Speedlite 550EX

tony09uk

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Hi, i have just bought a speedlite 550EX. I am currently learing to understand it. My question is how do i stop the built in flash from firing. I feel like its reducing my creative possibilities. I have looked though both manuals and cant seem to find anything covering it.
Im using a 7D, incase setting differ from camera to camera.

Also are ther any good tutorials out to teach flash useage?
 
I'm assuming you're using it as a wireless off-camera flash.
If you stop the built in flash from firing the 550EX won't fire either as the camera body's flash is signalling the 550EX. In the flash control menu (on the camera) you should be able to set it to either not fire at all (no flash at all), fire normally (wireless and onboard flash adding to exposure) or just to fire the triggering signal (only wireless flash will contribute to exposure but the onboard flash will still appear to flash).

Looking at a pdf for the 7D manual the setting is called "Wireless func." and it has icons rather than text as the options, you want the icon that looks like an external flash.
 
Yes as said in the flash menu on the 7D set it to off camera flash only (the middle one of the 3). What happens is the onboard flash fires to trigger the remote flash but its before the shutter opens, so you only get the remote flash being used in your picture.
 
thanks. that makes sense. I noticed that the in-camera flash was firing before the external one.

Now for a follow up question if you wouldn't mind (i've read the manual but it doesn't make much sense to me:s)

When I set the flash function I have an option to set the firing group, those options are A+B+C or A:B or A:B C. What is that on about?
 
Tony, a coupler of good books - Canon EOS 7D Field Guide - and 'Speedliters Handbook by Syl Arena. Both available on Amazon

Malcolm
 
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