Flashgun issues with Canon 400D?

Question

I have found the pop up flash on the Canon 400d not up to the job so I have purchased a jessops 360 AFDC, I need some advise please, it has a TTL mode, now I thought you could use this mode and the camera would recognise and set shutter speed and aperture automatically, My camera doesn't recognise the flash, it fires but that is it, it needs to be set manually. Surely this is not right? What am I doing wrong?

Answer 1

It sounds as though you need to review the "Using Flash" section of the camera's Owner's Manual and then read & study the Owner's Manual for the flash.



Although what little I read about your flash stated it was compatible with your camera that isn't a guarantee that it actually communicates with the E-TTL II circuitry in your camera.



In my opinion, a much better choice would be the Canon 430EX II which is guaranteed to be 100% compatible.with your 400D.



"Quality doesn't cost, it pays."

Answer 2

In A mode or P mode it should be plain sailing, in AV & TV mode you will get funny results unless you use either pre-flash metering or use the custom function that sets Av mode synch speed at 1/200th.



The way I use flash is to meter manually, setting shutter by focal length and setting a corresponding ISO and aperture so that a midtone background is metered at around -1EV, I then place the centre spot over the subject and pre-flash meter with the '*' button under the thumb. Then I take the shot. And usually it works very well for me.



I do use a canon flash though, the other advice is good, pay cheap, pay twice.

Answer 3

Make sure that the Through the Lens metering on the flash gun is turned on and that in your menu on the camera (listed under 'Flash control' and in the sub menu External flash func. setting) that the setting is on Ettl-II not manual.

Hope it helps