Af assist bean with the 580m2

[Overread]

Ok I have a speedlite 580M2 and a canon 400D - now in the instructions for the speedlite it says that it will fire automatically, an assistance beam for focusing in dark situations. However I cannot seem to get mine to fire in any mode but Green P mode - in all the others it remains dead when in the same conditions. This is a problem if I want to shoot in anything but P mode - anyone got any advice?

 

[RyanLilly]

check you custom functions menu on your camera, At least its under custom functions on a 20D, There are settings like "flash fires" or "flash does not fire" and turning on or off the AF assist.

 

[Overread]

ahh I got it thanks Ryan!
I checked the custom menu and it was set to emit - so nothing was wrong there, but I went back and checked the auto modes and it would work in them all barring no flash and also sports mode. I tried to work out why then realised - it was aiservo mode for focusing. It only emits for single shot and ai focusing and not servo mode!