Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

[WakkoWarner]

I do eBay listings for someone.  When I am out of town, someone else needs to take pictures.  So, we purchased a Rebel T4i at a pawn shop (barely had 1,000 shutter activations on it).  It needed a flash, as the conditions in the warehouse are not always optimal for taking pictures. 

So, we acquired a 430EX flash.  The problem is that no matter what position the flash is in, the pictures are always washed out.  We have a cheap Bower SFD35C flash that we were using with it (cost about $30).  It does an okay job, but doesn't light up the items enough (they are kind of dark, but never washed out like with the 430EX).

The camera that I personally use for taking the pictures is a Sony Alpha A65 with an HVL-F58AM flash.  I keep the flash angled one click backwards and the pictures always turn out fine.  Since I do not have experience with the Canon cameras, can anyone guide me as to setting up the camera and the flash to work together??  I am actually beginning to wonder if the flash is defective (it was purchased used), since once I take a picture, I can no longer adjust any settings on the flash until I turn it off and on again.

If anyone has any ideas or pointers, your input will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

[ScottyP]

Are you shooting in ETTL flash mode or manual flash mode?  

[jrhoffman75]

Does the on-camera flash work properly?

That flash behavior doesn't sound right. That doesn't happen with mine.

[Waddizzle]

Don't forget to check the usual suspects like flash and exposure compensation.

[kvbarkley]

Also, this sounds like you are shooting small things, are you using a soft box or anything? You might be too close.

[diverhank]

Find an area that has a white ceiling (not too high).  Set the camera in full auto (green square) but point the flash straight up in the air to bounce the light off the ceiling.  If you don't have a ceiling, try bouncing the flash off a white wall.  Your flash right now is too close to the subject, washing it out.

[WakkoWarner]

I am shooting in ETTL mode.

[WakkoWarner]

I can get the flash to open when I am not in A+ mode and it appears to work okay.

[jrhoffman75]

Is your shooting distance within the range shown on the flash LCD?

[WakkoWarner]

The items are too big for a soft box.  I shoot from the same distances with my Alpha A65 and the pictures are never washed out.  I suspect that some settings in the camera are wrong or the flash is defective.