topic Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work in Speedlite Flashes

Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Flaherty — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:19:25 GMT

I'm hoping someone can help.

I've just bought a Canon 430EX III-RT and for the most part I'm very impressed with this speedlight. However, when I try to set up the AF-assist IR beam both on and off my camera (Canon 90D) it won't work. I've gone into the sub-menu P.Fn 05 and selected "1". When I back out, however, the icon shown is for the standard flash, not the specific AF-assist IR icon. The red IR will not function. I have no problems with the master-slave off-camera flash function which I think is great.

Has anyone else had this issue? I hope it is just a set-up error on my part. Every other function of this speedlight appears to function as required.

I don't do much flash photography but I never had this problem with my Canon 380EX which unfortunately gave up (finally) after 25 years of faithful service.

I look forward to any assistance provided.

Thank you.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Anonymous — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 17:35:42 GMT

For the IR assist to work, you can only use the center focus point. If any other focus points are selected, the IR doesn't work. See from the manual concerning P.Fn-05 setting of 1:

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

deebatman316 — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 17:48:40 GMT

The 430EX III-RT IR AF Assist Beam only works with the center AF point ONLY. If auto AF point selection or the center and another point is set. Then the IR AF Assist Beam is projected also. You don't need to set the camera to IR Only. The speedlite's personal function controls AF Assist Beam projection method. Setting the camera to IR AF Assist Beam only. With the speedlite set to Intermittent Flash Firing. Results in NO type of AF Assist Beam emission from the speedlite. Note that the IR AF Assist Beam is INCOMPATIBLE with EOS R series cameras. Intermittent Flash Firing is still used. Regardless of the AF Assist Beam projection method.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Flaherty — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:10:01 GMT

Hi Bob, thanks for the quick reply. I actually found that suggestion in the long version manual but it has not helped. For some reason I cannot get the icon on the flash LCD screen to show the AF IR icon. Beginning to think this is a problem with the unit. I've only just bought it so it's under warranty. Just so inconvenient to return it by mail (as that is how I purchased it).

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Flaherty — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:13:37 GMT

Hi Demetrius,

good advice regarding the EOS R cameras - as yet I don't own one.

Re. my flash unit, your advice and that of the other person who replied does not seem to have solved my issue.

For some reason I cannot get the icon on the flash LCD screen to show the AF IR icon. Beginning to think this is a problem with the unit. I've only just bought it so it's under warranty. Just so inconvenient to return it by mail (as that is how I purchased it).

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

deebatman316 — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:19:46 GMT

With the camera set to the center AF Point or Auto AF Point selection and the speedlite's AF Assist Beam projection method set to IR. Does the speedlite project an IR Beam at all or no beam at all. Try this test in a dark room so you can see the IR AF Assist Beam. Does the speedlite trying using Intermittent Flash Firing.

Limitations of the IR AF Assist Beam

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

deebatman316 — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:21:52 GMT

Is any IR Beam projected at all from the speedlite. No IR Beam at all or Intermittent Flash Firing. Or NO AF Assist Beam projection AT ALL. When the camera is set to center point AF with IR set.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:48:34 GMT

Are you trying the IR beam with the flash mounted on the camera or not? It will only function when mounted on the camera.

Also, are the in-camera flash settings set for IR firing? It can be disabled via the camera menu also.

Besides checking the icon on the flash, have you actually tried it on camera to see if it lights up red in the front of the flash with your lens cap on and pressing the shutter button?

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

deebatman316 — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:56:24 GMT

It only needs to be set to "Enable AF Assist Beam". The AF Assist Beam projection method must be set on the speedlite itself. Setting the camera to IR Only. With the speedlite set to Intermittent Flash Firing. Results in no AF Assist Beam at all. The IR AF Assist Beam only was for the 270EX originally. It lacks an IR AF Assist Beam. That setting disables speedlites from firing a non-IR AF Assist Beam. The 380EX was also limited to the center AF point too. It also lacks compatibility with the speedlite control menu. You have partial compatibility to set rear curtain sync, FEC and AF Assist Beam Firing. Since that speedlite lacks an LCD screen to set such settings.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:09:43 GMT

You can disable IR flash firing in the camera's menu for the attached flash custom controls. I just tried it with my 430 EXIII-RT and 80D.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Flaherty — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:14:36 GMT

Hi Bob,

"Are you trying the IR beam with the flash mounted on the camera or not? It will only function when mounted on the camera." - I am only using the flash mounted and locked on the hotshoe.

"Also, are the in-camera flash settings set for IR firing? It can be disabled via the camera menu also."

I've selected <Flash control>

8 /A/F-assist beam firing "0 - Enabled"

"Besides checking the icon on the flash, have you actually tried it on camera to see if it lights up red in the front of the flash with your lens cap on and pressing the shutter button?" yes, but with no success.

I'm mystified, to be honest. Surely the correct icon would appear in the LCD after setting the AF-assist on the flash unit, wouldn't you think. That, along with the past two days trying to get it to function, would suggest there is a malfunction.

I appreciate your taking the time to assist.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Flaherty — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:18:06 GMT

"Is any IR Beam projected at all from the speedlite. No IR Beam at all or Intermittent Flash Firing. Or NO AF Assist Beam projection AT ALL. When the camera is set to center point AF with IR set."

Nothing.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

deebatman316 — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:22:20 GMT

The AF Assist Beam doesn't work with AI Servo. Only One Shot and AI Focus ONLY.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

deebatman316 — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:25:35 GMT

That's if you set the camera to "Disable AF Assist Beam". You can't control Speedlite personal functions from the camera menu. You can only control speedlite Custom Functions. You also can't control the AF Assist Beam projection from the camera menu. That can only be controlled from the speedlite.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

deebatman316 — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:28:08 GMT

Is the camera set to AI Servo. The AF Assist Beam won't be projected then. Use One Shot or AI Focus.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:28:09 GMT

What is the P.Fn-05 (personal function #5) in the flash menu? It should be set to 1 for the IR focus assist.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:29:18 GMT

Yes, I know.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

deebatman316 — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:29:40 GMT

Also note that the AF Assist Beam doesn't work with the camera set to AI Servo. It only works with AI Focus or One Shot.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:33:29 GMT

He mentions not seeing an icon for IR assist, the only place I know of an icon displayed is in personal functions 5. By the way, I have this flash and am familiar with the settings. We should concentrate on helping the OP.

Re: Speedlite 430EX III-RT AF assist beam won't work

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:43:45 GMT

The icon on the main flash LCD screen doesn't show if the IR assist is enabled or not. In PF.n-05 does show the IR assist icon. deebatman316 raises a good point, are you using AF servo focus mode on the camera? That mode prevents the IR beam firing as well.