Using Canon 580 Flash on DMR?

[glenerrolrd]

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I know I have seen this before ..but I have a shot tomorrow and would like to use my 580EX flash on my DMR . From reading the Canon 580Ex manual it looks like I can only use the flash in manual? Its either E-TTL/TTL ,manual or multi modes. I realized the DMR will not communicate with the flash but it will fire it. This would seem like a common issue for anybody using the DMR commercially with a Canon flash. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I never shoot flash with my Leica s but have always used the flash with a 5D in E-TTL mode.....my daughter has the 5D so I am scrambling.

[mgcd]

With my 40MZ-2 I use the unit in "Automatic" as opposed to TTL. The flash uses its own sensor to determine exposure and, that seems to work well. Is there not a similar setting on the Canon flash?

[glenerrolrd]

With my 40MZ-2 I use the unit in "Automatic" as opposed to TTL. The flash uses it own sensor to determine exposure and, that seems to work well. Is there not a similar setting on the Canon flash?

exactly what I am looking for ..automatic controlled by the flash ..Canon doesn t seem to have it .

[gravastar]

The first version of the EX580 doesn't have an inbuilt "auto" sensor. The newer EX580 MkII does have this function but I believe it can only be enabled when the flash is mounted on a Canon camera that supports the MkII flash, you then have the menu choice of ETTL-2 or Auto. In both cases it looks as if you would have to use the flash in manual when used on the DMR.

 

I would suggest you are cautious doing this, I don't know if the data I/O connections on cameras and flash are standardized. I think the only standard is the middle pin is the trigger. I'd suggest masking off all other connections in the hot shoe with a thin piece of mylar or tough insulating plastic foil.

 

Bob.

[EH21]

I've tried this with my 550ex and 580ex (before breaking down and buying the metz 54 and corresponding sca module) and as far as I know there is no way to get auto exposure. You can use your camera in any of the modes you like to work in, but need to set your flash to manual mode and set the power manually. Since you are only using the flash for fill it can work okay if you are careful. I set my exposure compensation to -.5 stop and put my camera on A mode and tried to keep the flash power from being too high. Remember if you change subject distances you need to readjust your flash power accordingly. btw: just for the sake of completeness of information: The canon ST-2 wireless flash control does not work with the R8/R9 so you can't use it to trigger your flash off camera. What does work well for wireless options is the pocket wizard transmitter on camera with a receiver connect to the flash with a mini cable to hotshoe attachment. If you have multiple flashes you only need one pocket wizard receiver as you can set the one connected to the PW as master and use it to trigger the others unless they are very far away from each other. This way you can locate the flash closer to your subject if you need more light or want to work creatively with the lighting.

 

 

Hopefully for you the light will be consistent during your shoot or you'll have to continually adjust your fill power. It will work if you are reviewing images on screen every so often provided light is consistent. Clouds floating under the sun will really play with you, though.

Good luck!

[glenerrolrd]

I found a good post where this is covered in detail. This is a one off problem as its the first time this year I needed flash . The 580 only works in manual mode on a DMR but the adjustments are excellent and quick. Not something I would like to do at an all day event but I only need it for a a group shot and a few informal head shots .