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.

[WakkoWarner]

We've tried the flash in multiple positions, boucing it off of the walls and the ceiling - same results.

[kvbarkley]

Use P mode and turn down the flash exposure compensation.

[jrhoffman75]

To get camera back to normal:

[WakkoWarner]

I tried it at my house (not the same as the warehouse, obviously), and the pictures are better.  I have the exposure compensation set to -1, shooting in P mode.  I am attaching some sample pictures so you can see how they look (one of them is horrible, but I had no other lighting turned on in the room.

[WakkoWarner]

None of those things show up on the flash ever.  I am beginning to think the flash is not working properly or it is not syncing with the camera.

[WakkoWarner]

Would getting a flash diffuser help at all??  I really need to get this camera figured out.  Let me know.  Thanks.

[kvbarkley]

Since you never showed us any images from the "warehouse" it is hard to say. A diffuser or soft box certainly would not hurt.

[diverhank]

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@WakkoWarner wrote:

Would getting a flash diffuser help at all??  I really need to get this camera figured out.  Let me know.  Thanks.

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The pictures taken in your home indicated to me there is nothing wrong with your flash and camera. What is it that you are looking for, specifically? What do you think the pics should look like? There are some reflection and the color balance is off but  the pictures are not washed out as you claimed. 

Bottom line is what can I help you with?

[jrhoffman75]

I agree with diverhank. The photos posted look fine from an exposure standpoint; certainly not overexposed. Looks like you have -1 Exposure Compensation dialed in.

[WakkoWarner]

I asked the warehouse guys to take pictures of a few different items today, but they didn't listen.  So, I only have a couple of pictures of the same item.  Unfortunately, these pictures aren't nearly as bad as the ones in the past.  I will have them take some more tomorrow, so that we can see a few different items.