topic Re: Canon 80D Flash Questions in Speedlite Flashes

Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:23:45 GMT

Mounting a 580EXII on a T3i & shooting in P. Flash will inexplicably switch from ETTL mode to TTL, overexposing closer subjects. Cannot reset to ETTL manually. Must shut down, remove flash from camera frame, remove batteries and start again. Any thoughts or solutions appreciated.

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

digital — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:08:46 GMT

That is a known problem with the 580II. Foot contact problem. If it comes loose then it reverts to TTL. I had one and fortunately never had that happen to me but changed the foot on my flash anyway. Canon did come up with a foot retro you can order from Canon for about $50. It is easy to change or you can send it to Canon. Before doing try cleaning the contacts and you can look up on how to adjust to foot on you tube. I'm sure there is a video.

Original

New foot. Canon parts USA. 1-866-481-2569

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

digital — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:08:07 GMT

He takes the foot off to adjust it. This is the same procedure to change it. You need one of those hobby set screwdrivers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kjk9wg3B2w8

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:45:29 GMT

Thanx for the info. Glad (I guess) to find out it's more of a design flaw then a problem singular to me and my equipment.

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

digital — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:44:13 GMT

No problem. I see the "I guess" part was not great news and I don't blame you. It is a pain but at least now you know why. That Retro foot takes about 15 minutes to change so not all is lost. Adjutsting the original does not look that tough in one video I watched. I think Canon wanted $200 to change the foot. If you are not comfortable doing maybe a freind, etc who is handy with this stuff.

Good luck

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:07:16 GMT

Looks easy enough to do the foot transplant. Will try the 'tighten up' 1st. Traveling next week & would like a reliable flash. Have a wedding coming up where I would NEED a reliable flash. Thanks again for the info.

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:08:25 GMT

Also, I see the OEM replacement various places online for +/- $50. Thats a workable number...

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jessica — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 03:38:30 GMT

Hi Jchafitz, thanks for posting!

We just wanted to let you know that we don't recommend do-it-yourself repairs. If you’re experiencing a problem with your Speedlite, it’s best to let a professional Canon Factory Service Center Technician do the work to keep you and your gear safe.

Jessica in Support

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:21:42 GMT

Attn: Jessica...

Any idea on the over/under cost of Canon repair for this service?

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

digital — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:38:32 GMT

About $200. May as well sell that one and buy a new flash depending on it's age. With due respect to Canon not only did I change my foot, I swapped out the PC port for a mini jack on my own. I also purchased a foot with a mini jack port for my 580EX which did not have a port and installed that one too.

I recently sold off everything and went with 600 RT's. Not becuase the mods did not work. More for consistency. When working in a frantic environment the morw things you have that are the same programming wise the easier it is. I had a few 3rd party flashes as well. Also less batteries, triggers and cables to deal with.

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:04:02 GMT

Been using this flash for a couple years now & love it. Fine for what I do. If I can get past this problem, I'll be good. Of course I'd like to upgrade t the 600. who wouldn't. But can't justify the expense. My midlife crises was finally getting a 70-200 2.8IS :-}>

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

digital — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:23:48 GMT

There is another place that can do it of you are uncomfortable. The fellow is located in Newtown CT. Michael Bass Designs. Not sure how much less he would charge. Perhaps if you send the retro foot and flash to him. In all honesty if Canon made a retro foot then it is a know problem. It should be free but $50 is not so bad so they should at least have offered free labor on that. Sorry Canon.

I purchased that lens as well. Ouch.

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:01:05 GMT

Got the lens used, and it is sweet!

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:46:38 GMT

Just dis-assembled, tightened all screws, cleaned the contacts & re-assembled. Road trip next week. Stay tuned. Thanx all for the tips and the interest.

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

digital — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:54:41 GMT

Good to hear. No problem as that can be a real pian. Good luck.

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:23:57 GMT

Just thinking here... I have been using a Gary Fong Lightsphere attachment on the flash. Could that extra top-weight have added to the wobble that breaks the contact between the foot & the shoe?

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

digital — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:43:48 GMT

It is possible. That thing has some weight to it. Scap it and learn from my guru. Start in the blue column on the right 01-natural looking flash under flash photograhy techniques. I also took a lighting course and I gave both my spheres away.

http://neilvn.com/tangents/

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:18:45 GMT

I'm self-taught. Learned a long time ago to avoid "open face" full on flash. Starting with my old Olympus OM series & Vivitar flash I added Luma-Quest soft boxes & bouncers. When I moved to the Canon film & then digital frames, I added a small, white diffuser & now the Gary Fong. I do love what it does to the candid faces I like to shoot. I'll perruse the website you recommend, and I thank you again for the advice & insights. ~Never to old to learn~

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Skirball — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:54:00 GMT

I wouldn't use a Fong either, but that's purely because I think the price is ridiculous for a little piece of plastic and I can make do with some paper and a hair tie. However, if you own the Fong and you're getting the results you want, then rock on with it.

Re: Speedlite 580EXII

Jchafitz — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 14:06:19 GMT

Follow up: Tightened up the screws and did an event with the Fong lightsphere. Same result. Love working a room with a long lens and a flash. I am advanced amateur who does the occasional revenue job; weddings, events, parties etc. Like the Fong & what it does but will probably never use it again.

Question: What do y'all use as a light diffuser, either store-bought or home brew. I have one of those small plastic, rectangular flash caps. OK close up but feel it limits my distance & spread. Just found this forum and already have found many valuable insights. Thanks in advance.