Flash Query

[coneman]

Hi guys and gals. I joined this forum some time ago, but have been inactive thus far. I'm writing now for input on Flashes.

My main camera is a Canon 40D. Been using automatic flash because it seems to work best for me when shooting multi-flash shots of hummingbirds and for bounce flash. The auto-flash compensates for bounce or direct flash.

Problem: When using my Gary Fong light sphere with the sphere directed at the subject, light from the sphere enters the sensor on front of the auto-flash causing under exposures. I can remedy this by placing a flat hand just above the sensor to block the light.

I would love to have a Canon TTL flash, but, being unfamiliar with them, I don't know if they work well when bouncing or using difussion.

All input will be appreciated.

Bill

[elguapo]

What kind of flash are you currently using?

Yes a Canon flash with ETTL can work in ETTL mode no matter if you use a flash diffuser or bouncing it.

Also, you say you are using a GF LS with the sphere directed at the hummingbirds. Do you mean you have GF LS on the flash and the opening of the LS is pointed at the humming birds?

[coneman]

Elguapo,

I don't use the GFLS when shooting hummers. For hummers I use at least two bare Sunpak 383 flashes placed 8 to 10 inches from the bird and fired with radio triggers.

My old Vivitar 283 is used for background lighting via radio trigger, but should not be fired from the hot shoe due to excessive trigger voltage.

I also have a Sunpak pz42X, a ttl dedicated to Canon EOS. I seldom use the pz42x due to inconsistent exposures when bouncing or using diffusion. Thus the reason for my initial query.

The 383s are great flashes, but I would like to use flash durations of less than 1/16th, which is the shortest duration of the 383.

Bill

[coneman]

This is an old thread, so this response may be missed or ignored.

My earlier attempts at learning how the Canon 580EXii speedlite handles bounced and diffused shots went pretty much unanswered. One guy's reply made me think he didn't know that when a flash is bounced or diffused, light scatters and therefore more output from the flash is needed... or there needs to be compensation from the camera.

I downloaded the manual for the 580exii and read it through. Then I ordered and took delivery of one. For those who did not know, the 580exii fires a preflash to determine the required exposure, then the flash fires and, along with shutter and aperture, meets that requirement. Thus, it compensates for diffused and bounced light and also for distance. Also, there is an external meter on the front of the flash which, when activated, provides real time flash metering and shuts the flash down after proper exposure is acheived.

I'll not return to this forum with future questions unless I want to be entertained by guess work.

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by coneman

I'll not return to this forum with future questions unless I want to be entertained by guess work.

I shoot Nikon, so unfortunately I can't help answer your question about a Canon flash, but judging the entire forum by a single response seems a bit short sighted to me. Trust me that there are many members here who are experts on speedlight photography with Canon gear, but given the volume of posts, some will get missed. Reviving the thread is a good way to get it noticed, but with such an attitude, don't expect to get many answers...

[RKEnnis]

Originally Posted by coneman

I'll not return to this forum with future questions unless I want to be entertained by guess work.

Wow, seriously? Your loss I suppose...

It's really too bad that all of life's questions aren't answered on demand.

[groovyone]

The Fong Light Sphere is known to suck up at least one stop of light. You have to dial in a minimum of +1 on your flash exposure compensation. The lighting forum doesn't get as much traffic, and yes, it may have been missed. No reason for the attitude.

[bluman95]

I didn't know that about the Fong light sphere. Thanks! I'll take that into consideration next time I am shooting instead of bumping ISO up. ;)

[soymilk]

Bill,

The questions you asked were very convoluted. You asked if canon's ettl flash system works when bouncing flash or compensate for diffusion. Elguapo answered your question. Yes, ettl works. You did not mention for someone to go into detail and explain the exact details in which they work. In a round about way, you asked if a yes/no question and got your answer.

You said it yourself, ettl flash works by sending out a preflash to meter. Then compensates automatically factoring in distance from info from the lens. So in what way was elguapo wrong?

[Snarfy]

Originally Posted by coneman

I'll not return to this forum with future questions unless I want to be entertained by guess work.

Way to go! You sure showed the internet who's the boss! Bye now, make good life choices. <3 <3 <3