redpepper Loc: Central NY

Hi all,

I just purchased an Opteka off camera flash sync cord for my Canon 60D and 430 II EX. When ordering from Amazon, it said it was an e-ttl cord, but when I received it, it said it was a ttl cord. It's not the same thing, right? I should send it back?

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

TTL and E-TTL and EOS digital cameras.


All current Canon digital cameras with hotshoes - both the interchangeable-lens SLR cameras and the point and shoot digital cameras - support E-TTL only flash metering (or both E-TTL and E-TTL II) and do not support either TTL or A-TTL flash metering. Even Canon digital cameras with internal popup flashes are E-TTL only. (though if you want to use flash with a non-EOS camera you should probably check out Kevin Bjorke’s page for its limitations. Canon have also written a letter to D30 users concerning proper use of EX flash units)

Since digital bodies lack film they can’t use regular off the film flash sensors for TTL metering. The mirrorlike surface of a CMOS or CCD imaging chip has very different reflective properties from film. Besides, Canon have clearly switched to E-TTL, only supporting TTL for back compatibility with older products.

This means that only Canon EX flash units or third-party flash units with E-TTL support can be used with Canon’s current lineup of digital cameras. Older E and EZ flash units will not work correctly - no automatic through the lens metering is possible. You can get manual-capable EZ flash units like the 540EZ to fire in manual flash mode but this requires external flash metering; not a practical option for most beginning or amateur photographers.

To summarize, if your flash unit ends with E or EZ then its automated features will not work with a digital EOS camera. If you have a third party flash unit you must consult its user manual and see if supports TTL flash metering only (no good) or E-TTL flash metering (great).



THIOS is the only site you need

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

redpepper Loc: Central NY

Thanks, its going back.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Is this what you got: http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-FSC-5-Off-Camera-Pentax-Cameras/dp/B006NY99MM/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1363866246&sr=8-12&keywords=sync+cord+for+flash

If so, this will work fine.

If you got a cord like this: http://www.amazon.com/ePhoto-PC2PC-12-Inch-Flash-Cable/dp/B004ZLBUT0/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1363866246&sr=8-9&keywords=sync+cord+for+flash

It will not work because a 430EX II doesn't have a socket for a sync cord. It's a hot shoe only speedlite.

lovelylyn Loc: Fort Wayne, IN

I thought you could use this without the sync cord. because of the built in wireless fuction using the on camera flash or not. Just got my 60d and am looking to buy a canon flash because I find the sync cord to be cumbersome at times. Am I missing something?

RDH

I agree with Jeep Daddy. I have been using one of these for years. The point is as long as the contacts on the cord match those on the hot shoe and flash there should be no trouble. For an over all review of Canon Flash the site JR points to is great and a must read. It does not tell you much about cables in particular though.

redpepper Loc: Central NY

It works good...contacts match up. Thx

lovelylyn Loc: Fort Wayne, IN

Got this from another uhh'er read page 139 of your 60d manual

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

8-) 8-) Canon speed lites are EX types and they won't work with EOS cameras? Canon should be advised of their mistake, don't you think? :lol: :lol: :lol: