Canon SPEEDLIGHT 550EX User Manual

English Edition

INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.

The Canon Speedlite 550EX is a powerful, high-output flash unit featuring E-

TTL (Evaluative-Through-The-Lens) autoflash control. It can be used as an on-

camera Speedlite or as a master or slave unit in a wireless, multi-Speedlite

system.

When used with Type-A cameras (listed below), the 550EX obtains natural-look-

ing flash pictures by balancing the flash output and existing light. The 550EX

also enables high-speed sync (FP or Focal-Plane flash), FE (Flash Exposure)

lock, FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing), bounce flash and area AF-assist.

When used with Type-B cameras (listed below), the 550EX works as a TTL

autoflash unit.

With Type-B cameras, some 550EX features are not available. Refer to the

tables below to check your camera type and the features available.

This Instructions booklet has separate sections for Type-A and Type-B cam-

eras. Read the section which applies to your camera.

EOS-1D, 1V, 3, D60, D30, ELAN 7/7E, 30/33, 50/50 E, ELAN ll/ELAN ll E,

Type-A Camera

Type-B Camera

E-TTL

TTL

300/REBEL 2000, 500N/REBEL G, 3000N/66/REBEL XSN, IX, IX 7/IX Lite

All other EOS cameras.

550EX Features Available with EOS Cameras

?: Available X: Not available

Features

E-TTL autoflash control

With Type-A Cameras

With Type-B Cameras

High-speed sync (FP flash)

FE lock

FEB

Wireless, multi-Speedlite E-TTL

Key to Symbols

: Warning for preventing camera or Speedlite malfunction.

: Supplementary notes for basic operation.

: Helpful tip for Speedlite operation or picture taking.

• Keep this Instructions booklet handy for future reference.

Conventions Used in this Booklet

The Instructions are divided into separate sections for Type-A and Type-B

cameras. If you have a Type-A camera, see pages 10 to 76 and 112 to

125. If you have a Type-B camera, see pages 10 to 22 and 77 to 125.

The Speedlite operation procedures assume that the Speedlite 550EX

has been turned on with its main switch. Before proceeding, turn on

the main switch.

The camera and Speedlite’s buttons and dials and their settings are

indicated by icons in the Instructions. The name of each button and

dial can be found in “Nomenclature” on page 6. Icons for camera

modes are also used. They are as follows:

: Full Auto

: Program AE

Av : Aperture-priority AE

Tv : Shutter speed-priority AE

: Manual

The

icon indicates a simple explanation of a relevant Custom

Function. For details, see “Custom Functions” on page 112. The

Custom Function explanations assume that the default Custom

Function settings are in effect.

Contents

Nomenclature.........................................6

1. Installing Batteries..........................10

2. External Power Sources ................12

3. Attachment to Camera...................13

4. Wireless Selector...........................14

5. Main Switch....................................16

Before You Start

1. Using Flash in Full Auto Mode.......24

2. Using Flash in

Other Camera Modes ....................26

Basic Flash

Photography

1. High-Speed Sync

(FP Flash) ......................................32

2. FE Lock..........................................34

3. Flash Exposure

Advanced Flash

Photography

Compensation................................36

[1] Wireless System Setup and Testing ...52

1. Setting the 550EX as the Master Unit....52

2. Setting the 550EX as a Slave Unit........53

3. Setting the Master/Slave Channel ........54

4. Setting the Slave ID..............................56

5. Master Flash ON/OFF ..........................57

6. Wireless Flash Range...........................58

Wireless Flash

Photography

1. Using Flash in Full Auto Mode.......78

2. Using Flash in

Other Camera Modes ....................80

Basic Flash

Photography

1. Flash Exposure Compensation......86

2. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) ......88

3. Bounce Flash.................................90

Advanced Flash

Photography

[1] Wireless System Setup and Testing...100

1. Setting the 550EX as the Master Unit....100

2. Setting the 550EX as a Slave Unit......100

3. Setting the Master/Slave Channel ......101

4. Setting the Slave ID............................103

5. Master Flash ON/OFF ........................104

6. Wireless Flash Range.........................105

Wireless Flash

Photography

•

For Type-A cameras, see pages 10 to 76 and 112 to 125.

For Type-B cameras, see pages 10 to 22 and 77 to 125.

6. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing..........17

7. Flash Exposure Confirmation .....18

8. Using the Zoom Button and

Wide Panel .................................18

9. Flash Mode.................................21

10. Setting the Film Speed ...............21

11. LCD Panel Illumination...............21

12. AF-Assist Beam..........................22

Automatic Reversion to Default

Settings.......................................22

(1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and

E-TTL Autoflash..........................27

(2) Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority AE and

E-TTL Autoflash ..........................29

(3) M: Manual Exposure and

E-TTL Autoflash..........................30

4. FEB

7. Manual Flash Mode....................44

8. Stroboscopic Flash.....................46

9. Second-Curtain

Synchronization..........................49

10. Modeling Flash ...........................50

(Flash Exposure Bracketing) ......38

5. Bounce Flash..............................40

6. Close-Distance Flash

Photography ...............................43

[2] Wireless E-TTL Autoflash

1. Wireless E-TTL Autoflash

....60

2. Wireless Manual Flash

With Varied Flash Output..................72

With Flash Ratio OFF .......................60

2. Wireless E-TTL Autoflash

[4] Wireless Stroboscopic Flash

[5] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash

With a Slave Unit

....73

With Flash Ratio ON.........................63

....74

[3] Wireless Manual Flash

1. Wireless Manual Flash

....71

1. Setting Manual Flash

With a Slave Unit ..............................74

2. Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit ...75

With Uniform Flash Output ...............71

(1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and

E-TTL Autoflash..........................81

(2) Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority AE and

E-TTL Autoflash ..........................83

(3) M: Manual Exposure and

E-TTL Autoflash..........................84

4. Close-Distance

Flash Photography .....................92

5. Manual Flash Mode....................93

6. Stroboscopic Flash.....................95

7. Second-Curtain Synchronization...98

[2] Wireless Manual Flash

1. Wireless Manual Flash

With Uniform Flash Output .............107

2. Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output ..108

[3] Wireless Stroboscopic Flash

[4] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash

With a Slave Unit

...107

1. Manual Flash With a Slave Unit......110

2. Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit ...111

Custom Functions...........................112

Canon Speedlite 550EX System.....114

Troubleshooting Guide....................116

Specifications..................................118

...109

...110

Nomenclature

G Front

Built-in Wide Panel (retracted)

(page 20, 42)

Flash head and

transmitter

Sensor

Battery compartment

cover (page 10)

*The battery

compartment has a

switch to display the

distance in feet or

meters on the LCD

panel.

AF-assist beam emitter

(page 22)

External power source socket

Locking collar (page 13)

Mounting foot (page 13)

Locking pin (page 13)

Electrical contacts

Shoe

Mini stand pocket

Case

Mini stand

Nomenclature

G Rear

PUSH

>Horizontal bounce release

button (page 40, 90)

LCD panel

When these two

buttons are pressed

simultaneously, the

setting changes in the

following loop:

PUSH

> Vertical bounce

release button

(page 40, 90)

(Off)

* < > Decrement

button

* < > Increment

button

* <

Set button

> Select/

* < > LCD panel

illumination button

(page 21)

> Zoom

button (page 18)

Custom Function

setting button(page112)

> Flash

mode and slave

setting button

(page 21, 74, 112)

Main switch (page 16)

: Turns off the power.

