Canon Speedlite 420EX manual

Canon Speedlite 420EX
7.5 · 1
PDF manual
 · 56 pages
English
manualCanon Speedlite 420EX
2

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
OX
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

View the manual for the Canon Speedlite 420EX here, for free. This manual comes under the category flash units and has been rated by 1 people with an average of a 7.5. This manual is available in the following languages: English. Do you have a question about the Canon Speedlite 420EX or do you need help? Ask your question here

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General
BrandCanon
ModelSpeedlite 420EX | 4590A018
Productflash unit
EAN4960999150444
LanguageEnglish
FiletypeUser manual (PDF)
Weight & dimensions
Weight300 g
Dimensions (WxDxH)71 x 99 x 122 mm
Power
Number of batteries supported4
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Can't find the answer to your question in the manual? You may find the answer to your question in the FAQs about the Canon Speedlite 420EX below.

What is the weight of the Canon Speedlite 420EX?

The Canon Speedlite 420EX has a weight of 300 g.

Is the Canon Speedlite 420EX compatible with rechargeable batteries?

No, the Canon Speedlite 420EX is not compatible with rechargeable batteries. This means users will need to use non-rechargeable batteries for this flash unit.

How does the size of the Canon Speedlite 420EX compare to other flash units on the market?

The Canon Speedlite 420EX has dimensions of 71 x 99 x 122 mm, which is relatively compact compared to some other flash units. This makes it a convenient option for users who prioritize portability.

How can I troubleshoot if the E-TTL wireless autoflash is not working with my Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit?

To troubleshoot if the E-TTL wireless autoflash is not working with your Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit, follow these steps: 1. Ensure that the 420EX flash unit is set as the slave unit in the wireless flash system. Set the wireless selector on the 420EX to "< >". 2. Position the slave unit(s) within the wireless transmission range of the master unit. The master unit can be the 550EX, ST-E2, MR-14EX, or MT-24EX. 3. Check that the master unit is functioning properly. Test the master unit's test firing button to ensure it is triggering the flash. 4. Make sure that the wireless communication between the master unit and the 420EX slave unit is not obstructed. Remove any obstacles that may interfere with the wireless signal. 5. Verify that the batteries in both the master unit and the 420EX slave unit are fully charged. Low battery power can affect the wireless communication. 6. If the 420EX slave unit has not been used for about 10 minutes, it may enter the SE mode (indicated by a blinking channel number) to conserve power. Press the master unit's test firing button within 30 minutes to turn the slave unit back on. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve any issues with the E-TTL wireless autoflash functionality of your Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit.

Why is my Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit not functioning as a slave unit in a wireless flash system?

If your Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit is not functioning as a slave unit in a wireless flash system, you can troubleshoot the issue by following these steps: 1. Check the wireless selector on the 420EX flash unit. Ensure that it is set to "SLAVE" for wireless flash operation. If it is set to "OFF," the flash unit will function as a normal, on-camera Speedlite. 2. Verify that the master unit in the wireless flash system, such as the 550EX, ST-E2, MR-14EX, or MT-24EX, is functioning properly. Test the master unit's test firing button to ensure it triggers the flash. 3. Position the 420EX flash unit within the wireless transmission range of the master unit. Ensure that there are no obstructions that may interfere with the wireless communication between the master and slave units. 4. If the 420EX slave unit has not been used for approximately 10 minutes, it may enter the SE mode, indicated by a blinking channel number. Press the master unit's test firing button within 30 minutes to turn the slave unit back on. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve any issues with the Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit functioning as a slave unit in a wireless flash system.

What should I do if the flash coverage of my Canon Speedlite 420EX is not set to 24mm automatically?

If the flash coverage of your Canon Speedlite 420EX is not set to 24mm automatically, you can follow these steps: 1. Check the flash mode of the Speedlite. Ensure that it is set to "Full Auto Mode" for automatic flash exposure control. 2. Verify that the flash exposure confirmation lamp lights up when a correct flash exposure is obtained. If the lamp does not light up, it may indicate underexposure. In this case, make sure the "< >" symbol is lit and try moving closer to the subject before taking the picture again. 3. Understand that when using fill flash, the flash output is automatically reduced to achieve a more natural balance between the subject and background brightness. This helps prevent the subject from looking unnatural compared to the background's brightness. By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and ensure that the flash coverage of your Canon Speedlite 420EX is set to 24mm automatically for optimal flash performance.

Why is the AF-assist beam emitter on my Canon Speedlite 420EX not blinking once per second continuously when the flash is ready?

If the AF-assist beam emitter on your Canon Speedlite 420EX is not blinking once per second continuously when the flash is ready, you can troubleshoot the issue by following these steps: 1. Check the AF-assist beam emitter on the flash unit. Ensure that it is not obstructed by any objects or debris. Clean the emitter if necessary. 2. Verify that the flash unit is in a low-light or dark environment. The AF-assist beam emitter will only activate in these conditions to assist with autofocus. 3. Ensure that the flash unit is set to the appropriate AF-assist beam mode. The AF-assist beam can be set to "On" or "Off" using the flash unit's controls. Make sure it is set to "On" for the emitter to function. 4. Check the flash unit's battery level. If the battery power is low, it may affect the operation of the AF-assist beam emitter. Replace or recharge the batteries as needed. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve any issues with the AF-assist beam emitter on your Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit not blinking once per second continuously when the flash is ready.

What should I do if certain features, such as E-TTL autoflash or high-speed sync, are not available with my EOS camera and Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit?

If certain features, such as E-TTL autoflash or high-speed sync, are not available with your EOS camera and Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit, follow these steps: 1. Check the compatibility of your EOS camera with the Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit. Some camera models may not support certain advanced flash features. Refer to the camera's user manual or contact Canon customer support for compatibility information. 2. Ensure that the firmware of your EOS camera is up to date. Firmware updates can sometimes add new features or improve compatibility with external flash units. Visit the Canon website and search for firmware updates specific to your camera model. 3. Verify that the flash unit is securely attached to the camera's hot shoe or connected via a compatible off-camera flash cable. Loose connections can prevent the camera from recognizing and utilizing certain flash features. 4. If the camera and flash unit are compatible and properly connected, but the features are still not available, consider upgrading to a newer flash unit or camera model that supports the desired features. Canon offers a range of flash units and cameras with varying capabilities. By following these steps, you can address the issue of certain features not being available with your EOS camera and Canon Speedlite 420EX flash unit.

Is the manual of the Canon Speedlite 420EX available in English?

Yes, the manual of the Canon Speedlite 420EX is available in English .

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