Canon 540EZ User Manual

Canon

Thank you for purchasing this Canon product.

The Canon Speedlite 540EZ is a high-performance flash unit designed for use with EOS Series cameras. The 540EZ incorporates a rich selec tion of features, including an auto zoom function, TTL automatic flash exposure control, and powerful light output sufficient for virtually any shooting situation. When used with an EOS camera, the 540EZ is capa ble of everything from simple, automated flash shooting to advanced techniques such as flash exposure compensation, automatic flash control based on user-selected shutter speed and/or aperture settings, manual firing with eight selectable flash output levels, and intricate multiple-flash lighting setups using EOS multi-flash accessories.

• 540EZ Features

(1) A-TTL Automatic Flash Control

A-TTL automatic flash control stands for Advanced Through The Lens automat ic flash control. When used with an EOS camera set to Program AE or Full Auto mode, the camera and flash unit work together to automatically set the appropriate aperture and shutter speed for proper flash exposure for indoor and low-light scenes as well as backlit subjects in daylight.

(2) TTL Automatic Flash Control

TTL automatic flash shooting is possible in other shooting modes such as aper ture-priority AE, shutter-priority AE or manual exposure mode When the 540EZ is combined with aperture-priority AE for an indoor shot or a night scene, the camera automatically sets a slow shutter speed to properly expose the back ground while the flash fires to properly expose the subject.

(3) Three-Zone Flash Metering for Multi-Point Autofocus Systems

When the 540EZ is used with an EOS camera that has multiple focusing points, the flash automatically weights the exposure in the area of the active focusing point using the camera's three-zone fiash metering system

(4) Automatic Flash Exposure Confirmation

After a picture is taken using flash, an LED on the back of the flash unit lights for two seconds to indicate that proper flash exposure was achieved

(5) Auto Zoom

The flash head automatically zooms to set the proper flash coverage angle according to the lens focal length. Settings from 24mm wide-angle to 105mm telephoto are possible with the flash alone, and coverage for ultra-wide-angle lenses down to 18mm is possible using the built-in wide panel The flash cover age angle can also be set manually to any desired position

(6) Flash Exposure Compensation

The 540EZ allows the flash exposure to be adjusted independently of the cam

era, providing a compensation range of ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments.

(7) Manual Flash Control at Eight Output Levels

The flash output can be set manually to any of eight power levels, from full (1/1)

power to 1/128 power.

(8) Bounce Flash

The flash head can be tilted upward or can be surveled to the right or left for bouncing the flash off of nearby surfaces such as a ceiling or wall to create a

softer lighting effect. The flash head can also be tilted 7” downward for close-up shots.

(9) AF Auxiliary Light Corresponding to Five Focusing Points

The built-in AF auxiliary light automatically fires in low-light and low-contrast sit

uations to aid the camera’s autofocus system. When combined with the EOS-1 N, the AF auxiliary light emission automatically corresponds to the camera's

five autofocusing points.

(10) Stroboscopic Flash

The 540EZ can be set to automatically fire several flash bursts during a single exposure, creating a stroboscopic effect that records the flow of subject move ment. The stroboscopic firing speed can be freely set to frequencies as fast as

100 bursts per second.

(11) Flash Sync Timing

The sync timing can be set to either first-curtain sync, which fires the flash as soon as the shutter is fully opened, or second-curtain sync, which fires the flash immediately before the shutter closes

(12) SE (Save Energy) Function

When the flash is set to SE mode, the power automatically turns off after 90 seconds of non-operation in order to conserve battery power

(13) Rich Selection of External Power Supplies

Three types of external power supplies are available, including the Compact Battery Pack E.

(14) System Accessories for Professional Flash Lighting Techniques

Canon's line of dedicated flash accessories include the Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 for separating the flash from the camera, as well as adapters and cords for con figuring elaborate multiple-flash setups. Even when using more than one flash, the flash exposure can be controlled automatically by the EOS TTL system

♦ The instructions in this manual assume use with the EOS-1 N camera. ♦ Flash functions and the information displayed in the LCD panel may differ when

used with other EOS cameras.

