Canon 7D: wtf, can't get external flash to work?

[JMorton6]

Just got a 7D and a Speedlite 430EX II external flash (my first) and hooked it up via cord to hot shoe. The flash itself powers on just fine but just doesn't fire, and the camera says flash connected and allows me to edit the settings. I got it to fire once or twice, but 99% of the time it doesn't work. Oh and I'm trying to do macro shots (also my first macro lens). Wtf am I doing wrong here guys?

moved to cameras -DrPizza

 

[Sumguy]

I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn't know you're posting in the wrong forum.

Below me will be a series of trolls.

 

[sdifox]

have you tried just coupling the flash to the hotshoe directly?

 

[JMorton6]

have you tried just coupling the flash to the hotshoe directly?

Ya, same thing. Is it supposed to -always- fire when it's on? I'm thinking it might be the batteries cuz they're kinda old... I just tried it again and the flash LCD screen just powers off after like 10 seconds, even if I keep taking photos: it looks like it just dies.

 

[crab]

I have a feeling fresh batteries might help...

 

[sdifox]

Ya, same thing. Is it supposed to -always- fire when it's on? I'm thinking it might be the batteries cuz they're kinda old... I just tried it again and the flash LCD screen just powers off after like 10 seconds, even if I keep taking photos: it looks like it just dies.

sigh, if you can't figure out you need batteries with juice in them, you should return the camera and flash.

also, flash may not always fire. It depends on how you got it setup.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Even if the batteries aren't dead, the flash still takes some time to recharge its capacitors and be ready to fire. The red light on the back of the flash will light up when it is ready to go at the desired power level. The higher the flash power level, the longer the delay; and the less charge the batteries have, the longer the delay. The delay is minimal at lower power levels (1/64, 1/32, 1/16) but can be several seconds at full power.

 

[angry hampster]

Even if the batteries aren't dead, the flash still takes some time to recharge its capacitors and be ready to fire. The red light on the back of the flash will light up when it is ready to go at the desired power level. The higher the flash power level, the longer the delay; and the less charge the batteries have, the longer the delay. The delay is minimal at lower power levels (1/64, 1/32, 1/16) but can be several seconds at full power.

Hit the nail on the head. I'd replace the batteries first. Get yourself a good set of rechargeables or some Energizer E^2. However, the 430EX does have a 5-7 second recycle time on half or full power.

 

[corkyg]

Gotta be batteries. BTW - this is the correct forum for your question.

 

[dev0lution]

1. batteries
2. poor contact with the hotshoe/cable
3. possibly set in the wrong mode?

Does it consistently fire off-camera using the pilot button?

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Batteries first guys. Especially if you use Alkalines, which is a nono with flashes, the voltage drop will be significant near EOL. What happens is your recharge time goes WAY up. It happens even on NiMh's when you get close to death. I had to wait like 5-8 seconds for the next shot. I pop in a fresh set of Eneloops and BAM. I'm cycling fast again.

Sometimes that capacitor just can't get charged up.... or takes a while because there's barely enough juice. Believe me. The flash will power on no problem. You can tinker with the settings, but that pilot light will not come on.

This is electronics 101 man. Stick in a fresh set of batteries and see how it goes.

Hit the nail on the head. I'd replace the batteries first. Get yourself a good set of rechargeables or some Energizer E^2. However, the 430EX does have a 5-7 second recycle time on half or full power.

It's not that slow. I used one for nightlife photography a lot. It's like 3 seconds or so if you fire full power. The 580EX II takes a while too. All flashes do. At half power they're a lot faster... a LOT. But yes when you couple that with half drained batteries, especially alkalines that time goes way up.