Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT User Guide

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

Introduction

The Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT/430EX III is an EOS-dedicated external Speedlite, compatible with E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash systems. The Speedlite can be used as an on-camera flash that attaches to the hot shoe of the camera (normal shooting), as a master unit or slave unit (430EX III-RT only) during radio transmission wireless flash shooting, and as a slave unit (430EX III-RT/430EX III) during optical transmission wireless flash shooting.

Wireless Flash Shooting 430EX III-RT 430EX III

Radio transmission wireless function

Optical transmission wireless function

Before Starting to Shoot, Be Sure to Read the Following

To avoid botched pictures and accidents, first read the “Safety Precautions” (pages 8-9).

Read This Instruction Manual While Also Referring to Your Camera’s Instruction Manual

Before using the product, read this instruction manual and your camera’s instruction manual to familiarize yourself with their operations.

Using the Speedlite with a Camera

Using with an EOS DIGITAL camera (Type-A camera)

You can use the Speedlite for easy flash shooting by autoflash control in the same way as a camera’s built-in flash.

Using with an EOS film camera

An EOS camera with E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash metering

system (Type-A camera)

You can use the Speedlite for easy flash shooting by autoflash control in the same way as a camera’s built-in flash.

An EOS camera with TTL autoflash metering system (Type-B

camera)

See page 102.

* This instruction manual assumes that the Speedlite is used with a

Typ e -A ca m e ra.

Master k –

Slave k –

Master – –

Slave k k

Chapters

Introduction

Getting Started and Basic Operations

Preparing for flash shooting and basic flash shooting

Advanced Flash Photography

Advanced shooting utilizing the flash shooting functions

Setting Flash Functions with Camera Operations

Setting the flash functions from the camera’s menu screen

Wireless Flash Photography: Radio Transmission

Wireless (master/slave) flash shooting using radio transmission

Wireless Flash Photography: Optical Transmission

Wireless (slave) flash shooting using optical transmission

Customizing the Speedlite

Customizing with Custom Functions and Personal Functions

Reference

System map, Troubleshooting guide, Using with a type-B camera

When using a “Speedlite 430EX III”, which is not equipped with the radio transmission function, the wireless flash shooting described in Chapter 4 is not available. To shoot with the optical transmission wireless

flash using the slave function, see Chapter 5.

Conventions Used in this Manual

Icons in this Manual

9 : Indicates the Select dial. <H> <E>: <

<O> buttons of the cross keys. 8 : Indicates the Select/Set button.

p/2 : Indicates that the respective function remains

(p.**) : Reference page numbers for more information.

M : M shown on the upper right of the page title

Basic Assumptions

The operation procedures assume that both the Speedlite and the

camera’s power switches are set to ON.

The icons used for buttons, dials, and symbols in the text match the

icons found on the Speedlite and the camera.

The selection operation performed when setting a function basically

describes selecting a function by turning <9>. A selection can also be made by pressing the top, bottom, left, and right (<H> <E> <O> buttons) of the <

When you want to end function setup, press the <0> 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.

All figures are based on the use of four AA/LR6 alkaline batteries

and Canon’s testing standards.

The explanations use Speedlite 430EX III-RT illustrations.

S> Indicates the top, bottom, left, and right

active for approx. 12 sec. or 16 sec. after you let go of the button.

: Warning to prevent shooting problems. : Supplemental information.

indicates that the function is performed when the camera’s shooting mode is set to <d>, <s>, <f>, <a>, or <F> (Creative Zone mode).

S> cross keys.

