Flash is a device which provides additional light to a scene. It can be used to help fill in a dark area of a photo, to provide light if there isn't sufficient light to begin with, or it can help to improve the composition of a particular photo, by creating your own source of light.
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2answers
591 views
Ring flash for 430EX II and Canon Rebel 500D
I'm looking into buying a ring (ray) flash for this setup:
Canon 500D
Speedlite 430EX II
For now I only found this one: Ring Flash O-Flash for Canon 430EX II. Which is compatible with the setup ...
5
votes
2answers
366 views
Outdoor flash lights on a budget?
What are the best options for having outdoor flash lighting? I have seen a few kits for sale on ebay that cost around $1000 which include 2 lights, a battery pack, umbrellas and soft box covers.
I ...
5
votes
1answer
117 views
Multiple flashes with different trigger voltages
I have the following:
Nikon D3100 (max 250V trigger voltage)
Vivitar 2600 flash (148V trigger voltage*)
Yongnuo YN465 flash (6V trigger voltage)
Hot shoe universal translators**
I'd like to use ...
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votes
1answer
539 views
How to use the safety shift custom function with a flash on a Canon 5D Mark II?
I do a lot of available light photography with f/1.2 and f/1.4 lenses. I use the "safety shift" mode (C.Fn I-6), which works great in combination with shutter priority mode (Tv). For example, I can ...
5
votes
2answers
451 views
Why does my 420EX Speedlite sometimes fail to start up?
I have a Canon 420EX Speedlite that sometimes won't start up. When it's not working, it behaves as if it didn't have any batteries in it... just totally dead. The odd thing is, it doesn't seem to be ...
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8answers
851 views
Ways to soften an onboard flash?
What can be done to soften the direct light from an onboard flash? I know there are diffusers available for external flash units, but I'm not aware of such a solution for an onboard flash, such as on ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Why is there a preflash from a built-in flash when using remote flash only?
When using Nikon D7000 with an off-camera SB600 (which cannot be used as commander) in TTL mode, the built-in flash must be opened to make it work (to serve as a commander), even if this built-in ...
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2answers
193 views
Why is ETTL necessary?
As I understand, the required flash power for correct exposure is determined by aperture, ISO and subject distance. It shouldn't matter whether a human subject is dressed in black or white -- the ...
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3answers
2k views
For a novice to flash, what color correction gels would be best to experiment with?
I recently purchased a Canon Speedlight 430EX II, and have been experimenting with the flash on my camera. I have also ordered a 6 foot off-camera flash cable and a bracket that will allow me to move ...
4
votes
3answers
726 views
What is the difference between a hard plastic and soft material flash diffuser?
As far as image results go, what is the difference between a hard plastic diffuser and a soft material diffuser?
Also, as far as usability goes, does one last longer and/or create fewer problems than ...
4
votes
3answers
227 views
Why isn't the on-camera flash of SLR or compact cameras tiltable?
All external flash tilt, and isn't it simple and apparent to add this to the design?
I mean, take a look at this horror...
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votes
2answers
2k views
Why is the D7000 limited to shutter speed of 1/250th when the flash is up?
Sometimes in bright backlight and with large aperture (f2.8) I want flash at high shutter speeds. But when I pop the flash up on D7000 it caps the shutter speed to 1/250th, which overexposes the ...
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votes
4answers
2k views
Is Flash a Must-Have For Macro Photography?
I want to start into macro photography this year so I've chose the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens to start with (I still haven't bought it since I'll do it next week, which I'll be in the ...
4
votes
3answers
403 views
Why are there multiple contradictory ways to control flash ratio?
I am reading the following introduction to flash photography:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-flash-2.htm
In this article, I came across two seemingly contradictory statements:
...
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votes
2answers
173 views
Is it necessary to have a macro ring flash to take macro photos?
I just got a macro lens but it turns out the subject is not bright enough. I am wondering if I need to buy a macro flash for macro photography?
The flash seems expensive and I am wondering if it is ...
4
votes
1answer
251 views
Where does the assertion that food photography must not use flash come from?
I often hear/read in webcasts and blogs that when doing food photography, it's better to use only the indirect sun light from a window, and without flash.
Why?
I tested multiple times two setups:
...
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votes
4answers
1k views
Why does my Canon 60D sometimes lengthen exposure when using the flash?