♦ When the 540EZ is used with a camera set to Full-Auto mode or a

Programmed Image Control (PIC) mode, all flash functions are controlled by the camera and function settings on the flash unit itself are canceled

Precautions

Contents

(1) The 540EZ contains high-voltage

circuits. Do not attempt to disassem

ble the flash unit yourself. Always fake it to an authorized Canon ser vice facility for repair.

(2) The 540EZ is not resistant to water

and should not be used outdoors in

snow or rain If momentarily

exposed to snow, rain or water

spray, immediately wipe water drops

from the flash unit's surface with a

dry cloth.

(3) Always slide the 540EZ's power

switch to the OFF position after use

If left on, the flash circuitry will drain

the battery power.

(4) Be sure to keep the 540EZ out of

direct sunlight, and away from “hot

spots" such as the trunk or rear win

dow shelf of a car Extended expo

sure to high temperatures can

cause the flash unit to malfunction.

• Throughout this manual special pre cautions relating to the various flash unit operations are enclosed in boxes marked with the following symbols.

^ ; Cautionary measures to

ensure proper use and pre vent undesired results or mal function.

[J] : Reference information for

helping you gain maximum functionality from the 540EZ.

iijc ; Helpful hints for using the

540EZ productively and with maximum efficiency.

1. Preparations for

Use

II. Changing the

Flash Settings

Basic Flash Operation

IV. Flash Operation

in Various Shooting Modes

V. Advanced Flash

Techniques

VI. Canon Speedlite

540E2 System

Nomenclature

1. Loading the Batteries.........................5

2. Using an External Power Supply

3. Mounting the Flash

4. Setting the Main Switch

1. Flash Coverage Angle [Zoom Button) and Use of the Wide Panel

• Automatic Zoom Operation

• Manual Zoom Operation

• Using the Wide Panel....................9

1. Fully Automatic Flash Oparalion

• Fill-in Flash For Bright Outdoor

1. Manual Exposure Mode

2. Aperlure-priorilyAEMode

3. Shutter-priority AE Mode

Flash Exposure Compensation

1. Manual Rash Shc>oting

2. Stroboscopic Flash

• Setting the Firing Frequency, No. of 6.

• Taking Pictures with Stroboscopic

• Maximum No. of Confinuous Flash

• External Power Supplies

• Multiple Flash Accessories

Troubleshooting...............

Specifications. .......................29

.........

....

.......................

Scenes...........................................12

...........................

Bursts, and Power Level

Flash.............................................

Bursts

...........................................

.......................28

........

.....................

..................

...........

...............

.........

..................

.................

........

..................

..............

................

.........

13 14 15

5. Ready Lamp and Test Firing

6. Recycle Time

6 6 7

8 8 9

.17 .18 .19 5.

.20

.20 Example

;21

„27

.27 EOS Cameras

• Normal Firing.................................8

• Quick Firing....................................8

2. Flash Mode Button...................................10

3. Film Speed Setting

4. Display Panel Illumination

5. AFAuxiliaryLight

4. Slow Synchro Photography.................16

4. Bounce Flash............................

• Catchlight Photography...................23

Close-up Flash Photography............

Second-Curtain Synchronization

7. Multiple Flash Setups

• Multiple Flash Connecilon

• 540EZ Functions When Used In A Multiple Flash Conti gura lion

540EZ Function Chart For

• Exposure Warnings

.....................................

.........................

.......

.......................................

..............

...............

.......................

........

................

.......................

.....

......

7 8

10 10

.22

.24 .24 .25

.25

.26

.31

„31

Nomenclature

I Front View

- Built-in Wide Panel

Baltery Cover

External Power (with cover)

Lock Nut

Sync Timing Buttons

’ A “m/ft" switch is located inside the bat

tery chamber Use this switch to change the coupling range display units to meters or feet as desired.