Introduction 2

Chapters .......................................................................................... 3

Conventions Used in this Manual .................................................... 4

Index to Features..............................................................................7

Safety Precautions............................................................................8

Nomenclature..................................................................................10

Accessories provided...................................................................14

Getting Started and Basic Operations 15

Installing the Batteries.....................................................................16

Attaching and Detaching the Speedlite to and from the Camera....17

Turning on the Power......................................................................18

a: Fully Automatic Flash Photography ...................................20

E-TTL II/E-TTL Autoflash by Shooting Mode ..................................21

Advanced Flash Photography 23

f Flash Exposure Compensation .................................................24

7: FE Lock...................................................................................25

c High-speed Sync........................................................................26

r Second-curtain Sync ...............................................................27

m Bounce.....................................................................................28

Catchlight Shooting......................................................................29

q Bounce Adapter ...................................................................30

e: Setting the Flash Coverage ................................................32

Wide Panel...................................................................................33

q: Manual Flash............................................................................34

Modeling Flash................................................................................36

o Color Filter ...............................................................................37

Clearing Speedlite Settings.............................................................38

Setting Flash Functions with Camera Operations 39

Flash Control from the Camera’s Menu Screen..............................40

Contents

Wireless Flash Photography: Radio Transmission 45

' Radio Transmission Wireless Flash Shooting ........................... 46

Wireless Settings............................................................................ 50

a: Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Shooting.......................... 55

5: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with Flash Ratio............... 59

q: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with Manual Output ............. 62

[: Shooting in a Different Flash Mode for Each Group................ 63

Test Flash and Modeling Flash with a Slave Unit .......................... 65

Remote Release from a Slave Unit................................................ 66

Linked Shooting with Radio Transmission ..................................... 67

Wireless Flash Photography: Optical Transmission 71

: Optical Transmission Wireless Flash Shooting....................... 72

Wireless Settings............................................................................ 73

a: Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Shooting.......................... 75

A Manual Flash Setting on a Slave Unit .............................. 78

Customizing the Speedlite 79

C / >: Setting Custom and Personal Functions................... 80

C: Setting Custom Functions.................................................... 83

>: Setting Personal Functions................................................... 86

Reference 89

430EX III-RT/430EX III System...................................................... 90

f Flash Firing Restriction due to Temperature Increase ............. 92

Troubleshooting Guide................................................................... 94

Specifications ................................................................................. 98

Using with a Type-B Camera ....................................................... 102

Radio Transmission Wireless Function........................................ 103

Index............................................................................................. 106

Index to Features

Power Source

Batteries Î p.16

Firing interval/

frequency Î p.16

Power ON/OFF Î p.18

Flash ready Î p.18

Quick flash Î p.18

Auto power off Î p.18

Operations

Attaching and detaching

the Speedlite Î p.17

Lock function Î p.19

LCD panel illumination Î p.19

Normal Shooting

Full auto (E-TTL) Î p.20

Autoflash by shooting

mode Î p.21

Manual flash Î p.34

Functions

Flash exposure

compensation Î p.24

FE lock Î p.25

High-speed sync Î p.26

Second-curtain sync Î p.27

Modeling flash Î p.36

AF-assist beam Î p.22

Flash coverage Î p.32

• Wide panel Î p.33

Bounce Î p.28

• Catchlight Î p.29

• Adapter Î p.30

Color filter Î p.37

Clearing settings

(Reverting to defaults) Î p.38

Flash function settings Î p.39

Flash firing restriction Î p.92

Typ e-B c am e ra Î p.102

Radio Transmission Wireless Flash Photography

Full auto Î p.55

Manual flash Î p.62

Group flash Î p.63

Test flash/Modeling flash Î p.65

Remote release Î p.66

Linked shooting Î p.67

Memory function Î p.54

Optical Transmission Wireless Flash Photography

Full auto Î p.75

Memory function Î p.74

Individual slave Î p.78

Customization

Custom Functions (C.Fn) Î p.83

Personal Functions (P.Fn)Î p.86

Clear all Î p.82

Safety Precautions

The following precautions are provided to prevent harm or injury to yourself and others. Make sure to thoroughly understand and follow these precautions before using the product.

If you experience any malfunctions, problems, or damage to the product, contact the nearest Canon Service Center or the dealer from whom you purchased the product.