In low light conditions, my first shot will often be handheld with no flash. If there's not enough light however, the shutter speed can be too slow and I'm not steady enough for a crisp image - so ...
4
votes
2answers
93 views
Does a flash's TTL automatically adjust as I change its location?
I just bought a radio trigger for my flash. I was just wondering if I understood TTL correctly, as I move the flash around and changes the distance does TTL automatically try to compensate (assuming ...
4
votes
2answers
146 views
What are the functions of the extra contact points on a Canon hotshoe?
I am wondering about the 5 contact points on the top of the Canon camera for the flash. The flash I am putting on this camera has only the center contact. What are the functions of all these other ...
4
votes
3answers
956 views
How can I light creative portraits with one flash?
I have a single flash... and from what iv'e seen many photographers often uses 2 wireless flashes to get right light approaching to the subject. I only have one flash and a pop-up flash.
Is there ...
4
votes
3answers
243 views
Will an external flash for Pentax K-7 work for Pentax K-5?
I'm looking for a cheap flash, and found this one. It states that it works for Pentax K-7; will it work for my Pentax K-5 as well? I don't know what to look for in the specifications.
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votes
2answers
228 views
How can I fire both a wireless trigger and an on camera flash at the same time?
I have three cactus v5 remote triggers. I also use Canon equipment. I want to be able to fire both a wireless trigger and an on camera flash at the same time. The wireless trigger would fire an off ...
4
votes
3answers
804 views
How does commander mode on a Nikon camera body differ from commander mode a on SB-700 Speedlight?
My Nikon D80 and new Nikon SB-700 both offer Commander mode. I have two questions:
When NOT in wireless mode (that is, when the flash is plugged into the hot shoe either directly or with a cable), ...
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votes
1answer
766 views
How do I read the flash distance scale on the Canon 580EX II?
My Canon 580EX II has a distance scale running from 0.5m to 18m.
When the flash is in manual mode, a single segment of the distance scale illuminates to indicate the maximum effective range for my ...
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votes
3answers
1k views
Why is my ISO so high when shooting indoor photos with flash
I have a Nikon D5100. When shooting indoor photos using the built in flash, the auto ISO changes to 1600 or so.
Doesn't the flash produce enough light so that the ISO would stay at 100 or so?
...
4
votes
2answers
660 views
Pentax P-TTL: Why and when does underexposure occur and what can I do?
Pentax's P-TTL flash metering system tends to be unreliable and may underexpose at times. When and why does the system underexpose and what can I do? I want to know the situations that cause flash ...
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votes
1answer
737 views
What are good situations to use Canon Multi-Flash feature?
What can be done with the MULTI-Flash feature of a 580ex II flash? What are good situations to use this feature?
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votes
5answers
1k views
What third-party speedlite/flashes are available for Nikon?
I'm looking for a flash with a budget of < $200. I have a Nikon D3100, and I'm a beginner with photography, who is taking some classes and wants some flexibility with a decent bounce flash.
I was ...
4
votes
4answers
781 views
How to gel a large softbox to match ambient
I'm searching suggestions to quickly and easily add a gel to color correct light from a giant softbox to match ambient. In my application I'm using a CTO for tungsten ambient.
The equipment I'm ...
4
votes
2answers
81 views
Does the diameter of openings on photographic lighting grids affect brightness?
I was kind of thinking about different grid options considering the depth vs diameter of individual openings and get to a interesting point (at least for me :-) ). Let's consider a very simple home ...
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votes
2answers
231 views
What does an expensive flash unit buy over a cheap one?
General question:
What will I get from an expensive flash unit, that I can't get from a cheap one?
Specific example:
The $250 Canon Speedlite 430EX II vs. the $50 Neewer TT560. To my naive eye, the ...
4
votes
1answer
166 views
How can I calculate the effect of non-TTL flash on exposure?
I recently got an old Canon AE-1 film camera back in working order. I'd like to use my modern 430EXII Speedlight flash with it, however since there is no TTL metering, I have no idea how much the ...
4
votes
1answer
770 views
How do I compare the output of an LED panel with that of a flash?
How do I compare the output of an LED panel with that of a conventional hotshoe flash?
I haven't been paying attention to the LED panels, but they've been on the market long enough so that I'm ...
4
votes
2answers
516 views
How does the power of a flash relate to the duration of the flash pulse?