: Turns on the power.

SE: Turns on the power and

enables the SE mode.

> Pilot

lamp/Test firing

button/Wireless slave

SE cancel button

(page 17, 59, 107)

Wireless selector (page 14)

: For operation as an on-

camera Speedlite.

: For operation as

wireless master unit.

: For operation as

wireless slave unit.

Flash exposure confirmation

lamp (page 18)

Buttons marked with an asterisk remain active for 8 sec. after the button is released. LCD

panel illumination with the < > button remains on for 12 sec.

Nomenclature

G LCD Panel

Manual flash output display

Flash exposure

compensation display

Flash exposure

Manual zoom icon

Zoom and focal length

coverage display

bracketing (FEB) display

Second-curtain

flash sync icon

High-speed sync

(FP flash) icon

FEB icon

Autoflash icon

Flash exposure

compensation icon

Manual

flash icon Multi

(stroboscopic)

flash icon

Flash ratio

Distance

unit (meters)

Custom

Function icon

Distance

unit (feet)

Flash range scale

Flash ratio scale

Slave icon

Flash ratio icon

Wireless icon

Master :

Aperture display

FEB status display

Stroboscopic flash count and

frequency display

Slave

Custom Function display

Flash mode icon

Master flash ON :

Channel icon

Master flash OFF :

Flash mode icon

(Blinks when flash head is

tilted down 7°)

Slave flash

Before You Start

This chapter is for preparing the Speedlite 550EX for actual operation.

1. Installing Batteries

Speedlite 550EX requires one of the following two types of batteries:

(1) Size-AA alkaline batteries × 4

(2) Size-AA nickel-hydride batteries × 4

Slide the battery compartment cover

as shown by the arrow and flip it up.

Insert the batteries with the + and –

2 _{contacts oriented as shown in the}

battery compartment.

Close the battery compartment cover

as shown in the figure.

Installing Batteries

•

Use four new batteries of the same type. When replacing batteries, replace

all four batteries at one time.

•

Size-AA lithium batteries can also be used.

Although non-alkaline, manganese batteries may also be used, the number

of flashes will be less.

•

Remove the batteries when the 550EX will not be used for an extended

period.

In low temperatures, take two sets of batteries and keep one set warm in a

pocket, etc., and use the batteries alternately.

•

To prevent faulty connections, make sure the battery contacts are clean. If

necessary, use a clean cloth to wipe the battery contacts.

In the case of size-AA nickel-hydride and size-AA lithium batteries, the shape

of the contacts is not standardized. Be sure that the batteries are compatible

with the flash unit before buying.

•

Recharging Time and Available Flashes

Recharging Time

Battery Type

Available Flashes

Approx. 100 to 700

Quick Flash

Normal Flash

Size-AA alkaline

batteries

Approx. 0.1 - 4 sec.

Approx. 0.1 - 8 sec.

•

The minimum recycling time applies in the E-TTL or TTL mode while the maximum recycling time

applies in the manual or full-output (1/1) mode.

The minimum flash count applies in the manual or full-output (1/1) mode while the maximum

flash count applies in the E-TTL or TTL mode.

•

The above specifications are based on Canon’s testing standards.

Using size-AA nickel-hydride batteries will yield only about 70 to 80 percent of the flashes (1550

mAh at full output) obtainable with size-AA alkaline batteries. The recycling time will also be

about half the time with size-AA alkaline batteries.

2. External Power Sources

Speedlite 550EX can use any of the following two external power sources.

For details, refer to the Instructions of the respective external power source.

(1) Transistor Pack E

Uses Canon Battery Magazine TP (six size-C alkaline batteries) or Ni-Cd

Pack TP.

(2) Compact Battery Pack CP-E2

Uses six size-AA alkaline or nickel-hydride batteries.

Size-AA lithium batteries can also be used.

Recharging Time and Available Flashes

Recharging Time (sec.)

Power Source

Available Flashes

Approx. 100 - 700

Quick Flash

Normal Flash

Internal

Power

Sources

Size-AA alkaline batteries × 4

Approx. 0.1 - 4

Approx. 0.1 - 8

Transistor Pack E (Ni-Cd Pack TP)

Approx. 0.1 - 1.5

Approx. 0.1 - 2

Approx. 0.1 - 3

Approx. 0.1 - 5

Approx. 300 - 1800

Approx. 350 - 2200

External

Power

Transistor Pack E

(Size-C alkaline batteries)

Sources

Compact Battery Pack CP-E2

(Size-AA alkaline batteries)

Approx. 0.1 - 1.5

Approx. 0.1 - 5

Approx. 350 - 2200

•

While High-Voltage Pack E315’s main switch is still on, do not clean the connector

plug with water or a metal pin and do not touch the plug.

Even when an external power source is used, batteries must be installed in the 550EX

to power the internal circuitry.

The 550EX uses both the internal and external power sources to recharge the flash.

Therefore, the internal power source may become exhausted sooner than the external

power source. For prolonged flash photography, keep a spare set of batteries handy

for the internal power source.

3. Attaching the Speedlite to the Camera

Loosen the locking collar by turning it

as shown by the arrow.

Slip the Speedlite’s mounting foot

2 _{into the camera’s hot shoe until it}

stops.

Turn the locking collar as shown by

the arrow and tighten. (The mounting

foot’s locking pin will extend into the

hot shoe.)

•

To detach the Speedlite, turn the locking

collar in the opposite direction until it stops.

(The locking pin retracts into the mounting

foot.)

Although the hot shoe on the EOS 650, EOS 620, EOS 750, and EOS 850 does not have

a locking pin hole, Speedlite 550EX can still be mounted on these cameras.

4. Wireless Selector

The wireless selector has three settings as shown below.

Set to OFF to use the 550EX as a

normal, on-camera Speedlite.

Set to MASTER to use the 550EX as the

master unit in a wireless, multi-Speedlite

system.

Set to SLAVE to use the 550EX as a

slave unit in a wireless, multi-Speedlite

system.

Wireless Selector

If the 550EX is to be used as a normal, on-camera Speedlite but the wireless selector

has been set to

, the following applies:

: If master flash ON has also been set, it will be the same as using the

Speedlite at the wireless selector’s OFF setting. If master flash OFF has

been set, a picture cannot be taken.

: It will be the same as using the Speedlite at the wireless selector’s OFF

setting. However, when the camera’s exposure meter turns off 6 sec. after

the shutter button is pressed, the 550EX will be a slave unit.

•

If the wireless selector is set to

flash will not fire. (see page 57)

When the wireless selector is set to

and master flash OFF has been set, the

or , the flash coverage is set

automatically to

. The Guide No. decreases as a result.

5. Main Switch

The main switch has three settings as shown below.

Turns off the power.

Turns on the power.

Turns on the power and enables the SE

mode.

•

The SE (Save Energy) mode turns off the

Speedlite automatically after a period of non-use

as indicated in the following table.

Wireless Selector Setting

OFF

MASTER

90 sec.

SLAVE

60 min.

•

When the wireless selector is set to

panel display turns off. To cancel the SE mode, either press the camera’s shutter button halfway

or press the Speedlite’s test firing button. The Speedlite will then turn on again.

If the wireless selector is set to

LCD panel. If the time limit (1 hour or 8 hours) for turning on the Speedlite again (SE mode

cancellation) elapses, SE turns off on the LCD panel. In this case, you must turn the Speedlite’s

main switch off and on again to turn it on again.

and the SE mode takes effect, the LCD

and the SE mode takes effect, SE is displayed on the

Custom Function CF-4 can alter the time it takes before the slave unit enters the SE

mode. See page 113.

Custom Function CF-5 can alter the time limit for the master unit to be able to cancel

the slave unit’s SE mode. See page 113.

Memory feature

The Speedlite’s current mode, zoom setting, flash exposure compensation setting, etc.,

are retained in memory even after the Speedlite is turned off. When the Speedlite is

turned on again, all the settings remain effective. When replacing the batteries, the

settings stored in memory can still be retained if the new batteries are installed within one

minute.

6. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing

Set the Speedlite’s main switch to

•

The flash will start charging. When the flash

is ready, the pilot lamp lights.

G Red pilot lamp

When the flash is fully charged, the pilot

lamp lights in red. For normal use, confirm

that the pilot lamp is red before taking the

picture.

G Yellow pilot lamp

When the camera is set for single shooting, a

yellow pilot lamp indicates a less-than-full

charge which enables a quick flash (see

description below). For close subjects which

do not require full-output flash, quick flash

shortens the recharging time.

To test the Speedlite, press the pilot

lamp (test firing button) to fire a test

flash.

G About Quick Flash

With the quick-flash feature, you can fire a flash even before the flash is fully charged. When the

pilot lamp is yellow, a quick flash can be fired. The Guide No. for a quick flash is 1/2 to 1/16 that of a

normal flash. For details, see page 121.

Quick flash cannot be fired in the following cases:

•

When the Speedlite is used with a Type-B camera.

The camera is set to continuous shooting

FEB is used.

In the manual flash mode or stroboscopic flash mode with the output set to 1/1 and 1/2.

In the stroboscopic flash mode.

When TTL Hot Shoe Adapter 3 is used with the Speedlite.

When Custom Function CF-3 is set to 1 (TTL autoflash).

•

The Speedlite cannot be test fired during the 6 sec. after you press the camera’s

shutter button halfway (while exposure metering is active).

If the Speedlite is in the SE mode, pressing the test firing button turns on the

Speedlite.

7. Flash Exposure Confirmation

When a correct flash exposure has been

obtained, the flash exposure

confirmation lamp on the back of the

Speedlite lights in yellow-green for 3 sec.

If the flash exposure confirmation lamp

does not light after the flash fires, the

picture may have been underexposed.

Move closer to the subject and try again.

8. Using the Zoom Button and Wide Panel

The Speedlite’s flash head zooms

automatically to provide adequate flash

coverage for the current lens focal

length. The Speedlite can provide

adequate flash coverage for 24mm to

105mm lens focal lengths. If a zoom lens

is zoomed, the flash head also zooms to

suit the lens focal length. The flash

head’s zoom setting can also be set

manually.

The Speedlite’s built-in wide panel

provides flash coverage for 17mm wide-

angle lenses.

Using the Zoom Button and Wide Panel

G Automatic Flash Head Zooming

Turn on the camera.

2 _•^{Turn on the Speedlite.}

is displayed, press the <

button until

turns off.

Press the camera’s shutter button

halfway. The current lens focal length

will appear on the Speedlite’s LCD

panel.

G Manual Flash Head Zooming

Press the <

> button.

and

will be displayed. Keep pressing

> button until the desired

the <

zoom setting (focal length) appears.

Pressing the < > button changes

the zoom setting in the loop shown

below.

(Automatic

)

If the zoom setting is a focal length longer than the actual lens focal length, the light will

fall off along the periphery of the picture.

Using the Zoom Button and Wide Panel

G Using the Wide Panel

Pull out the built-in wide panel and flip it

down to cover the flash head. The flash

head’s zoom setting will be set to 17mm

automatically.

PUSH

•

Using the wide panel disables the <

button.

•

Use the wide panel with flash head at the normal

or 7° downward tilt position.

• If the built-in wide panel is used and the flash head is turned or tilted for bounce flash,

the flash result may look uneven. The LCD panel display will blink as a warning.

• Do not pull out the wide panel too hard. Otherwise, the wide panel may come off.

If the wide panel comes off, the

> button will not work. If this

happens, follow the procedure below.

•

Use your finger to push in the panel as

shown by the arrow.

The <

> button will work again,

but the entire LCD panel display will

keep blinking. Take the Speedlite to the

nearest Canon Service Center for

repair.

9. Flash Mode

The following flash modes can be set with the <

TTL) autoflash, manual flash, and stroboscopic flash. Pressing the <

button changes the flash mode in the following loop:

> button: E-TTL (or

10. Setting the Film Speed

The film speed is set automatically according to the film speed set with the

camera.

11. LCD Panel Illumination

Press the < > button to illuminate the

LCD panel for 12 sec. To turn off the

illumination, press the < > button

again.

•

The illumination stays on longer than 12 sec. if

you press any button other than the <

and < > buttons.

12. AF-Assist Beam

In low-light or low-contrast situations, the

Speedlite emits the AF-assist beam

automatically to assist autofocusing. The

AF-assist beam is compatible with the

AF of all EOS cameras. The AF-assist

beam is effective with 28mm and longer

lenses. Its effective range in darkness is

indicated in the table below. See page

123 for details on when the AF-assist

beam is emitted.

Position

Center

Effective Range

Approx. 0.6 - 10 m / 2 - 33 ft.

Approx. 0.6 - 5 m / 2 - 16.4 ft.

Periphery

Automatic Reversion to Default Settings

When Speedlite 550EX is attached to an

EOS camera equipped with a <

button, pressing the <

> button

resets the Speedlite’s settings (except

the Custom Functions) to its default

settings

E-TTL autoflash*

(All related settings are canceled.)

As a Normal

Speedlite

Auto zoom

E-TTL autoflash*

(All related settings are canceled.)

As a

Wireless

Master

Unit

Master flash ON

No flash ratio setting

* With the EOS-1N and EOS-1, TTL autoflash takes

effect.

For Type-A Cameras

Basic Flash Photography

When the Speedlite 550EX is attached to a Type-A camera such as the EOS-

3, you can take flash pictures with E-TTL autoflash as easily as normal

autoexposure (AE) pictures.

As with evaluative metering, the E-TTL autoflash system uses a multi-zone

sensor. A preflash is fired for evaluative flash metering and the reading is

stored in memory. Since E-TTL autoflash is linked to the active focusing point,

the flash exposure is highly accurate. The result is a natural-looking flash

picture with excellent balance between the flash light and ambient light.

•

This section assumes that the Speedlite 550EX is used with a Type-A camera.

Before proceeding, first turn on the EOS-3 and the 550EX.

Set the 550EX’s wireless selector to OFF.

For EOS-3 operations, refer to the EOS-3 Instructions.

1. Using Flash in Full Auto Mode

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode to

(Program AE) or

(Full Auto).

Flash photography will then be as easy as normal AE photography. The

camera sets the aperture and shutter speed automatically to suit a wide

variety of lighting conditions including outdoor fill flash. The E-TTL autoflash

system sets the flash exposure automatically.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

1 _to

Set the 550EX’s flash mode to

Focus the subject.

•

The shutter speed and aperture will be

displayed in the viewfinder.

•

The shutter speed will be set automatically at

1/60 sec. or faster (up to the top sync

speed). The aperture is also set at the same

time.

Check that the subject is within the

4 _{flash range displayed on the 550EX’s}

LCD panel.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

•

A preflash is fired immediately before shutter

release and the main flash. The subject’s

meter reading is obtained with the preflash

and used to set the output of the main flash.