Direct-Coupled

Contacts

• Rear View

■ Up/Down Bounce Latch

LCD Panel

Select/Set Button

' Zoom Button

Main Switch

0 Power Off

1 : Power On

SE : Save Energy

Position

• LCD Panel

Flash Exposure Compensation Indicator

A-TTL, TTL Automatic Flash Mode Indicator

Manual Flash Mode Indicator

Multiple (Stroboscopic) Flash Mode Indicator

Coupling Range Distance Scale

Manual Zoom Indicator

No of Stroboscopic Aperture Value/Slroboscopic ' Flash Bursts Flash Frequency

Flash Exposure Compensation AmounL/Manual Flash Power Level

Zoom - Focal Length

Indicator

Bounce Flash Indicator

• Up/Left/Right

Bounce Indicator

4 Catchlight Setting

Indicator

♦i 7' Down Indicator

Second-Curtain Sync Indicator

I. Preparations for Use

1. Loading the Batteries

The 540EZ uses four AA-size batteries. Use either of the following battery types:

(1) Four AA-size alkaline-manganese batteries (LR6/AM-3)

(2) Four AA-size Ni-Cd batteries (KR15/51)

"I Open the battery cover by

sliding it downward slightly and then swinging it outward.

2 Load the batteries with their -h

and - ends oriented as shown in the diagram inside the bat tery chamber.

3 Close the battery cover.

Battery Notes

• Use four new batteries of the same type, and always replace all four batteries at the same time

• AA-sIze manganese batteries (R6/UM-3) can also be used, but will provide fewer flashes than alkaline-manganese or Ni-Cd batteries.

• The terminals of some AA-size Ni-Cd batteries are of different shape than stan dard AA-size batteries. Make sure the batteries are usable before purchasing.

• When you will not use the flash for a long period of time, be sure to remove the

batteries and store them separately.

• In cold environments, prepare two sets of fully-charged Ni-Cd batteries and keep one set in a warm location such as an inside pocket When the set in the flash becomes weak, exchange it with the warm set. The weak set can be used again

later after it returns to a warmer temperature.

• Dirty battery contacts can prevent the flow of electrical power to the flash circuit

ry. To prevent corrosion and dirt built-up, wipe the contacts with a clean cloth each time you exchange the batteries

• AA-size lithium batteries (FR6) can also be used in the 540EZ.

Battery Life and Recycle Time:

Battery type

AA-size alkaline-manganese (LR6/AM-3) AA-size Ni-Cd (KR15/51)

■ In the battery life column, figures on the right indicate the number of bursts in A-TTL mode, and figures on the left indicate the number of bursts in manual full-power (1/1) mode.

• In the recycle time columns, figures on the left indicate the recycle time in A-TTL mode, and figures on the right indicate the recycle time in manual full-power (1/1) mode

■ When using an external power source with the 540EZ, note the following cautions The battery life will depend on the batteries installed in the 540EZ and not on the external power supply.

Battery life

(No. of bursts)

100-700

45-300 0 2 - appx 1.5

Recycle tirrte (seconds)

Quick flash Normal flash

0 2 - appx 2 02 - 13

0-2 - 7

Use of internal batteries with an external power supply—

• Batteries must be loaded in the flash unit even when using an external power supply in order to supply power to the flash circuitry Make sure batteries are loaded in the flash unit at all times during use.

• When using an external power supply, both the internal batteries and the exter nal power supply are used for flash charging. Accordingly, it is possible that the internal batteries will become exhausted before the external power supply bat tery. Be sure to always carry a spare set of AA-size batteries for the flash unit

2. Using an External Power Supply

The following external power supplies are available for the 540EZ. For details on use, read the instructions provided with the power supply. (1) Compact Battery Pack E

• This external battery pack uses six AA-size alkaline-manganese (LR6/AM-3) or Ni-Cd batteries.