Warnings:

To prevent fire, excessive heat, chemical leakage, explosions, and electrical shock,

follow the safeguards below:

• Do not insert any foreign metallic objects into the electrical contacts of the product, accessories, connecting cables, etc.

• Do not use any batteries, power sources, or accessories not specified in the Instruction Manual. Do not use any deformed or modified batteries.

• Do not short-circuit, disassemble, or modify the product or batteries. Do not apply heat or solder to the battery. Do not expose the battery to fire or water. Do not subject the battery to strong physical shock.

• Do not insert the battery’s plus and minus ends incorrectly, or mix new batteries with used ones or batteries of different type.

Do not use the product in locations where there is flammable gas. This is to prevent

an explosion or a fire.

Do not fire the flash at anyone driving a car or other vehicle. It may cause an

accident.

Do not disassemble or modify the equipment. High-voltage internal parts can cause

electrical shock.

If you drop the equipment and the casing breaks open to expose the internal parts,

do not touch the internal parts. There is a possibility of an electrical shock.

Do not store the product in dusty or humid places or location with lots of oil smoke.

This is to prevent a fire or electrical shock.

Before using this product inside an airplane or hospital, check if it is allowed.

Electromagnetic waves emitted by the product may interfere with the plane’s instruments or the hospital’s medical equipment.

If the battery leaks, changes color, deforms, or emits smoke or fumes, remove it

immediately. Be careful not to get burned in the process. It may cause a fire, electrical shock or skin burn if you keep using it.

Keep the battery and other accessories out of the reach of children and infants. If a

child or infant swallows a battery or accessory, consult a physician immediately. (Battery chemicals may harm the stomach and intestines.)

Be careful not to get the product wet. If you drop the product in the water or if water

or metal get inside the product, promptly remove the battery. This is to prevent a fire and an electrical shock. Do not cover or wrap the product with a cloth. Doing so may trap heat within and cause the casing to deform or catch fire.

Follow the warnings below. Otherwise, death or serious injuries may result.

Safety Precautions

Keep the equipment out of the reach of children and infants, including when in use.

Straps or cords may accidentally cause choking, electrical shock, or injury. Choking or injury may also occur if a child or infant accidentally swallows a part or accessory. If a child or infant swallows a part or accessory, consult a physician immediately.

When the equipment is not in use, make sure to remove the battery, and disconnect

the external power source and cable from the equipment before storing. This is to prevent electrical shock, excessive heat, fire, or corrosion.

Prevent any battery leakage from contacting your eyes, skin, and clothing. It can

cause blindness or skin problems. If the battery leakage contacts your eyes, skin, or clothing, flush the affected area with lots of clean water without rubbing it. See a physician immediately.

Do not use paint thinner, benzene, or other organic solvents to clean the product.

Doing so may cause fire or a health hazard.

Do not fire the flash near a person’s eyes. It may impair the person’s vision. When

using flash to photograph an infant, keep at least 1 meter/3.3 feet away.

Cautions:

When the product is not in use for a prolonged period, make sure to remove the

battery before storing. This is to prevent malfunction or corrosion.

When disposing of a battery, insulate the electrical contacts with tape to prevent

contact with other metallic objects or batteries. This is to prevent a fire or an explosion.

Do not use, store, or leave the product in a vehicle in the direct sunlight or with

interior of a high-temperature, or near a high-temperature object. The product may become hot and cause skin burns if touched. Doing so may also cause battery heat generation, breakage, leakage, and the like.

Do not fire the flash with the flash head (light-emitting unit) contacted a human body

or any object. Doing so may result in the risk of burn and fire.

Do not leave the product in a low-temperature environment for an extended period of

time. The product will become cold and may cause injury when touched.

Do not directly touch any part of the product that becomes hot. Long contact on the

skin may result in low temperature contact burns.