An optimum flash exposure is thereby

obtained.

Using Flash in Full Auto Mode

After the flash fires, check that the

6 _{flash exposure confirmation lamp}

lights.

When a correct flash exposure has

been obtained, the flash exposure

confirmation lamp lights for about 3

sec. If the lamp does not light, the

flash may have been insufficient,

resulting in underexposure. In such a

case, check that the pilot lamp is red,

then move closer to the subject and

take the picture again.

•

The preflash is fired to obtain an evaluative flash meter reading.

The main flash illuminates the subject for the actual picture.

G Fill Flash

Fill flash can be used outdoors in daylight to supplement existing light. It can

soften shadow areas of the subject or illuminate a backlit subject.

When fill flash is used, the flash exposure level is reduced automatically so that the

subject’s illumination by the flash balances well with the background’s ambient light.

Instead of having a properly-exposed subject and an underexposed background, both

the subject and background are exposed correctly for a natural-looking flash picture.

2. Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

Flash photography is also automatic in the other picture-taking modes. In the

Av (aperture-priority AE), Tv (shutter speed-priority AE), and

modes, the

E-TTL autoflash system sets the flash exposure automatically. The camera

sets the necessary shutter speed (in the Av mode), aperture (in the Tv mode),

or flash output (in the M mode). Flash photography is as easy as normal AE

picture-taking.

Shutter Speed and Aperture Settings for Picture-Taking Modes

Camera Mode

Shutter Speed

Flash Aperture

Manually set

Automatically set (30 sec. - 1/X sec.)

Manually set (30 sec. - 1/X sec.)

Manually set (bulb, 30 sec. - 1/X sec.)

Automatically set

Manually set

•

Manually set: You set it yourself.

Automatically set: Set automatically by the camera.

1/X sec.: Maximum sync speed. (see page 124)

When the shutter button is pressed completely, a preflash fires to obtain an evaluative flash

meter reading for setting the optimum output of the main flash.

•

The background’s exposure is set with the shutter speed and aperture combination.

•

If the camera is set to the

set in the same way as in the

mode (Full Auto), the shutter speed and aperture will be

mode (Program AE).

If the DEP mode (depth-of-field AE) is used with the 550EX, it will be the same as

using the mode (Program AE).

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

(1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and E-TTL Autoflash

This mode is effective for controlling the depth of field in your flash pictures.

You can also obtain a balanced exposure between the subject and

background. You set the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed

automatically to obtain a correct exposure for the background. The E-TTL

autoflash system obtains the proper exposure based on the aperture you set.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

1 _to

2 ^{Set the 550EX’s flash mode to}

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

Check that the subject distance is

4 _{within the flash range displayed on}

the 550EX’s LCD panel.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

If the top sync speed display blinks, the background will be overexposed. And if the 30”

shutter speed display blinks, the background will be underexposed. In such cases,

change the aperture until the shutter speed display stops blinking.

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

G Balanced Flash Exposures

In low-light situations, the exposure level can be balanced between the

subject and background by using a slow sync speed. You can obtain

balanced flash exposures automatically by setting the camera’s picture-taking

mode to Av. The camera then sets the sync speed automatically to suit the

background. Using a tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake.

Balanced flash exposure.

Flash exposure in the Full Auto mode.

•

To disable automatic balanced flash exposures, set the camera's picture-taking mode

to M. You can then set the desired shutter speed and aperture manually. See page

30.

Based on the shutter speed and aperture you set, the E-TTL autoflash system

controls the flash exposure automatically.

If you are using the Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 soft focus lens on your camera without a

tripod, setting the shutter speed and aperture manually is most effective for obtaining

soft-focus effects. Follow the procedure below.

1) Set an aperture near the maximum aperture.

2) Set the minimum shutter speed required to prevent camera shake.

3) Check that the flash has recharged, then take the picture.

•

To obtain balanced flash exposures in the Tv mode, set the shutter speed until the

meter reading indicates a correct exposure.

To obtain balanced flash exposures in the

mode, set the shutter speed and

aperture until the meter reading indicates a correct exposure.

Under flourescent lighting, the photo may have a greenish cast. And under tungsten

lighting, the photo may have an orange cast.

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

(2) Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority AE and E-TTL

Autoflash

By selecting the shutter speed, you can obtain various effects with flash. You

can set the shutter speed from 30 sec. to the top sync speed. The camera

then sets the aperture automatically to obtain a correct exposure for the

background. The E-TTL autoflash system controls the flash exposure based

on the camera-selected aperture.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

1 _to

Tv and set the desired shutter

speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the

top sync speed.

2 ^{Set the 550EX’s flash mode to}

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

Check that the subject distance is

4 _{within the flash range displayed on}

the 550EX’s LCD panel.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

If the aperture display blinks, the background may turn out overexposed or

underexposed. In such a case, change the shutter speed until the aperture display stops

blinking.

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

(3) M: Manual Exposure and E-TTL Autoflash

In this mode, you set both the shutter speed and aperture. The E-TTL

autoflash system controls the flash exposure based on the the aperture you

set.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

1 _to

and set the desired aperture

and shutter speed anywhere from 30

sec. to the top sync speed. You can

also use buLb

2 ^{Set the 550EX’s flash mode to}

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

Check that the subject distance is

4 _{within the flash range displayed on}

the 550EX’s LCD panel.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

If the flash ranges below apply, the

icon will blink on the left end of the scale.

Zoom Setting

17-28mm

Flash Range

0.5 m / 1.6 ft or shorter

0.7 m / 2.3 ft or shorter

35mm and longer

For Type-A Cameras

Advanced Flash Photography

This section explains advanced flash operations possible with the Speedlite

550EX. It contains the following:

1. High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) (page 32)

2. FE Lock (page 34)

3. Flash Exposure Compensation (page 36)

4. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) (page 38)

5. Bounce Flash (page 40)

6. Close-Distance Flash Photography (page 43)

7. Manual Flash Mode (page 44)

8. Stroboscopic Flash (page 46)

9. Second-Curtain Synchronization (page 49)

10. Modeling Flash (page 50)

•

This section assumes that the 550EX is used with an EOS-3.

Before proceeding, first turn on main switch on the EOS-3 and 550EX.

Set the 550EX’s wireless selector to OFF.

For EOS-3 operations, refer to the EOS-3 Instructions.

1. High-Speed Sync (FP Flash)

When you set the synchronization mode to high-speed sync (FP flash), the

camera can synchronize with the 550EX at all shutter speeds. When high-

speed sync has been set,

is displayed in the viewfinder.

•

High-speed sync can be used in the E-TTL and M flash modes.

High-speed sync is especially effective for fill-flash portraits in daylight since you can:

(1) Obtain better background blur with a larger aperture.

(2) Create a catchlight in the subject’s eyes.

(3) Soften shadows on the subject’s face.

Select the camera's picture-taking

mode and the Speedlite's flash

mode.

•

If you want to use a large aperture (smaller f-

number), set the Av or mode.

Press the < > and < > buttons

simultaneously to select

LCD panel.

on the

•

Each time you press the < > and <

buttons simultaneously, the setting changes

in the following loop.

(Off)

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

Check that the subject is within the

flash range displayed on the 550EX’s

LCD panel.

High-Speed Sync (FP Flash)

Check that the

icon is displayed

in the viewfinder, then take the

picture.

With normal flash.

With high-speed sync.

