I am using 580EX TTL with my Canon 350D camera. My snaps are underexposed even when I shoot at a distance of 8 feet - 13 feet. The camera and flash setting in auto.
Please help.
Team Vision
I have had two flash heads replaced under warranty for this exact reason, 1 for master slave not functioning.
things do wear out, buy extended warranties.
use all manual settings including exposure, flash, take raw images with same camera of same subject in same lighting conditions (indoors) and switch flashes between pictures submitting resulting images and notes re images and settings to repair to prove it is flash and not settings.
I just got a flash back for this situation and it is firing 2.5 stops brighter than the identical unit i bought at the exact same time. I needless to say i will be shipping another flash in for repair today.
I have three flashes 1 on camera 1 for back up - which i alternate weekend to weekend and 1 in rmaintenance (repair) / shipping.
I shoot 2 weddings a weekend (yesterday on my feet for 14 hours camera in hand) and have an engineering background -
Remember good batteries - paulsfinenst.com sells powerex 2700 - i have tested / experiemented with many and these are the only ones i have found so far that are consistent and are actuall 2600+...
Sometimes it is the flash...
Had the same problem with a 400d - only solution - buy a 30d
Set camera:
Single shot mode not servo/C modes
Focus sensor set for center
Make sure exp. comp is not set on -(minus) side.
Make sure your subject is locked on and not moving out of the autofocus (center) sensor.
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I am also using canon 350D with 580EX flash. My pictures also under exposed by +2/3 stops.
Became a flash guru, eventually proved that it was the flash, not the user or settings. Luckily had extended warranty - replaced the whole flash head - have multiple 580 Ex's, have had more than one flash head replaced..in fact I just got one back for this type of repair and it is 2.5 stops brighter than an identical flash bought at the exact same time used as much.
Manual everything (flash, camera - even exposure because i found it to effect the result inconsistently, tripod, same subject identical conditions, write an experiment result report and send the CD of images (raw) to the repair guy) - check your histograms...they tell all.
Also compared to a third flash for this and to confirm master slave function failing in particular flash. and even though my report was two pages of desctription, repair was done but not calibration......
BEST ADVICE HAVE TWO OR THREE FLASHES AT LEAST PER PHOTOGRAPHER...I think with all the moving parts and the burst of energy, things wear out. I do weddings 2 a weekend usually 30 weekends a year at least - FLash on camera wearing out, backup for when light drops below acceptable level and 1 in for maintenance (Repair and shipping) - Cannot be without flash and backup on any given weekend. and in a pinch I have even been shorted down to my on camera flash - as a result of flashes becoming disabled -
Also one last note - batteries - 2700 maH - i order from paulsfinest .com - i have an electrical engineering background - only batteries i have found that are reliable and consistant - tested regualarily by me - many say 2700, but are only 2500 even with conditioning, and lesser batteries drop off faster even down to 1900 - less power slower recycle - if your camera / flash is set to shoot prior to full recharge - lowered flash output makes brightness drop down as well.
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