Specifically for my Nikon SB-700, but also for flashes in general — how does the power setting relate to the duration of the pulse? Basically, is the power normally controlled by cutting down on the ...
4
votes
2answers
352 views
Can you use the built-in flash in a Canon EOS 450D with a hot shoe GPS geo-tagger?
As far as I can see, the answer is no, the flash cannot open if anything, is plugged on the hot shoe of a Canon EOS 450D:
Can anyone confirm that I wouldn't be able to use something like the Jobo ...
4
votes
3answers
73 views
What are the most important features to look for in a low budget hotshoe flash and why?
When trying to get started with flash photography, there are a lot of new options, features and techniques that a photographer gets thrown in to. When starting on a budget, what features will give a ...
4
votes
1answer
166 views
How does dragging the shutter work?
I am reading a photography book which talk about dragging the shutter when a flash is used. It just tell me how to do this trick but doesn't explain why.
Can someone here tell me more about how it ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
How differently should I use a flash with film camera?
I will be using flash with a film camera for the first time. I've some experience with on and off camera flash with digital camera and film camera for landscape pictures. Now I do not know what are ...
4
votes
1answer
756 views
What third party Speedlites work best with Canon?
I am currently picking out a flash (speedlite) for Canon XSI. There is a number of third party flashes available from manufacturers other than Canon. They all claim to be Canon compatible but I have ...
4
votes
2answers
131 views
Why does the ISO change with the shooting mode when the aperture and shutter speed are constant and using a flash?
I have a canon 60d, Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens, and a Canon Speedlite 430EX II TTL flash. I like to use the manual modes, such as Av and Tv but I am having some difficulties when using the ...
4
votes
1answer
374 views
Nikon D40 and yongnuo yn-560 ii external flash. Slow shutter speed issues
I bought a new flash last week and started using it with my Nikon D40 yesterday. The flash is the yongnuo yn-560 ii.
I had a tough time to photoshoot. I was indoors and shooting on A mode.
Many ...
4
votes
1answer
342 views
How should I set up a flash bracket for Pentax?
I have a Pentax K-r and a Metz mecablitz 50 AF-1 digital flash unit, and I've been having problems with red-eye. As a result, I'm considering getting a flash bracket.
I am aware that I can simply ...
4
votes
2answers
152 views
Can I trigger an optar 152M manually?
First off, I know nothing about flashes.
I have an optar 152M flash that fits on top of the camera, and I want to trigger it manually.
The flash seems to have a contact where it fits onto the ...
4
votes
1answer
253 views
Should my speedlite burn through batteries when not in use?
I got a Canon Speedlite 430 EX II just a couple of weeks ago and noticed a surprising and annoying feature: If I leave batteries in the flash unit, even with the flash switched off and removed from ...
4
votes
2answers
156 views
How to use in-camera AF light, instead of speedlight AF light?
I have a Nikon D3100 and a Yongnuo YN467 speedlight. What I need is to use thee AF light from the camera body, since I realize it is really better than the speedlight one. Is there any way to achieve ...
4
votes
1answer
356 views
More powerful battery for on camera flash on Canon 5dMkII
I don't shoot weddings or enough events a year to warrant forking out the money for a full Quantum flash/battery yet.
I am trying to decide if I should either go ahead and get the Quantum battery ...
4
votes
1answer
217 views
Does UV light pass through the fabric of a softbox?
Studio flash makers sell both bare flash tubes and flash tubes with a UV coating to block the UV emissions. Quite a few studio monolights come up on eBay without the UV coating, and I'm wondering if ...
4
votes
2answers
700 views
When to use the different modes of National PE-201C flash?
I have a National PE-201C flash, which has the following guide chart:
I kind of understand the chart: if I'm standing 3.5 meters away from the subject and have ISO 100 film, I should use an ...
4
votes
1answer
234 views
How to set up Metz 35 CT2 flash?
I inherited Metz 35 CT2 flash from my grandfather and I don't have an idea how to set it up for use with my old manual Praktica camera. There is a "slider" which has lens hood numbers on it, DIN ...
3
votes
5answers
331 views
When and why should I consider buying a speedlight/external flash?
I am just a hobbyist in photography. And I do not have specific interest areas (as of now). So while looking for different things to try with photography, I kept coming across things which require use ...
