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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> the rebel and the 420
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Showing posts 1 - 15 of 15, (reverse)
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 12/05/2004 02:32:35 AM · #1
When I use my 420EX for some reason the exposure is way off! It keeps underexpsoing my shots! this never happened to me before! has this happened to anyone?

Message edited by author 2004-12-05 02:36:20.
 12/05/2004 02:44:39 AM · #2
12/05/2004 02:49:12 AM · #3
Can you post a few examples? And include the settings...
 12/05/2004 02:52:05 AM · #4
The Rebel has always had this problem. If you're using the hacked firmware, turn up the flash exposure compensation (FEC) to 2/3.

There is also a separate program that will allow you to set the FEC without using hacked firmware. Visit //revolution.cx/rcx/fecset.htm

Message edited by author 2004-12-05 03:08:58.
 12/05/2004 05:28:24 AM · #5
I don't have any hacked firmware, it's usually on the automode, with like 60 shutter speed and the widest aperature. you can barely see a lighbulb. i think i'm just going to accept the fact its broken and try to move on with my life.
 12/05/2004 07:36:45 AM · #6
I get the same problem with the rebel. I have the 550ex and I set the FEC to +2/3. The only drawback is that the rebel does not always underexpose. It tends to expose perfectly well for subjects which are close to the camera and if you are taking lots of shots, the end result is that some shots are over-exposed with the FEC on. As you say, just got to live with it I'm afraid.
 12/05/2004 08:11:12 AM · #7
Ok. i am just going by what i was told by my wife a while ago (she sells cameras for a living).

The flash pays attention to the focal length on the lens and does not compensate for the fact that focal length is multiplied on digital cameras. We have the same problem with our 420 and work around it with exposure compensation.

Message edited by author 2004-12-05 08:12:00.
 12/05/2004 08:45:55 AM · #8
thank you jfredin. Just yesterday I was able to use my flash with no problem. I try today and I get really underexposed pictures, to get a well exposed picture the settings with the 420 have to be some outrageous thing like, 3 seconds, with 1800 ISO, 3.5 aperature with direct flash....i remove the 420 and its normal again (thank god), but still, i'm loosing a great flash!
 12/05/2004 10:56:01 AM · #9
you sure its firing?
battery low in the flash?
terminals on hot shoe dirty?

settings on flash itself correct?

i don't have it - but these would be the first things i would check.

12/06/2004 07:26:01 AM · #10
:-) I'm sure its firing, the first thing i did was use an eraser to clean the terminals of the 420 and the hotshoe
the batteries are new, and the settings are correct. :-D this happens with all my canon lenses so either my hotshoe is messed up somehow or the flash...
 12/06/2004 07:39:47 AM · #11
.......first thing I would check is if the camera has a pc sync, if not get one that does. This is just too much work.
 12/06/2004 09:37:10 AM · #12
This might seem basic, but make sure you point the flash at the ceiling. That way, it lights the whole area, not just your subject (and the shadows aren't as harsh). I found DPC while searching for a solution to this very problem. I had actually returned my Rebel to the store because I didn't know about bouncing the flash, and this site set me straight. Now 21,000 pics on the Rebel since I re-bought it in March.
 12/06/2004 11:14:12 AM · #13
Originally posted by scalvert:
This might seem basic, but make sure you point the flash at the ceiling. That way, it lights the whole area, not just your subject (and the shadows aren't as harsh). I found DPC while searching for a solution to this very problem. I had actually returned my Rebel to the store because I didn't know about bouncing the flash, and this site set me straight. Now 21,000 pics on the Rebel since I re-bought it in March.


Yup could be just that simple....if it's really dark in there and the ceiling is really high, if you're not bouncing the flash you won't get any light.
 12/06/2004 11:16:44 AM · #14
I have a rebel and the 420EX and it works fine. No problems with exposure at all.

Message edited by author 2004-12-06 11:16:54.
 12/06/2004 01:34:28 PM · #15
I find that my 550EX is quite directional when pointed directly at the subject (duh!). Therefore, the camera usually properly exposes the face of people in the scene, but the light falls off sharply away from their face and the background goes almost completely black. I've since learned, like others in this thread, that bouncing the flash is an effective way to both soften and disperse the light. However, you have to boost the flash power and also have a suitable, color neutral surface to bounce the light which is not always available.
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