Canon Speedlite 420EX User manual

English Edition

INSTRUCTIONS

K133 Cover (E) 02.4.1 2:59 PM Page 3

Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.

The Canon Speedlite 420EX is an autozoom flash unit equipped with a

wireless sensor for E-TTL wireless autoflash.

* E-TTL stands for Evaluative-Through-The-Lens.

The features available with Speedlite 420EX depend on the EOS camera.

Refer to the table below to identify your camera type.

This instruction booklet has separate chapters for Type-A and Type-B EOS

cameras. After reading the first chapter applicable to both camera types,

read the respective sections that apply to your camera.

Keep this instruction booklet handy for future reference.

Key to Symbols

The Caution symbol alerts you to actions to prevent flash

photography problems.

The Note symbol gives additional information for basic operations.

The Light bulb symbol offers helpful tips for operating the

Speedlite or for taking pictures.

Available 420EX Features with EOS Cameras

Feature

With Type-A Cameras With Type-B Cameras

E-TTL autoflash O X

TTL autoflash X O

High-speed sync (FP flash) O X

FE lock O X

E-TTL wireless autoflash with multiple Speedlites

O: Available X: Not available.

Type-A Camera E-TTL

EOS-1D, 1V, 3, D60, D30, ELAN 7/7E, 30/33,

ELAN ll/ELAN ll E, 50/50E, REBEL 2000/300,

500N/REBEL G, 3000N/66/REBEL XSN, IX, IX 7/IX Lite

Type-B Camera TTL All other EOS cameras other than the above.

K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 2

Conventions Used in this Booklet

This instruction booklet has separate chapters for Type-A and

Type-B cameras. If you have a Type-A camera, read pages 9 to

30 and 39 to 53.

If you have a Type-B camera, read pages 9 to 16 and 31 to 53.

• The operation procedures in this instruction booklet assume

that the main (power) switch on the camera and 420EX has

been turned on. Be sure to turn on the main switch before

proceeding.

• The icons in the text indicate the camera and 420EX's buttons

and dials and their settings. The icons in the text are the same

ones found on the camera and Speedlite. For the name of the

button or dial, see "Nomenclature" on page 8. The following

icons for the camera's picture-taking modes are also used:

: Full Auto

: Program AE

: Aperture-priority AE

: Shutter speed-priority AE

: Manual

• The ( ) icon indicates that the respective function remains in

effect for 16 sec. after the relevant button is released.

• Reference page numbers are indicated in parentheses as

follows: (→page M)

K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 3

Contents

Conventions Used in this Booklet..............................................3

Nomenclature ............................................................................6

Before You Start (For Type-A and Type-B Cameras) .....9

Installing the Batteries.............................................................10

Mounting the Speedlite............................................................12

Wireless Selector ....................................................................13

Main Switch.............................................................................14

High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) Switch .......................................14

Pilot Lamp and Test Firing ......................................................15

Flash Exposure Confirmation..................................................15

Flash Coverage.......................................................................16

AF-Assist Beam.......................................................................16

Easy Flash Photography (For Type-A Cameras) ..........17

Flash in Full Auto Mode...........................................................18

Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes......................................20

High-Speed Sync (FP Flash)...................................................25

FE Lock ...................................................................................27

Second-Curtain Synchronization.............................................29

Modeling Flash........................................................................30

K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 4

Contents

Easy Flash Photography (For Type-B Cameras) ..........31

Flash in Full Auto Mode...........................................................32

Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes......................................34

Advanced Flash Photography (For Type-A and B Cameras) ...39

Bounce Flash ..........................................................................40

Flash Exposure Compensation ...............................................41

Multi-Speedlite System............................................................42

Troubleshooting Guide............................................................48

Major Specifications ................................................................49

K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 5

Nomenclature

Front

Flash head

Locking collar

(→page 12)

Contacts (→page 12)

Mounting foot (→page 12)

Wireless sensor

AF-assist beam emitter

(→page 16)

Battery chamber

cover (→page 10)

• The reference page is indicated by (→page M).

• In the text, the 420EX's controls and settings are indicated with the corresponding

icons enclosed in brackets < >.

Locking pin(→page 12)

K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 6

Nomenclature

Back

Horizontal bounce

release button (→page 40)

E-TTL indicator

Upward bounce release

button (→page 40)

Autozoom position

indicators (→page 16)

Main switch (→page 14)

<>: Turns off the power.

<>: Turns on the power.

High-speed sync (FP flash)

switch (→page 14)

Pilot lamp /

Test firing button (→page 15)

Flash exposure confirmation

lamp (→page 15)

Slave group (SLAVE ID)

button (→page 43)

Wireless selector (→page 42)

<>Channel button (→page 43)

K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 7

K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 8

This chapter helps you prepare for flash

photography with the 420EX.

Before You Start

K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 9

Installing the Batteries

Install one of the following types of batteries:

(1) Four size-AA alkaline batteries

(2) Four size-AA nickel-hydride batteries

1Open the battery chamber cover.

• Slide the battery chamber cover as

shown by arrow 1 and flip it up as

shown by arrow 2.

2Insert the batteries.

• Make sure the + and - battery

contacts are properly oriented as

shown in the battery chamber.

3Close the battery chamber cover.

• Close the cover and push it down

while sliding it as shown by arrow 2.

K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 10

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