Problem with flash photography

[Doggiedog]

I recently purchased a 5D Mk II and a 430EX II flash.

I haven't had much time behind the camera until this weekend and an issue with flash photography.

For some reason, even when I set the flash on TTL and the camera on program mode, my pictures come out completely overexposed. Basically all white. If I physically reset the flash and turn it on and off the picture comes out fine but this problem keeps reoccurring. The flash is mounted properly.

I have tried using other settings like shutter (up to 1/250) and aperture priority but the camera seems to overexpose picture.

Any suggestions on what could be wrong?

TIA

Edit: One thing I forgot to mention was when the flash goes off, it is exceptionally bright when it is overexposed. I could easily eyeball and tell the flash was at max power compared to when the picture comes out exposed perfectly when the flash is not powered as high.

 

[ElFenix]

return the flash

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

You have the flash on TTL. You're sure the exposure compensation on the flash hasn't been jacked up to +3 or something?

The fact that you've got to physically reset the flash to get it to work properly makes me believe the flash is defective. It it behaves totally differently under the exact same situations...

 

[Doggiedog]

I have a feeling you are both right. It's probably defective. I'll test it out some more and will return it if the problem continues.

 

[sdifox]

have you tried bouncing the flash?

 

[Doggiedog]

Yes. It's goes to full power regardless of angle. I noticed that the zoom detection does not work. For some reason, the flash always lists 105mm unless I reset and turn it off/on. That probably explains why the flash is at full power but I'm still puzzled as to why it gets stuck at 105mm.

 

[tdawg]

Stupid question, but there wasn't a plastic protective film over the contacts of the flash that wasn't removed, was there?

 

[Doggiedog]

Yes and I put on a diffuser as well.