If you replace the batteries after continually firing, the batteries may be hot. Be

careful not to get burned in the process. It may cause a skin burn.

Follow the cautions below. Otherwise physical injury or property damage may result.

Nomenclature

Flash head (Light-emitting unit)

Bounce adapter detector

Color filter detector

Optical transmission wireless sensor

Mounting foot (p.17)

Catchlight panel (retracted) (p.29)

Wide panel (retracted) (p.33)

AF-assist beam emitter (p.22)

Locking pin

Contacts

Color filter attachment (p.37)

Nomenclature

Bounce angle index (p.28)

<D> Radio transmission confirmation lamp* (p.53, 56)

LCD panel

<1> Sub-menu button (p.38, 52, 54, 74, 80)

<Q> Flash-ready lamp/ Test flash button (p.18, 56)

<0> Back button (p.4)

Mounting foot lock lever (p.17)

Lock-release button (p.17)

<S> Cross keys

<H> Zoom button (p.32) <E> Flash mode button (p.20, 34, 63) Wireless/Linked shooting setting

<O> Flash exposure compensation/

* Not available with Speedlite 430EX III.

Bounce adapter attachment (p.30)

<z> Bounce lock release button (p.28)

Battery compartment cover (p.16)

Power switch (p.18) <K>:Power on <a>: Button/Dial lock

(Power on)

<J>:Power off

<9> Select Dial

<8> Select/Set button

button (p.50, 73/68)

Flash output setting button (p.24/34)

Nomenclature

LCD Panel

E-TTL II/E-TTL Autoflash (p.21)

: First-curtain sync

(Normal shooting) (p.42)

: Second-curtain sync

(p.27, 42)

: High-speed sync (p.26, 42)

: E-TTL II/E-TTL

autoflash

: Standard

: Guide number

priority (p.85)

: Even coverage

(p.85)

: Bounce (p.28)

: Bounce adapter attached (p.30)

: Color filter attached (p.37)

: Temperature increase (flash

restriction/p.92)

: Flash exposure compensation (p.24, 42)

: Charge indicator (p.18)

: Automatic

: Manual (p.32)

: Zoom display (p.32)

: Wide panel + bounce

Effective flash range/ Shooting distance (p.20/34)

warning

: Outside of flash

coverage warning

Flash coverage (focal length/p.32)

Flash exposure compensation amount

Flash exposure level

: Aperture (p.34)

: Meters

: Feet

Manual Flash (p.34)

: Manual flash

Manual flash output

Manual flash level

The displays shown are examples. The display will show only the

settings currently applied.

When a button or dial is operated, the LCD panel illuminates (p.19). With <[> group flash (p.13), select the flash mode from <Q>,

<R>, < > (auto external flash), and < >.

Nomenclature

Radio Transmission Wireless Shooting/ Optical Transmission Wireless Shooting

(p.45/71)

Radio transmission wireless: Master unit (430EX III-RT only)

Flash mode

: E-TTL II/E-TTL

autoflash

: Manual flash

: Group flash

[

: Master flash

firing ON

: Master flash

firing OFF

: Transmission

)

channel automatic setting

: Transmission channel

: Radio transmission wireless shooting

Slave flash ready

Wireless radio ID

: Master setting

: Master unit/

Slave unit charge status

: Sync speed

warning

Firing group control

Flash ratio

Radio/Optical transmission wireless: Slave unit

: Slave setting

: Radio

transmission wireless shooting

: Optical

transmission wireless shooting

: Slave icon

Firing group

x (

Individual slave (: only)

: Test flash

only)

(

: Remote release

(

only)

: Modeling flash

(

only)

Radio Transmission: Linked Shooting (430EX III-RT only/p.67)

Linked shooting

: Master setting

: Slave setting

Release

Nomenclature

Accessories provided (Common to 430EX III-RT/430EX III)

Mini stand pocket

Speedlite case

Bounce adapter

SBA-E2

(p.30)

Color filter SCF-E2

(p.37)

Shoe

Mini stand

(p.47, 72)

Bounce adapter/

color filter case

Getting Started and

Basic Operations

This chapter describes the preparations before starting flash photography and the basic shooting operations.