•

With high-speed sync, the Guide No. changes depending on the shutter speed (see

page 121). The faster the shutter speed, the shorter the flash range will be. Check the

current flash range on the 550EX’s LCD panel.

•

To cancel high-speed sync, press the < > and < > buttons simultaneously twice

so that the

icon on the LCD panel turns off.

When high-speed sync is used in the manual flash mode, the flash output ranges from

1/1 to 1/128.

If you use fill flash in the Av mode with high-speed sync, you can use a faster sync

speed than the normal X-sync speed.

2. FE Lock

You can use FE (flash exposure) lock with Type-A cameras. This is the flash

version of AE lock. With FE lock, you use spot metering to obtain the correct

flash exposure reading for a specific part of the subject.

•

FE lock works with E-TTL and high-speed sync (FP flash).

Select a picture-taking mode with the

camera.

2 ^{Focus the subject.}

Aim the viewfinder’s spot metering

circle over the part of the subject to

be metered. Then press the <

button on the camera. FE lock

remains effective for 16 sec.

•

The 550EX fires a preflash to obtain an

exposure reading. The reading is retained in

memory.

•

The focusing point linked to the FE lock

lights in red.

is displayed in the viewfinder for 0.5

sec.

You can also press the <

> button again

to obtain an FE-lock reading for another part

of the subject.

•

To cancel FE lock, wait until 16 sec. elapse

or press the <

>, <AF>, or <

button on the camera.

4 ^{Recompose the picture as desired.}

Check that the subject distance is

5 _{within the flash range displayed on}

the 550EX’s LCD panel.

FE Lock

Check the flash exposure level in the

viewfinder, then take the picture.

•

If the subject is too far away to obtain a correct flash exposure,

viewfinder. Either move closer to the subject or use a larger aperture (smaller f-

number) and try again.

will blink in the

FE lock cannot be used if the 550EX is set to the

(Manual) flash mode. With the

EOS Elan IIE/50E/55 and EOS IX, the

lock cannot be used in the M flash mode.

icon blinks in the viewfinder to warn that FE

•

The FE lock's preflash fires at about 1/32 output.

With Type-A cameras other than the EOS-1D, 1V, and 3, the AE lock button functions

as an FE lock button when the 550EX is recharged and ready.

If the subject is small, using FE lock might not make any difference.

•

3. Flash Exposure Compensation

Flash exposure compensation with the 550EX can be set up to 3 stops in

1/3-stop increments (or 1/2-stop increments with some cameras). You can

also use flash exposure compensation in combination with normal exposure

compensation (to control the background’s exposure level) in a flash picture.

Press the <

> button and

1 _select

•

Pressing the <

> button changes

the blinking setting in the following loop:

(Off)

•

The

icon and flash exposure

compensation display blink.

Press the < > or < > button to set

the desired flash exposure

compensation amount.

Press the <

> button or

press the shutter button halfway.

•

The

icon and flash exposure

compensation amount will stop blinking and

remain displayed.

4 ^{Focus the subject.}

•

When the shutter button is pressed halfway,

the flash exposure compensation amount is

displayed on the viewfinder's right and the

icon is displayed on the viewfinder

bottom.

Flash Exposure Compensation

Check that the subject is within the

flash range displayed on the 550EX’s

LCD panel.

Check that the

and

icons are

displayed in the viewfinder, then take

the picture.

•

Flash exposure compensation set with the 550EX overrides any flash exposure

compensation set with the camera.

If the subject is small and the background is dark, flash exposure compensation may

not give the desired result. In such a case, use the manual flash mode. See page 44.

Effect on exposure of each type of compensation

Effect

E-TTL flash exposure compensation Changes the flash exposure of the main subject.

AE exposure compensation

Changes the exposure of the background.

Compensating the exposure by Changes both the flash (main subject) exposure

changing the film speed setting and the background exposure by the same

amount.

4. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing)

With FEB, you can obtain bracketed flash shots of the subject while the

background exposure level remains the same. Three bracketed flash shots

can be taken: Correct exposure, decreased exposure, and increased

exposure. The three shots can be bracketed up to 3 stops in 1/3-stop

increments (or 1/2-stop increments with some cameras). After all three

bracketed flash shots are taken, FEB is canceled automatically.

Press the <

> button and

select

•

Pressing the <

> button changes

the blinking setting in the following loop:

(Off)

•

The

icon and flash exposure bracketing

display will blink.

If the

icon appears, press the

> button again.

Press the < > or < > button to set

2 _the

flash exposure bracketing

amount.

> button.

The 550EX’s LCD panel display will be

similar to the figure on the left.

3 ^{Press the <}

•

4 _•^{Focus the subject.}

When the shutter button is pressed halfway,

the FEB setting is displayed on the

viewfinder's right.

FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing)

Check that the subject is within the

flash range displayed on the 550EX’s

LCD panel.

Check that the

icon is displayed in

6 _{the viewfinder, then take the picture.}

Take the remaining two bracketed

7 _{shots. (If necessary, repeat steps 4}

to 6.)

Correct exposure.

Decreased exposure by 1 stop.

Increased exposure by 1 stop.

•

The film advances according to the camera’s current film advance mode.

Before taking the picture, make sure the flash is ready by checking that the 550EX’s

pilot lamp is red or the

film advance mode is recommended.

In the , or (continuous shooting) film advance mode, the next bracketed

icon is displayed in the viewfinder. The

(single-frame)

•

picture will not be taken if the flash is not ready. (You can still take a picture in the

normal AE mode if you release your finger from the shutter button and press it

completely.) When the flash is ready, you can continue taking the bracketed flash

shots.

With Type-A cameras other than the EOS-1D, 1V, and 3, bracketed flash shots cannot

be taken while the flash is not ready. (You can still take pictures in the normal AE

mode before the flash recharges completely.) When the flash is ready, you can

continue taking the bracketed flash shots.

•

FE lock and FEB can be used in combination.

If FEB has been set and flash exposure compensation is set with the 550EX, the FEB

amount will shift in accordance with the flash exposure compensation amount.

Custom Function CF-1 can prevent the FEB setting from canceling automatically after the three

bracketed flash shots are taken. See page 113.

Custom Function CF-2 can change the sequence of the bracketed flash shots. See page 113.

5. Bounce Flash

With direct, frontal flash, harsh shadows are usually created in the

background behind the subject. This can be avoided by bouncing the flash off

a nearby wall or ceiling. Bounce flash also gives softer lighting effects.

To turn the flash head, press the

1 _<

PUSH

> button. To tilt the flash head,

PUSH

press the < > button. Turn and/or

tilt the flash head and point it at a

wall, ceiling, or other reflective

surface.

The flash head can be pointed in the

directions and angles listed below.

Direction Maximum Angle

Click Stops

0°, 60°, 75°, 90°

0°, 7°

90°

7°

Down*

0°, 60°, 75°, 90°,

120°, 150°, 180°

Left

180°

90°

Right

0°, 60°, 75°, 90°

* See page 43.

When the flash head is turned or

tilted,

is displayed on the

550EX’s LCD panel.

•

When the flash head’s zoom setting is

automatic and the flash head is turned or

tilted, the zoom setting is set automatically to

50mm. The zoom setting can also be set

manually for bounce flash.

If a manual zoom setting

has been set,

the zoom setting display does not change

when the flash head is turned or tilted.

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

Bounce Flash

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

•

If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does

not light after you take the picture, use a

larger aperture (smaller f-number) and try

again.

With bounce flash.

Without bounce flash.

