Canon Speedlite Flashes
Media Loan offers two stand-alone speedlite flashes, the 430EX II and 580EX II. These do not require a proficiency and are checked out separately, unlike the Speedlite Kit offered at Media Loan, and work with all Canon Rebel cameras. These are multi-feature flash units for Canon EOS cameras and work automatically with E-TTL II, E-TTL, and TTL autoflash systems. They both can be used as on-camera flashes and as part of a wireless, multi-Speedlite flash systems.
Basic Operation
To use: 1. Attach the flash to the camera by inserting it into the hot shoe mount on top. 2. On the mounting foot, slide the lock lever to the right until it clicks into place. 3. Flip the switch to "on". The "pilot" indicator should light up red.
Flashes normally automatically sync up with Rebels. If not, you can adjust the mode on the flash itself as well as on the camera's menu under "flash control". Here you can enable/disable flash firing as well as set up which type of flash mode you want to use (E-TTL II, Manual, Multi). To remove: press the lock release button and push the level to the left. This will release the flash and you can pull it out of the hot shoe.
Other features
C.Fn.
Custom functions can be set up on these speedlites. These can be adjusted in the Rebel's menu under "Flash Control" > "External flash C.fn setting".
Mode
Use this button to set the desired flash mode (E-TTL II, Manual, Multi).
High-Speed Sync
This enables the flash to synchronize with all shutter speeds. This is convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-in portraits.
Zoom
The flash coverage can be set to match the lens focal length. This can be set manually, press the "ZOOM" button and use the dial to adjust. 480EX II adjusts from 24-105mm, and the 580EX II adjusts from 28mm-105mm.
Exposure compensation can also be adjusted on the flash itself by pressing the "SET/SEL" button and turning the wheel to the dial to the desired setting.
Access the full guides here: 430EX II http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Owners-Manuals/Canon-Speedlite-430ex-Flash-Manual.pdf http://learn.usa.canon.com/app/pdfs/quickguides/CDLC_Speedlite430EXII_QuickGuide.pdf
580EX II http://mfaphoto.schoolofvisualarts.edu/pdfs/manuals/Canon_Speedlite%20580EXii_Flash.PDF http://learn.usa.canon.com/app/pdfs/quickguides/CDLC_580EXII_QuickGuide.pdf