Problems with 580 EX Canon

[Thaash]

HI,

I got a used Canon 580 EX and I think it has some contact problems. I use it with my 50D. The problem is the following:

It always fires the flash and shows the green light indicating that the flash was successfully fired but I get sometimes completely dark images (like the flash was fired too early or too late). Maybe from 10 shots 2-3 are well lit (I use 1/60 shutter, but I have the problem with other shutterspeeds too)

Please help me. I have to use the flash on monday...

(also posted this in beginners section, but got no answer)

 

[cedew]

If the flash is always firing, I don't think you have contact problems. I doubt dirty contacts is allowing a connection to be made, but somehow delaying the signal outside your shutter opening. What mode are you using? Shutter priority? Manual? Remember that your shutter speed affects ambient, and your aperture affects flash, so saying that your shutter is set to 1/60 doesn't really tell me a whole lot about your exposure. One of the safest defaults (in my opinion) is to shoot in aperture priority and set your camera to always fire at 1/250 with flash in aperture priority (set custom function 1-7 to 2), then adjust your aperture or iso for exposure. We all have different preferences, try things other folks mention and see what works for you! I'd also recommending setting your 580 back to the default settings.

 

[gsgary]

Sounds more like user error

 

[Josh66]

What mode is the flash on?

If manual, are you sure you're giving it enough power to expose the photo?

 

[RauschPhotography]

Not to belittle, but I have to throw this out there... When was the last time your batteries were charged/replaced?

 

[Josh66]

As long as the test light is coming on, I think it should be good to go. It will just take longer between shots with low batteries...

Without more information from the OP, my guess is that it's on manual and just not set to a high enough power for the camera settings being used...

 

[table1349]

Give this a try:
Camera:
Mode = Manual
Shutter speed = 1/60 to 1/125 depending on how much ambient light you want in the photo. Slower shutter speed more ambient light - faster shutter speed less ambient light. Depending on the body you can go faster if you wish.
Aperture = Your choice depending on the DOF you want/need.

580 EX
Mode = ETTL/ETTL II

flash exposure compensation = + 2/3

The camera will meter the scene and tell the flash the amount of power to use. The +2/3 exposure compensation makes up for a known issue with of slight underpowering by the 580 EX. This was corrected in the 580 EXII.


Manual if you need it: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Feosdoc.com%2Fmanuals%2Fflash%2F580EX%2F&rct=j&q=580%20EX%20manual&ei=k4RETaGgHNL1gAfvh6n4AQ&usg=AFQjCNHb3Raz-ZlyRd0xTbVt5NCOrdPiuw&sig2=gQg9VtA9-yiVkLQPxVM8gQ&cad=rja

Good resource in EOS Flash use. Flash Photography with Canon EOS Cameras - Part I.