Bounce the flash on a plain, white, reflective surface. If a colored surface is used, the

picture may have a color cast.

Bounce Flash

G Creating a Catchlight

A catchlight is a reflection of the flash in the subject’s eyes. A catchlight in the

eyes makes the subject look more lively. For portraits, you can easily create a

catchlight with the 550EX.

Tilt the flash head upward all the way by

90˚. Extend the built-in wide panel until it

clicks in place as shown in the figure. To

take

picture, follow the same

procedure in "5. Bounce Flash."

•

Turning the flash head left or right will

not produce a catchlight. Tilt the flash

head up by 90° and use it in that

position.

The subject should not be farther than

1.5 meters / 4.9 ft from the camera.

If the wide panel is extended while the

flash head is at the normal or 7° downward

tilt position, the 550EX’s LCD panel

display will blink as a warning. Tilt the flash

head upward by 90°.

6. Close-Distance Flash Photography

The flash head can be tilted downward by 7°. This position enables the flash

to better illuminate the lower part of a subject that is close to the camera.

PUSH

Press the < > button and tilt the flash

head downward until it stops. The

icon will blink on the LCD panel.

•

This flash head position is effective only for

subjects 0.5 meter / 1.6 ft to 2 meters / 6.6 ft from

the camera.

•

The flash range will be displayed as shown in the

left figure.

7. Manual Flash Mode

In the manual flash mode, you can set the flash output from 1/1 (full) to 1/128

power in full-stop increments.

•

To prevent overheating and deterioration of the flash head, observe the following limits for

continuous shooting with flash:

(1) At 1/1 or 1/2 output:

(2) At 1/4 or 1/8 output:

Max. 15 continuous flash shots.

Max. 20 continuous flash shots.

(3) At 1/16 or 1/32 output: Max. 40 continuous flash shots.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

1 _to

Av or

Press the 550EX’s <

> button

2 _{and select}

•

Pressing the <

> button changes the

flash mode in the following loop:

Press the <

> button.

•

The manual flash output display blinks.

Manual Flash Mode

Press the < > or < > button to set

the desired flash output.

•

Each time the button is pressed, the flash

output changes by one stop.

Press the

button

5 _{again. The manual flash output}

display will stop blinking and remain

displayed.

6 ^{Focus the subject.}

•

When you press the shutter button halfway,

focus will be achieved and the aperture and

flash range (bar segment) will be displayed

on the LCD panel.

Check the focusing distance on the

lens.

Check the flash range on the LCD

8 _{panel. If the flash range does not}

match the focusing distance, change

the aperture until it does match.

•

You can also change the flash output until

the flash range matches the focusing

distance.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

•

If there is a large difference between the flash range and focusing distance, change

the flash output or use a larger aperture until they match.

To obtain a more precise flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter.

8. Stroboscopic Flash

With stroboscopic flash, a rapid series of flashes is fired. It can be used to

record multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph for later

study.

You can set the firing frequency (the number of flashes per sec. expressed as

Hz) from 1 Hz to 199 Hz. The firing frequency can be set in 1-Hz increments

from 1 Hz to 20 Hz, in 5-Hz increments from 25 Hz to 50 Hz, and in 10-Hz

increments from 60 Hz to 199 Hz.

Up to 100 flashes can be fired

continuously. This maximum varies

depending on the flash output and firing

frequency. See “Maximum Continuous

Flashes” on page 122.

G Setting the Firing Frequency, Flash Count, and

Flash Output

Press the <

> button and

select

•

Pressing the <

> button changes the

flash mode in the following loop:

Stroboscopic Flash

Press the <

> button to

2 _{select the firing frequency, flash}

count, or flash output display. When

selected, the respective item blinks

on the LCD panel to indicate that it

can be altered. Pressing the

> button changes the

blinking item in the following loop:

Firing frequency

Flash count

Flash output

(Normal display)

Press the < > or < > button to set

the desired value for the blinking

item.

Press the <

> button again

4 _{to register the value. The item will}

then stop blinking and remain

displayed. The next item will then

start blinking. Repeat steps 3 and 4

to set the next item.

•

After you set the flash output and press the

> button, the firing frequency,

flash count, and flash output are displayed.

G Shooting With Stroboscopic Flash

To shoot with stroboscopic flash, you must set a shutter speed that gives the

550EX enough time to fire according to the firing frequency and flash count

you have set.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

and set the desired aperture.

Stroboscopic Flash

Use the following formula to calculate

the required shutter speed.

Flash count ÷ Firing frequency

= Shutter speed

Example: If the flash count is 10 and

the firing frequency is 5 Hz, the

shutter speed will have to be at

least 2 sec.

10 ÷ 5 = 2

•

If the flash count display is

, the flash will

keep firing until the shutter speed ends or

until the maximum number of continuous

flashes (as indicated in the table on page

122) is fired.

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

•

To set the exposure settings, see “Manual

Flash Mode” on page 44.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

To prevent overheating and deterioration of the flash head, do not use stroboscopic flash

for more than 10 frames in rapid succession. After 10 frames, allow the 550EX to cool for

at least 10 minutes.

•

Stroboscopic flash is most effective with highly reflective subjects in front of a dark

background.

•

Using a tripod and Remote Switch are recommended.

Using an external power source is recommended for stroboscopic flash.

•

Stroboscopic flash cannot be used at a flash output of 1/1 or 1/2.

buLb can also be used with stroboscopic flash.

9. Second-Curtain Synchronization

Normally, the flash fires in synchronization with the first shutter curtain when

the shutter is fully open. With second-curtain synchronization, the flash fires

immediately before the second shutter curtain closes at the end of the

exposure. With second-curtain synchronization and a slow shutter speed, you

can create a trailing blur (illuminated by ambient light) that trails a moving

subject (illuminated by the flash) to give a natural-looking illusion of motion.

Set the desired picture-taking mode

with the camera.

Press the < > and < > buttons

simultaneously to select

LCD panel.

on the

•

Each time you press the < > and <

buttons simultaneously, the synchronization

mode changes in the following loop:

(Off)

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

With second-curtain synchronization.

With first-curtain synchronization.

•

Second-curtain synchronization is easier with buLb

With the EOS 500N/REBEL G, 3000N/66/REBEL XSN, TTL autoflash is used with

second-curtain synchronization.

•

Second-curtain synchronization does not work with the camera’s

picture-taking

mode and Programmed Image Control modes.

To cancel second-curtain synchronization, press the <

simultaneously to turn off the icon on the LCD panel.

> and < > buttons

10. Modeling Flash

When the 550EX is used with the EOS-1D, 1V, 3, D60, D30, ELAN 7/7E, and

30/33, a modeling flash can be fired so you can check the lighting and

shadow effects before you take the picture.

Set the desired flash photography

settings with the camera and 550EX.

Press the camera’s depth-of-field

preview button.

•

The aperture will stop down.

The 550EX will fire a series of flashes at 70

Hz for 1 sec.

Custom Function CF-6 can disable the modeling flash and prevent it from firing. See

page 113.

To prevent overheating and deterioration of the flash head, do not fire the modeling flash

more than 10 times in succession. After 10 times, allow the 550EX to cool for at least 10

minutes.

For Type-A Cameras

Wireless Flash Photography

This section covers wireless flash photography with the 550EX. It explains the

550EX’s built-in master and slave flash features.

550EX Wireless Flash Features

• A wireless flash system with multiple Speedlite 550EXs can be used as

easily as a single, on-camera Speedlite 550EX.