Cautions for firing continuous flash

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 20 continuous flashes, and then fire the flash

again repeatedly with short intervals, the safety function may activate and restrict flash firing. While flash firing is restricted, the firing interval is automatically set to approx. 8 to 25 sec. If this happens, allow a rest time of at least 20 to 30 min.

For details, see “Flash Firing Restriction due to Temperature

Increase” on page 92.

Installing the Batteries

Install four AA/R6 batteries for power supply.

Open the cover.

Slide the battery compartment cover

down, then open the battery compartment cover.

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 up by following the procedure of step 1 in reverse.

Firing Interval and Number of Flashes

Firing Interval

Quick Flash Normal Flash

Approx. 0.1 to 2.5 sec. Approx. 0.1 to 3.5 sec. Approx. 180 to 1200 times

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.18).

CAUTION

Do not use AA/R6 lithium batteries.

Note that certain AA/R6 lithium batteries may become extremely hot in rare cases during usage. Due to safety reasons, do not use “AA/R6 lithium batteries”.

When continually firing, do not touch the flash head, batteries, or the

area near the battery compartment.

When continuous flash or modeling flash is repeatedly fired with short intervals, do not touch the flash head, battery, or the area near the battery compartment. The flash head, batteries, and area near the battery compartment become hot, resulting in the risk of burn.

Do not use the Speedlite while touching the same part for a long period of time.

Even if the product does not feel too hot, prolonged contact with the same body part may cause skin redness, blistering or low-temperature contact burns. Using a tripod is recommended for people with circulation problems or very sensitive skin, or when using the product in very hot places.

Number of Flashes

Attaching and Detaching the Speedlite to and from the Camera

Using AA/R6 batteries other than the alkaline type may cause contact failure due to the irregular shape of the battery contacts.

When <!> is displayed or the LCD panel display turns off during

recycling, 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/HR6 Ni-MH batteries can also be used.

Attaching and Detaching the Speedlite to and from the Camera

Attach the Speedlite.

Slip the Speedlite’s mounting foot all

the way into the camera’s hot shoe.

Secure the Speedlite.

Slide the mounting foot lock lever to

the right.

X When the lock lever clicks in place, it

is locked.

Detach the Speedlite.

While pressing the lock-release

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

Be sure to turn off the Speedlite before attaching or detaching it.

Turning on the Power

Set the power switch to <K>.

X The flash recycling starts. X During recycling, <G> is

displayed on the LCD panel. When flash recycling is complete, this indicator disappears.

Check that the flash is ready.

The status of the flash-ready lamp

changes from off to green (Quick flash ready) to red (fully charged).

You can press the test flash button

(flash-ready lamp) to fire a test flash.

Quick Flash

The Quick flash function enables flash shooting when the flash-ready lamp is lit green (before the flash is fully charged). Quick flash is available regardless of the camera’s drive mode setting. The flash output will be approx. 1/2 to 1/3 of the full output, but it is effective for shooting with a shorter firing interval. During manual flash shooting, this function is available when the flash output is set to 1/4 to 1/128. Note that you cannot use Quick flash during wireless flash shooting.

Auto Power Off

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.57) or during linked shooting (p.69), the time until auto power off takes effect is approx. 5 min.

A test flash cannot be fired when the camera’s 3/1/o/7/2 timer is active.

For the display of <G> when set as the master unit during radio transmission wireless shooting, see page 54.

Turning on the Power

Lock Function

By setting the power switch to <a>, you can disable the flash’s button and dial operations. It is effective when you want to prevent the flash function settings from being accidentally changed after you set them. If you operate a button or dial, <k> is displayed on the LCD panel.

