Random flashes from 300D/420EX combo

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Colin D - 11 Sep 2005 01:29 GMT

I recently bought a 42EX flash for my 300D, and while testing the combo
for exposure accuracy - given the numerous comments about underexposure
with Canon flashes - I found I have a different problem. The flash goes
off by itself every few seconds, apparently a pre-flash since it isn't
very bright, but it's annoying, even to the other people around laughing
at me not having control of the damned thing.

I can trigger a flash simply by moving the camera reasonably quickly,
the act of simply raising it to my eye will cause it to fire.

Has anyone else had this happen?

Colin D.

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Canongirly - 11 Sep 2005 01:34 GMT

There's a dodgy contact somewhere either within the flash or the camera.

>I recently bought a 42EX flash for my 300D, and while testing the combo
> for exposure accuracy - given the numerous comments about underexposure
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Colin D.

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Michael Johnson, PE - 11 Sep 2005 01:53 GMT

> I recently bought a 42EX flash for my 300D, and while testing the combo
> for exposure accuracy - given the numerous comments about underexposure
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Has anyone else had this happen?

On my 300D with the 420EX attached I can fire the flash by hitting the
"+" button that zooms in on the image when it is displayed on the LCD.
You may be hitting it accidently and causing the flash to fire. I'm not
sure why this happens but I think it does serve some purpose.

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Colin D - 12 Sep 2005 11:42 GMT

> I recently bought a 42EX flash for my 300D, and while testing the combo
> for exposure accuracy - given the numerous comments about underexposure
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Colin D.

Thanks for the replies, guys, unfortunately neither help me here, I'm
not hitting the + button, and if its a dodgy contact I guess it'll have
to go to Canon for a look-see.

Colin D.

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DD (Rox) - 13 Sep 2005 14:39 GMT

> I recently bought a 42EX flash for my 300D, and while testing the combo
> for exposure accuracy - given the numerous comments about underexposure
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Colin D.

Take it back.

I went through three 420EX flashes during my tenure as a Canonite. They
are, how shall we say...absolute crap.

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Colin D - 14 Sep 2005 00:03 GMT

> > I recently bought a 42EX flash for my 300D, and while testing the combo
> > for exposure accuracy - given the numerous comments about underexposure
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> I went through three 420EX flashes during my tenure as a Canonite. They
> are, how shall we say...absolute crap.

You're the only one who has answered quoting experience with 420EX's.
Three of 'em? Ok, it'll go back to Canon for checking and possible
replacement.

Thanks

Colin D.

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DD (Rox) - 14 Sep 2005 08:29 GMT

> > > I recently bought a 42EX flash for my 300D, and while testing the combo
> > > for exposure accuracy - given the numerous comments about underexposure
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> Three of 'em? Ok, it'll go back to Canon for checking and possible
> replacement.

Do yourself a favour. Don't get another one. Try getting the 550EX or
the newer 580EX instead. Spend more and get more. The 420 is a terrible
flash in terms of its functionality and performance. I'd seriously
recommend a 3rd party flash over this one anyday.

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Eugene - 14 Sep 2005 14:14 GMT

You really think they're THAT bad? I've been using mine for over 2 years
on my G3 and I've taken hundreds if not thousands of photos with it and
I've never had a problem. Seriously until I got the 20D I'd never had a
reason to be dissapointed with the flash.

Granted you probably have more experience with them than I do, but still
the symptoms that the original poster described are certainly not normal
for the flash. Mine has never fired on it's own for no reason. There is
clearly either something wrong with his particular flash unit, or the
300D. This is definitely not normal behaviour. As others have suggested
it sounds like a loose connection somewhere.

Keep in mind that if he exchanges his (apparently) faulty 420 for one of
those other models he'd have to spend a substantial amount of extra
money. A new 550EX or 580EX would very likely cost more than his camera
is worth.

> Do yourself a favour. Don't get another one. Try getting the 550EX or
> the newer 580EX instead. Spend more and get more. The 420 is a terrible
> flash in terms of its functionality and performance. I'd seriously
> recommend a 3rd party flash over this one anyday.

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DD (Rox) - 15 Sep 2005 07:13 GMT

> You really think they're THAT bad? I've been using mine for over 2 years
> on my G3 and I've taken hundreds if not thousands of photos with it and
> I've never had a problem. Seriously until I got the 20D I'd never had a
> reason to be dissapointed with the flash.

It's a crippled flash. In fact you could call it a "one trick pony".

> Granted you probably have more experience with them than I do, but still
> the symptoms that the original poster described are certainly not normal
> for the flash. Mine has never fired on it's own for no reason. There is
> clearly either something wrong with his particular flash unit, or the
> 300D. This is definitely not normal behaviour. As others have suggested
> it sounds like a loose connection somewhere.

This is the thing. There have been so many reports of "faulty" 420EX
units on the net, coupled with my own experience of having to have it
replaced three times, that I don't think anyone should bother with it.

> Keep in mind that if he exchanges his (apparently) faulty 420 for one of
> those other models he'd have to spend a substantial amount of extra
> money. A new 550EX or 580EX would very likely cost more than his camera
> is worth.

Nah! Can't be. IIRC the 550EX was about 1.6 times the price of the 420.
Worth every penny in my book.

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Michael Johnson, PE - 14 Sep 2005 14:31 GMT

>>>I recently bought a 42EX flash for my 300D, and while testing the combo
>>>for exposure accuracy - given the numerous comments about underexposure
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> Three of 'em? Ok, it'll go back to Canon for checking and possible
> replacement.

I answered and based my reply own personal experience. I have a 420EX
and have no problems with it. It works great.

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