• Up to three 550EXs or three groups of 550EXs can be set as slave units

for automatic control.

• 550EXs set as slave units can be positioned to obtain the desired lighting

effects. All of their settings are controlled by the master unit and camera.

[1] Wireless System Setup and Testing (page 52)

[2] Wireless E-TTL Autoflash (page 60)

[3] Wireless Manual Flash (page 71)

[4] Wireless Stroboscopic Flash (page 73)

[5] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit (page 74)

•

This section assumes that the Speedlite 550EX is used with the EOS-3.

Before proceeding, first turn on the main switch on the EOS-3 and 550EX.

In these Instructions, a Speedlite 550EX whose wireless selector has been set to

is called the “master unit” and a 550EX whose wireless selector has been

set to

is called a “slave unit.”

•

For EOS-3 operations, refer to the EOS-3 Instructions.

With the EOS ELAN II/ELAN IIE, 50/50E, 300/REBEL 2000, 500N/REBEL G,

3000N/66/REBEL XSN, IX, and IX 7/IX Lite, only one slave group can be used for

wireless E-TTL autoflash control.

•

Quick flash cannot be used with wireless flash photography.

[1] Wireless System Setup and Testing

The wireless flash system can be setup in one of two ways: 1 With a 550EX

set as the master unit and one or more 550EXs set as slave units. 2 With

Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 (sold separately) used as the master unit and

one or more 550EXs set as slave units.

This section describes the procedure for the former. For the latter, refer to the

Instructions for Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2.

1. Setting the 550EX as the Master Unit

Attach the 550EX to the camera and set

the wireless selector to

. This

550EX will then be the “master unit.” The

master unit’s wireless signal is

transmitted to the slave unit(s) at almost

the same time as the preflash.

The master unit’s flash head zoom setting is set automatically to

wireless signal the maximum coverage of 80°. You can also press the

. This gives the

button to

change the zoom setting manually. However, this will narrow the wireless signal’s

coverage.

2. Setting the 550EX as a Slave Unit

Set the wireless selector to

the 550EX to be used as a slave unit. A

550EX set in this way is called a “slave

unit.”

•

The slave unit’s flash head zoom setting is set

automatically to

You can change the slave unit’s flash head zoom setting manually with the

button.

3. Setting the Master/Slave Channel

To prevent your master unit from firing another photographer’s slave units,

four channels are provided to differentiate your slave units from unrelated

ones. The master unit and slave unit(s) in the same wireless flash system

must be set to the same channel No.

To set the master unit’s channel No.,

1 _{press the <}

> button and

select

•

Pressing the <

the selection in the following loop:

> button changes

(Off)

Press the < > or < > button to set

the channel No. (1, 2, 3, or 4).

Press the <

> button.

•

The

displayed.

icon and channel No. will be

To set the slave unit’s channel No.,

press the <

select

> button and

•

Pressing the <

the selection in the following loop:

> button changes

(Off)

Setting the Master/Slave Channel

Press the < > or < > button to

set the same channel No. (1, 2, 3,

or 4) as the master unit’s.

> button.

icon and channel No. will be

6 ^{Press the <}

•

The

displayed.

If the master unit and slave unit(s) are not set to the same channel No., the master unit

will be unable to trigger the slave unit’s flash. Make sure the channel No. is the same.

4. Setting the Slave ID

With multiple slave units, a slave ID can be assigned to distinguish a slave

unit as being the main flash or fill flash. A flash ratio can thereby be set. Three

slave IDs are available: A, B, and C.

To set a slave unit’s slave ID, press

1 _{the <}

> button and select

•

Pressing the <

the selection in the following loop:

> button changes

(Off)

Press the < > or < > button to set

the slave ID (A, B, or C).

> button.

icon and slave ID will be

3 ^{Press the <}

•

The

displayed.

If you want all the slave units to fire at the same flash output, you need not assign a slave

ID.

5. Master Flash ON/OFF

The master unit’s flash firing can be enabled (ON) or disabled (OFF).

(1)

(

)

: This setting enables the master unit to fire a flash.

•

This setting is called “Master flash ON.”

This setting automatically sets the master unit’s slave ID to A.

(2)

(

) : This setting (Master flash OFF) prevents the master unit

from firing a flash. It can still transmit wireless signals to

trigger the slave units.

Press the <

> button and

select

•

Pressing the <

> button changes

the selection in the following loop:

(Off)

Press the < > or < > button to set

2 _either

Press the <

> button.

•

will appear.

If master flash OFF is set,

will blink.

Even if master flash OFF is set, the master unit still transmits the wireless signal to fire

the slave units.

6. Wireless Flash Range

After the master and slave units have been set, position them within the

wireless flash range shown below.

15 m / 49.2 ft

For indoors

For outdoors

10 m / 32.8 ft

80°

8 m / 26.2 ft

12 m / 39.4 ft

•

Use the mini stand (provided) for the slave unit(s). The mini stand also has a tripod socket.

Use the bounce feature to turn the body of the slave unit so that the sensor is exposed to the

master unit.

•

For an indoor setup, the positioning can be less precise since the wireless signals can bounce off

the walls.

After positioning the master and slave unit(s), fire a test flash to make sure the wireless flash

system works.

Do not place any objects between the master unit and slave unit(s) which may obstruct the

wireless transmission.

Set the master unit’s flash mode to

Set the camera as desired for flash

photography.

Wireless Flash Range

Check that the master unit’s pilot

lamp is lit and that the slave unit(s)

are recharged and ready.

•

When a slave unit is ready, its AF-assist

beam blinks once per second.

Press the master unit’s pilot lamp

4 _{(test firing button) to fire a test flash.}

•

When the wireless transmission works, the

slave units fire at 1/64 output in the following

slave ID order: A, B, and C.

•

If a slave unit does not fire, place it closer to

the master unit or angle the sensor more

toward the master unit and try again.

•

In a wireless flash system, the flash mode (E-TTL autoflash, high-speed sync, manual

flash, stroboscopic flash), flash exposure compensation, flash exposure bracketing,

and other settings are all set with the master unit. The master unit transmits all these

settings to the slave units by wireless signals. Controlling slave unit(s) is the same as

controlling one on-camera Speedlite.

A modeling flash can be fired to check the lighting effects (lighting balance, shadows,

etc.) before you take the picture. See page 50.

•

Make sure the slave units are within the effective range of the master unit.

After the picture is taken, the slave unit’s operation result is displayed on the LCD

panel.

•

With the slave unit's main switch set to SE (Save Energy), the slave unit turns off

automatically if it is left unused for over 60 minutes*. While the slave unit is off due to

this SE mode, SE is displayed on the LCD panel. Within 1 hour** after the slave unit

turns off in the SE mode, the slave unit can be turned on again by pressing the master

unit's test firing button.

•

If the manual flash mode has been set and you press the master unit’s pilot lamp, all

the slave units will fire a test flash simultaneously at the manually-set flash output.

After pressing the shutter button halfway, test firing cannot be executed during the first

6 sec.

Custom Function CF-4 can change this to 10 minutes. See page 113.

** Custom Function CF-5 can change this to 8 hours. See page 113.

[2] Wireless E-TTL Autoflash

Wireless E-TTL autoflash with multiple Speedlite 550EXs can be used in one

of two ways:

(1)

(2)

OFF : All slave units fire at the same flash output.

ON : Slave units with different slave IDs (A, B, or C) can be

fired at different flash outputs to produce a flash ratio.

