Original 5D & external flash issues?

[BeccaJ]

I've googled my heart out but SO many things come up that arent related to my problem, that it's really tiring to sit there and go through pages and pages of links...so....

I have a 580 EX II & a 430 EX and I've seen this problem using both of them.

I shoot in full manual mode when using the flash with the 5D, and generally just have it mounted ON camera and bounce it off the ceiling during family gatherings or something. Occasionally, it just doesnt fire. I notice this more so if i add the stofen, use the on flash diffuser, or even the white on flash bounce card, regardless of if im using manual or ETTL flash. The screen just starts flashing. It seems to fire fine when using triggers off camera.

Is this a common thing? Why's it flashing? Is it likely just bad contact between the flash & the camera?

[KdLaneJr]

There is only one time that I know of where the screen will flash by design. That is when the head of the flash is set just below normal. I think Canon refers to this as -7 degrees.

the most likely culprit is that you have a bad contact between the flash and the hotshoe. You should tighten the screws on your hotshoe or take it to a local repair shop and have it done. It's a simply procedure. If the hotshoe is slightly loose you can easily experience the symptoms you've mentioned and since it is happening with both flashes, the problem most likely is your camera hotshoe.

[The Loft Studios]

.....it is common for the screen on the back of the flash to "blink" when you pull out the "wide angle diffuser". It's an automated reminder that your diffuser is in place. You will also notice that no matter what "zoom" your flash was set at (ETTL or Manual) that it always shows 16mm (some flashes show 17mm). I'm not sure if this response completely answers your question or if even this is the proper response to your question, but there you have it

[BeccaJ]

well boo. guess ill try tightening myself before taking to the shop. Or stick to using triggers... Lol

thanks