test firing with autoflash

C.Fn-08 AF-assist beam firing

C.Fn-09 Auto zoom for sensor size

C.Fn-10 Slave auto power off timer

C.Fn-11 Slave auto power off cancel

C.Fn-14 Flash range/aperture info.

Function

C.Fn-02-1/3: Convenient when you want to use the depth-of-field

preview button to check the depth of field.

C.Fn-08: If the Speedlite or camera’s AF-assist beam is

disabled, the AF-assist beam will not be emitted.

C.Fn-14: You can change the information displayed on the LCD

panel when the shutter button is pressed halfway. This function can be set only with Type-A cameras.

Setting

Settings & Description

No.

0 Meters (m)

1 Feet (ft)

0 Enabled

1Disabled

Enabled (Depth-of-field preview

button)

1 Enabled (Test firing button)

2 Enabled (with both buttons)

3Disabled

01/32

1 Full output

0 Enabled

1Disabled

0 Enabled

1Disabled

060 minutes

110 minutes

0 Within 8 hours

1 Within 1 hour

0 Maximum distance

1 Aperture display

Reference

page

p.10

p.30

p.23

p.28

p.11

Setting Custom Functions

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Press the <A> button for 2 sec. or more so that is displayed.

Select the Custom Function No.

Press the <9> button to select the

Custom Function number.

Change the setting.

Press the <8> button.

X The setting number will blink. X Press the <9> button to set the

desired number, then press the

8> button.

X After you set the Custom Function

and press the < camera will be ready to shoot.

D> button, the

Auto Zoom for Image Sensor Size

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EOS DIGITAL cameras have one of three image sensor sizes. The lens’ effective focal length will differ depending on the camera’s sensor size. The Speedlite automatically recognizes the EOS DIGITAL camera’s sensor size and automatically sets the flash coverage for lens focal lengths from 24mm to 105mm. When the Speedlite is attached to a compatible camera, <s> will appear on the Speedlite’s LCD panel.

About Color Temperature Information Transmission

When the flash fires, the color temperature information is transmitted to the EOS DIGITAL camera. This feature optimizes the flash picture’s white balance. When the camera’s white balance is set to <A> or <Q>, it will work automatically. To see if this feature works with your camera, see the Specifications in your camera’s instruction manual.

About the AF-Assist Beam

Under low-light or low-contrast conditions when autofocus cannot be achieved, the built-in AF-assist beam will be emitted automatically to make it easier to autofocus. The 430EX II’s AF-assist beam is compatible with the AF points of almost all EOS cameras. The AFassist beam is compatible with 28mm and longer lenses. The effective range is shown below.

Position Effective Range (m / ft)

Periphery Approx. 0.7 - 5 / 2.3 - 16.4

Center Approx. 0.7 - 10 / 2.3 - 32.8

Speedlite Control with the Camera’s Menu Screen

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If the Speedlite is attached to an EOS DIGITAL camera enabling External Speedlite control, the camera can set the Speedlite settings.

Setting Speedlite functions

The settable functions will vary depending on the flash metering mode and flash mode.

· Flash mode

· Shutter sync (1st curtain, 2nd curtain, High-speed)

· Flash exposure compensation

· Flash metering mode

· Flash firing

· Zoom (Flash coverage)

· Clear Speedlite settings

Speedlite Custom Functions

· 9 Custom Functions

Clear All Speedlite Custom Functions

Only C.Fn-00 will not be cleared.

Flash function settings screen* Flash C.Fn settings screen*

* The screen may look different depending on the camera.

If flash exposure compensation has already been set with the Speedlite, flash exposure compensation cannot be set with the camera.

If any Speedlite Custom Functions and flash function settings other than flash exposure compensation have been set by both the camera and Speedlite, the latest setting will take effect.

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Wireless Flash

Wireless flash photography requires another Speedlite which can serve as the master unit such as Speedlite 580EX II.