(2) Transistor Pack E

• This external battery pack uses the Canon Battery Magazine TP, which holds six C-size alkaline-manganese batteries (LR14/AM-2)

• The Ni-Cd Pack TP can also be used.

Canon recommends that AA-size lithium batteries not be used in this product since its initial high voltage may cause damage to the product. Canon recommends the use of Canon-dedicated power packs. Using a nonCanon power pack may cause damage to SPEEDLITE 540EZ.

3. Mounting the Flash

Turn the lock nut several times In the direction of the arrow to loosen.

Slide the flash unit’s mounting foot fully Into the camera’s accessory shoe until it stops.

Turn the lock nut in the oppo site direction to secure the flash firmly to the accessory shoe. (The lock pin protrudes from the bottom of the foot to lock the flash in place.)

• To remove the flash, loosen the lock nut by turning it ali the way until it stops, then slide the mounting foot out of the acces sory shoe.

Even though lock pin holes are not provided on the EOS 650, EOS 620, EOS 750 or EOS 850, the 540EZ can be mounted without any problem.

4. Setting the Main Switch

The main switch as three setting positions, as described below.

0 : Turns the power off.

1 : Turns the power on. The power is

always on when the switch is set to this position

SE : Turns the power on and activates

the SE (Save Energy) function. The SE function automatically turns off the power after 90 sec onds of non-operation to prevent unnecessary battery consump tion. The LCD panel display also goes off when the SE function activates. The power comes back on when the camera’s shutter button is pressed halfway or the test firing button is pressed.

If the main switch is set to the SE oosition when using the Command Back Et's interval timer function, power to the flash is automatically turned on one minute before the picture is taken.

Mode Memory Function When the power is turned off, the 540EZ's mode memory function automatically memorizes all of the flash unit's settings including the flash mode, zoom position and flash exposure compensation level. When you turn the flash back on, all of the settings are automatically restored to the same state you left them in. To make sure the mode memory function holds the flash settings in memory when you exchange batteries, first turn off the main switches on both the flash and camera, then exchange the batteries quickly by loading the new batteries within one minute after removing the old batteries.

5. Ready Lamp and Test Firing

Turn on the power by setting

MODE + — SEL/SET ZOOM

the flash unit’s main switch to the I position.

• The flash unit starts charging. When fully charged, the ready

lamp lights up

MODE * — SEUSET ZOOM

Q<ra>

Test firing is not possible while the camera's metering timer is activated after pressing the shutter button halfway.

O-S I rSE

(^m

2 After the ready lamp lights,

press the ready lamp (also

used as the test firing button)

to make sure the flash fires.

6. Recycle Time

Short recycle times are invaluable in fast-changing situations where quick shooting is necessary. For this purpose, the 540EZ provides a quick firing mode in addition to its normal, full-power firing mode. In quick firing mode, the flash can be fired before it is fully charged to provide fast recy cle times. You can tell whether the flash is operating in normal firing mode or quick firing mode by the color of the ready lamp, as described below.

• For details on recycle times and guide numbers in normal and quick firing modes, refer to page n in the Specifications section.

• Normal firing

Normal, full-charge firing is possible when the ready lamp lights red.

• Quick firing

When the A-TTL mode is set and the camera is set to single-frame shooting, the pilot lamp turns green and quick firing is enabled.

What is a guide number? The guide number of a flash unit is a numerical indicator of its light output capaci ty. The appropriate shooting distance or lens aperture required for proper flash exposure can be calculated from the guide number using the following formulas:

Guide number -r- shooting distance (m) = proper aperture value Max, shooting distance = guide number largest lens aperture

• The film speed is usually assumed to be ISO 100 when stating guide numbers. At different film speeds, the guide number increases or decreases accordingly.