LCD Panel Illumination

When a button or dial is operated, the LCD panel illuminates for approx. 12 sec (p). When setting a function, the illumination continues until the setting is complete. During normal flash shooting, when set as the master unit in radio transmission flash shooting (p.46), or when set as the “master camera unit” in linked shooting (p.67), the LCD panel illuminates in green. When it is set as a slave unit in wireless flash shooting or when set as a “slave camera unit” in linked shooting, the LCD panel illuminates in orange. For the LCD panel Illumination when set as the master unit during radio transmission wireless shooting, see page 54.

When Quick flash is fired during continuous shooting, underexposure may occur since the flash output decreases.

The flash settings will remain in effect even after the power is turned off.

To retain the settings when replacing the batteries, replace the batteries within 1 min. after turning off the power switch and removing the batteries.

When the temperature of 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 <a>. Also,

when a button or dial is operated, the LCD panel illuminates.

Auto power off can be disabled (C.Fn-01/p.83). You can change the setting of the LCD panel illumination (C.Fn-22/p.85). You can change the color of the LCD panel illumination (P.Fn-02 to 04/

p.86).

You can disable Quick flash (P.Fn-06/p.87).

When you set the camera’s shooting mode to <V> (Program AE) or fully automatic mode, you can shoot in E-TTL II/E-TTL fully automatic flash mode.

Fully Automatic Flash Photography

Set the flash mode to <a>.

Press the <E> button of the

<S> cross keys.

Turn <9> to select <Q>, then

press <8>.

Focus on the subject.

Press the shutter button halfway to

focus.

X The shutter speed and aperture are

displayed in the viewfinder.

Check that <Q> is lit in the viewfinder.

Take the picture.

Check that the subject is in the

effective flash range.

When you press the shutter button

Effective flash range

completely, the flash will fire and the picture will be taken.

If the subject is dark (underexposed) when you check the shot image,

move closer to the subject and shoot again. You can also increase the ISO speed when using a digital camera.

“Fully automatic mode” refers to <A>, <1>, and <C> shooting

modes.

Even when attached to a camera that supports the E-TTL II autoflash

system, <a> is displayed on the LCD panel.

E-TTL II/E-TTL Autoflash by Shooting Mode

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

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 based on the metering of

the camera.

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 based on the metering of the camera. If the scene is dark, a slow sync speed will be used to obtain a standard exposure for both the main subject and background. Standard exposure of the main subject is obtained with the flash light,

while a standard exposure of the background is obtained with a long exposure using 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 light.

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 by Shooting Mode

Shutter Speed Aperture

V Automatically set (1/X sec. - 1/60 sec.) Automatically set

X Manually set (1/X sec. - 30 sec.) Automatically set

W Automatically set (1/X sec. - 30 sec.) Manually set

q Manually set (1/X sec. to 30 sec., Bulb) Manually set

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

E-TTL II/E-TTL Autoflash by Shooting Mode

Auto Zoom Adjustment to Image Sensor Size

EOS DIGITAL cameras have three sizes of image sensors, and the effective focal length of the attached lens varies depending on the model. 430EX III-RT/430EX III automatically recognizes the image sensor size of the EOS DIGITAL camera and automatically sets the flash coverage that is ideal for the effective focal length of the lens in the range of 24-105 mm.

Color Temperature Information Transmission

This function optimizes the white balance during flash shooting by transmitting the color temperature information to the EOS

DIGITAL

camera when the flash fires. When you set the camera’s white balance to <A> or <Q>, the function is enabled automatically. Refer to the specifications in your camera’s instruction manual to find out if it is compatible with this function.

AF-Assist Beam

When it is difficult to autofocus on the subject in low-light or when contrast is low during viewfinder shooting, intermittent flashes (a series of small flashes) are emitted to help autofocus. The effective range of the AF-assist beam is approx. 0.7 - 4 m/2.3 - 13.1 ft. at center and approx. 0.7 - 3.5 m/2.3 - 11.5 ft. at periphery in the viewfinder.