Wireless Flash ...................................................... 26

Setting Manual Flash with the Slave Unit............. 31

Reference

430EX II System................................................... 32

Troubleshooting Guide ......................................... 33

Specifications ....................................................... 35

Using a Type-B Camera ....................................... 37

Wireless Flash

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With multiple Canon Speedlites having the wireless flash feature, you can create various lighting effects with the same ease as using normal E-TTL II autoflash. The settings you input with the master unit attached to the camera are also automatically transmitted to the slave units which are controlled by the master unit via wireless. Therefore, you need not operate the slave unit(s) at all during the shoot. For details on wireless flash photography and operating the master unit, see the master unit’s instruction manual. The procedure below applies to a master unit attached to the camera and slave unit(s) controlled by wireless.

Set the master unit.

Attach the master unit Speedlite to

the camera and set it as necessary.

Set the 430EX II as the slave unit.

Hold down the <G >

button for 2 sec. or more.

Check the communication

channel.

If the master unit and slave unit(s) are

set to a different channel, set them all to the same channel (p.29).

Set the slave ID.

Set the slave ID when using two (A

and B) or three (A, B, and C) slave groups (p.30).

Position the camera and

Speedlites.

Position the slave unit(s) within the

master unit’s wireless transmission range.

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Sample wireless flash setup

Indoors

Set the master unit’s flash mode to <a>.

For shooting, <a> will also be

set automatically for the slave unit(s).

Check that the flash is ready.

When the slave unit(s) is ready to fire

(fully charged), the AF-assist beam will blink at 1-sec. intervals.

Check the flash operation.

Press the master unit’s test firing

button.

X The slave unit will fire. If the flash

does not fire, adjust the slave unit’s angle toward the master unit and distance from the master unit.

Set the camera and shoot.

Set the camera in the same way as

with normal flash shooting.

Outdoors

Master unit such as Speedlite 580EX II

Slave A

(430EX II)

80°

Slave B

(430EX II)

8m (26.2ft.) 12m (39.4ft.)

Use the mini stand (tripod socket provided) to prop up the slave unit.

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Use the bounce feature to swing the slave unit’s flash body so that

the wireless sensor faces the master unit.

Indoors, the wireless signal can also bounce off the wall so there is

more leeway in positioning the slave unit(s).

After positioning the slave unit(s), be sure to test the wireless flash

operation before shooting.

Do not place any obstacles between the master unit and slave

unit(s). Obstacles can block the transmission of wireless signals.

Even with multiple slave units, all of them will be controlled in the same

way via wireless.

The Speedlite’s zoom setting will be set automatically to 24mm. It is

possible to change the master unit’s zoom setting. However, note that the master unit transmits wireless signals to the slave unit(s) with the preflash. Therefore, the flash coverage must cover the slave unit’s position. If you change the master unit’s zoom setting, be sure to test the wireless flash operation before shooting.

If the slave unit’s auto power off takes effect, press the master unit’s test

firing button to turn on the slave unit.

If the 430EX II is set as a slave unit and remains in auto power off mode

for more than 8 hours, it will not turn on even if you try to fire a test flash with the master unit. In this case, press the slave unit’s test firing button to turn it on.

A test flash cannot be fired while the camera’s operation timer 4 or 0

is active.

Using Fully Automatic Wireless Flash

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Flash exposure compensation and other settings set with the master unit will also be automatically set in the slave units. Thus, you need not operate the slave unit(s). Wireless flash with the following settings can be done in the same way as with normal flash shooting.

• Flash exposure compensation • FEB

• High-speed sync (FP flash) • Manual flash

• FE lock • Stroboscopic flash

With FE lock, if even one Speedlite will result in underexposure, the <Q>

icon will blink in the viewfinder. Open the aperture more or move the slave unit closer to the subject.

With a wireless flash system, the master unit’s settings will not be

displayed on the 430EX II’s LCD panel.

Setting the Communication Channel

If there is another Canon wireless flash system nearby, you can change the channel No. to prevent signal confusion. Both the master and slave units must be set to the same channel No.

Press the <G> button

so that <w> blinks.

Set the channel No.

Press the <9> button to select the

channel number, then press the <8> button.

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