. Changing the Flash Settings

1. Flash Coverage Angle (Zoom Button)

and Use of the Wide Panel

The 540EZ incorporates an auto zoom function which automaticaiiy sets the fiash coverage angie to match the focai iength of the lens mounted on the camera. Coverage angles are available for focal lengths ranging from

24mm to 105mm, and the coverage angle automatically changes when the lens is zoomed. The flash coverage angle can be set either automatically or manually. Moreover, a built-in wide panel provides coverage for super-

wide-angle focal lengths as short as 18mm.

• When the flash coverage angle is changed, the guide number also changes. The relationship between the flash coverage angle and the guide number is shown on page n in the Specifications section

• The lens focal length corresponding to the currently set flash coverage angle is

displayed in the LCD panel,

• Auto Zoom Operation

The flash coverage angle is automatically set according to the focal length of the lens mounted on the camera, and the setting is displayed in the LCD panel. Also, when a zoom lens is used, the flash coverage angle automatically changes when the lens is zoomed, and the new setting is displayed in the LCD panel.

■| Turn on the power to the cam

ATTL Zoom 5u r

— SEUSET ZOOM

inirCTIlOin)

era.

p Turn on the power to the

540EZ.

• If SlZoom is displayed in the LCD panel, press the zoom but ton until only “ZOOM" is dis played.

When the camera’s shutter button is pressed halfway, the setting cor responding to the focal length of the lens in use is displayed in the LCD panel.

• Manual Zoom Operation

To set the flash coverage angle manually, press the zoom button. When the zoom button is pressed, the manual zoom indicator El zoom and the ZOOM indicator both appear in the display. Each press of the zoom button changes the coverage angle in the following cycle:

OZoom mm —> dZoom ^6 mm

Zoom (automatic <-

setting mm)

Be careful to select a setting that is equal to or less than the focal length of the lens mounted on the camera. If you select a setting that is larger than the focal length of the lens, the resulting photograph will be dark around the edges.

] Zoom iu5 mm

ElZoom 95 mm—^ El Zoom 5umm EIZoom Bumm^—ElZoom 1u mm

•

• Using the Wide Panel

By pulling out the wide panel and letting it swing down to cover the front of the flash head as shown in the diagram, the flash can be used to cover super-wide-angle focal lengths as short as 18mm.

• The zoom button does not function when the wide panel is in use.

• The wide panei shouid oniy be used when the fiash head is in the normal (straight ahead) or 7° downward position

Warning Indication

If the flash head is set to a bounce position while the wide panel is being used, both bounced flash and direct flash may illuminate the subject, creating an unnatural effect. If this occurs, the entire LCD panel blinks as a warning to retract the wide panel.

Be careful not to use excessive force when pulling out the wide panel.

If the wide panel accidentally breaks loose from the flash unit, you will not be able to operate the zoom button. If this occurs, operation of the zoom button can be restored using the following procedure:

While simultaneously pressing both the flash mode button and the zoom button, slide the main switch from

O to I , and then to the SE

position.

This will restore the zoom buttoh operation, but the bounce indicator will continue to blink in the display. To repair the wide panel, take the flash to your nearest Canon

(Display after zoom operation is restored.)

service station.

2. Flash Mode Button

The Speedlite 540EZ has three firing modes: A-TTL/TTL automat ic flash mode, Manual (M) flash mode, and Stroboscopic (MULTI)

flash mode. You can select the

desired mode by pressing the

flash mode button. Each press of

the flash mode button changes

the flash mode in the following

cycle:

A-TTl/TTL M (Manual flash) MULTI (Stroboscopic Hash)

□

A-TTL is automatically set when the camera is set to Full Auto mode, a

Programmed Image Control (PIC) mode. Program AE mode, or DEP mode. TTL is automatically set in other camera shooting modes. When the flash head is set to a bounce position other than the 7° downward posi tion, the flash mode is set to TTL regardless of the camera shooting mode.

3. Film Speed Setting

The film speed is set automatically according to the film speed set on the camera. No setting is required on the flash unit.

+ 40 hidden pages