The AF-assist beam, which uses a series of small flashes, is emitted

when 430EX III-RT/430EX III is attached to an EOS DIGITAL camera with a function for controlling external flashes from the camera’s menu screen. Note that, depending on the camera model, the camera’s firmware may need to be updated.

When the color filter is attached (p.37), the AF-assist beam, which uses

a series of small flashes, is not emitted. If AF-assist beam is required, set P.Fn-05-1 (p.87).

During Live View shooting, the AF-assist beam, which uses a series of

small flashes, is emitted even when the AF method is set to [Quick AF].

AF-assist beam firing can be disabled (C.Fn-08/p.84). Infrared AF-assist beam can be emitted (P.Fn-05/p.87).

Advanced Flash

Photography

This chapter describes advanced shooting operations utilizing the flash functions.

When the camera’s shooting mode is set to a fully automatic mode or a Basic Zone mode, the functions with M added to the right side of the page title cannot be set. Set the camera’s shooting mode to <d>, <s>, <f>, <a>, or <F> (Creative Zone mode) to enable all the operations in this chapter.

f Flash Exposure CompensationN

With a similar procedure as exposure compensation, you can adjust the flash output. The flash exposure compensation amount can be set up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments.

Press the <O> button.

Press the <O> button of the <S>

cross keys.

You can also select a flash exposure

compensation symbol by pressing <8> and turning <9>.

Set the flash exposure

compensation amount.

Turn <9> to set the flash exposure

compensation amount, then press <8>.

X The flash exposure compensation

amount is set.

“0.3” indicates 1/3 stop and “0.7”

indicates 2/3 stops.

To cancel flash exposure

compensation, return the compensation amount to ±0.

Generally, set an increased exposure compensation for bright subjects

and set a decreased exposure compensation for dark subjects. If the camera’s exposure compensation is set in 1/2-stop increments, flash exposure compensation will be up to ±3 stops in 1/2-stop increments.

When the flash exposure compensation is set on both the flash and the

camera, priority is given to the flash setting.

Without pressing the <O> button of the <S> cross keys, you can

directly turn <9> and set the amount of flash exposure compensation (C.Fn-13/p.84).

7: FE LockN

The FE (Flash Exposure) lock locks the correct flash exposure setting for any part of the scene. While <a> is displayed on the LCD panel, press the camera’s <

B> button. For cameras without a button, press the

<A> (AE lock) or <7> button.

Focus on the subject.

Press the button. (8)

With the subject at the center of the

viewfinder, press the camera’s button.

X The Speedlite will fire a preflash and

the required flash output for the subject is retained in memory.

X “FEL” will be displayed in the

viewfinder for approx. 0.5 sec.

Each time you press the

button, a preflash will be fired and the new flash output required at that time is retained in memory.

If a correct exposure cannot be obtained when FE lock is performed,

<Q> blinks in the viewfinder. Move closer to the subject or open the aperture, and perform FE lock again. You can also set a higher ISO speed and perform FE lock again when using a digital camera.

If the target subject is too small in the viewfinder, FE lock may not be

effective.

c High-speed SyncN

With high-speed sync, you can shoot with a flash even at shutter speeds that exceed the maximum flash sync speed. This is convenient when you want to shoot in the aperture-priority AE <f> mode (open aperture) with background blur in locations such as outdoors in daylight.

Press <8>.

Select the symbol in the

illustration.

Turn <9> to select the symbol

shown in the illustration, then press <8>.

Select <c>.

Turn <9> to select <c>, then press

<8>.

Check that <F> is lit in the

viewfinder, then shoot.

With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the lower the guide number will be. You can check the effective flash range on the LCD panel.

When the shutter speed is less than or equal to the maximum flash sync

speed, <F> is not displayed in the viewfinder.

To return to normal flash shooting, select <2> (first-curtain sync) in

step 3. (<2> will not be displayed on the LCD panel after you perform this setting.)

r Second-curtain SyncN

Shooting with a slow shutter speed and second-curtain sync captures the trajectory of the light sources of a moving subject, such as car lights, in a natural way. The flash fires right before the exposure finishes (shutter closes).

Press <8>.

Select the symbol in the

illustration.

Turn <9> to select the symbol

shown in the illustration, then press <8>.

Select <r>.

Turn <9> to select <r>, then

press <8>.

The second-curtain sync works well when the camera’s shooting mode is

set to <F> (bulb shooting).

When the flash mode is set to <a>, the flash fires twice. The first

flash is a preflash to determine the flash output. It is not a malfunction.

Second-curtain sync is not available during wireless flash shooting. To return to normal flash shooting, select <2> (first-curtain sync) in

step 3. (<2> will not be displayed on the LCD panel after you perform this setting.)

Bounce

By pointing the flash head toward a ceiling or wall, the flash light will bounce off the surface before illuminating the subject, making it possible to soften the shadows of the subject for a more natural-looking shot. This shooting method is called “Bounce shooting”.

Set the Bounce Direction

You can turn the flash head while pressing the <z> button as

shown. When you turn the flash head, the display changes to <m>.

When the flash head is turned while the flash coverage is set to <L

(automatic), the flash coverage is set at 50 mm and <--> is displayed.

You can also set the flash coverage manually (p.32).

150°

If the ceiling or wall is too far away, shooting with the appropriate

exposure may not be possible since the bounced flash may be too weak.

If the picture appears dark, use a larger aperture opening (smaller f/

number) and try again. You can also increase the ISO speed when using a digital camera.

The ceiling or wall should be plain white for high reflectance. If the

bounce surface is not white, shooting with the appropriate exposure may not be possible, since a color cast may result in the picture or the bounced flash may be too weak.

When Quick flash is fired in bounce shooting, underexposure may occur

since the flash output decreases.

m Bounce

Since the flash guide number decreases in bounce shooting, focusing with AFassist beam using a series of small flashes may not be possible. During bounce shooting, using infrared AF-assist beam is recommended (P.Fn-05-1/p.87).

Catchlight Shooting

Using the catchlight panel when shooting a portrait enables you to capture reflected light in a person’s eyes and create a more vivid expression.

Turn the flash head 90° up.

Pull up the wide panel.

Pull up the protruding area located in

the center of the wide panel.

X The white catchlight panel is pulled

out at the same time.

Push back the wide panel.

Push back the wide panel only,

keeping just the catchlight panel upward.

Shoot using the same method as

bounce shooting.

Position the flash head toward the front and 90° up. When the flash head

is rotated to the left or right, the catchlight is not very effective.

To effectively obtain the catchlight in a person’s eyes, shoot within

approx. 1.5 m/4.9 ft. (at ISO 100) from the subject.

Do not pull up the wide panel with excessive force. Doing so may detach

the wide panel from the Speedlite.

m Bounce

q Bounce Adapter

If you attach the provided bounce adapter to the Speedlite and bounce the flash light on the ceiling or wall, etc., you can spread the flash light across a larger area and suppress the shadows of the subject. Also, if the flash head is turned 90° upward to bounce the flash light on the ceiling, etc., the diffused flash light emitted out of the side facing the subject will be casted on the front of the subject (shooting distance guidance: within approx. 1.5 m/4.9 ft., at ISO 100), further suppressing the shadow of the subject. When shooting portraits, catchlight effect can also be obtained.

“Canon” logo

Removal tab

Attach the bounce adapter.

Attach the adapter securely to the

flash head until it clicks in place, as shown.

Check that the display changes to

<H>.

When removing the adapter, lift the

left and right removal tabs and remove the adapter from the flash head.

Take the picture.

Take the picture with the flash light

bouncing off the ceiling, walls or the like.

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