•

A flash ratio can be set only with the EOS-1D, 1V, 3, D60, D30, ELAN 7/7E, and 30/33.

With the EOS ELAN II/ELAN IIE, 50/50E, 300/REBEL 2000, 500N/REBEL G, 3000N/66/REBEL

XSN, IX, and IX 7/IX Lite, a flash ratio cannot be set with the master unit.

1. Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio OFF

If no flash ratio is desired, the slave ID does not matter. It can be A, B, or C.

All the slave units will fire at the same flash output. The E-TTL autoflash

system controls the total flash amount automatically to obtain a correct flash

exposure.

G Master Flash ON + Slave Unit(s)

15 m / 49.2 ft

10 m / 32.8 ft

For indoors

12 m / 39.4 ft

For outdoors

8 m / 26.2 ft

80°

Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio OFF

Check for the following icons on the

master unit’s LCD panel:

•

displayed

not displayed

displayed

Make sure the master unit’s pilot

2 _{lamp is lit and the slave units are}

ready.

Press the pilot lamp to test the

wireless transmission.

Focus the subject and take the

picture.

G Master Flash OFF + Slave Unit(s)

15 m / 49.2 ft

10 m / 32.8 ft

For indoors

12 m / 39.4 ft

For outdoors

8 m / 26.2 ft

80°

Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio OFF

Check for the following icons on the

master unit’s LCD panel:

•

displayed

not displayed

displayed

Make sure the master unit’s pilot

2 _{lamp is lit and the slave units are}

ready.

Press the pilot lamp to test the

wireless transmission.

Focus the subject and take the

picture.

•

The master unit can also be set for bounce flash.

With master flash OFF, you can use one slave unit as a wireless off-camera

Speedlite.

•

Any number of slave units can be used.

The flash ratio can also be changed by changing the distance of the slave units to the

subject. With the EOS-1D, 1V, 3, D60, D30, ELAN 7/7E, and 30/33, you can use the

modeling flash to check the lighting effects.

2. Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON

As shown in the figure below, the wireless E-TTL autoflash system described

as an example consists of a master unit set to master flash OFF and two

slave units.

•

The slave ID of the slave unit on the camera’s left is A.

The slave ID of the slave unit on the camera’s right is B.

Master flash OFF is set for the master unit.

The camera (attached with the master unit) and two slave units are properly positioned for the

subject.

15 m / 49.2 ft

10 m /

32.8 ft

12 m / 39.4 ft

For indoors

For outdoors

8 m / 26.2 ft

80°

G Setting the Flash Ratio for Two Slave Units:

A and B

With slave unit A being the main flash and slave unit B being the fill flash, the

flash ratio (A:B) between these two slave units can be set from 8:1 to 1:1 or

from 1:1 to 1:8. (Thirteen 1/2-stop increments.) In terms of stops, the flash

ratio can be adjusted from 3:1 to 1:1 or from 1:1 to 1:3. The E-TTL autoflash

system then controls the total flash amount according to the flash ratio to

obtain a correct exposure.

Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON

1 _<^{On the master unit, press the}

> button and select

•

Pressing the <

the selection in the following loop:

> button changes

(Off)

Press the < > button to select

ON A:B.

•

ON A:B will blink.

Press the

button

3 _again.

•

A:B and

(flash ratio bar) will

blink.

•

In the left figure, the flash ratio bar indicates

a flash ratio of 1:1.

Press the < > or < > button to set

4 _{the A:B flash ratio.}

•

Press the < > button to move the flash

ratio bar to the left, or press the < > button

to move it to the right on the flash ratio scale.

Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON

Press the <

> button to

•

The flash ratio bar stops blinking and

remains displayed.

•

To indicate that a flash ratio has been set,

A:B will remain displayed on the

master unit’s LCD panel.

Follow the basic procedure for

6 _{wireless E-TTL autoflash picture-}

taking on page 60 and take the

picture.

•

During the setting procedure, A:B and

displayed. To make them blink again (so you can alter the flash ratio), press the

blink for 8 sec. and then remain

> button again.

The flash ratios corresponding to the

below.

positions on the flash ratio scale are shown

(5.6:1)

(2.8:1)

(1.4:1)

(1:1.4)

(1:2.8)

(1:5.6)

•

Flash ratios of A:C and B:C cannot be set.

After you set the flash ratio and the flash ratio bar is displayed, you can still change the

A:B flash ratio with the < > and < > buttons.

Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON

G Setting the Flash Ratio for Three Slave Units:

A, B and C

With three wireless slave units, slave unit A is the main flash, slave unit B is

the fill flash, and slave unit C is a supplemental flash. Thus, slave units A and

B serve to illuminate the subject for a proper exposure while slave unit C

illuminates the background to eliminate shadows. Even with three slave units,

the E-TTL autoflash system controls the flash to obtain a correct exposure.

In addition to setting the A:B flash ratio, a flash ratio of (A:B):C can also be

set. This is done by adjusting slave unit C’s flash exposure compensation

amount.

15 m / 49.2 ft

10 m / 32.8 ft

12 m / 39.4 ft

For indoors

For outdoors

8 m / 26.2 ft

80°

Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON

The following wireless E-TTL autoflash procedure is for a master unit with

three slave units. This procedure sets the A:B flash ratio and the flash

exposure compensation amount for slave unit C.

•

The flash ratio range for A:B is the same as when only two slave units are used.

Flash exposure compensation with slave unit C can be set up to 3 stops in 1/3 or 1/2-stop

increments.

•

The slave ID of the slave unit on the camera’s left is A.

The slave ID of the slave unit on the camera’s right is B.

The slave ID of the slave unit illuminating the background is C.

Master flash OFF is set for the master unit.

The camera (attached with the master unit) and three slave units are properly positioned for the

subject.

1 _<^{On the master unit, press the}

> button and select

•

Pressing the <

the selection in the following loop:

> button changes

(Off)

> button to select

ON A:B.

ON A:B will blink.

2 ^{Press the <}

•

Press the <

to select

> button again

ON A:B C.

•

A:B C will blink.

Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON

> button.

(flash ratio bar) will

4 ^{Press the <}

•

A:B and

blink.

Press the < > or < > button to set

the A:B flash ratio.

•

Press the < > button to move the flash

ratio bar to the left, or press the < > button

to move it to the right on the flash ratio scale.

Press the <

> button.

•

The flash ratio bar and

remain displayed.

A:B:C

Press the

again.

button

•

The

for A:B will blink.

To change the flash ratio, repeat steps 4

to 6.

Press the

button

8 _again.

•

and the flash exposure

compensation display will blink.

Press the < > or < > button to set

the flash exposure compensation

amount for C.

Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON

Press the <

> button to

•

The flash ratio bar and

remain displayed.

A:B:C

•

To change the flash exposure compensation

amount, repeat steps 8 to 10.

Follow the basic procedure for

wireless E-TTL autoflash on page 60

and take the picture.

•

Even if you have slave units A, B, and C, if only

will not fire.

If slave unit C is used to illuminate the subject directly, overexposure may result.

A:B is selected, slave unit C

G Slave Groups

Multiple slave units having the same

slave ID will be recognized and

controlled as one slave group. The group

will be treated as one slave unit.

A Slave Group

•

In the left figure, the slave ID is A for all three

slave units. They will be controlled as slave unit A

even as a group.

ID=A

Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON

G Wireless High-Speed Sync (FP Flash)

After setting up the wireless flash system with one or more slave units, you

can enable wireless high-speed sync by setting

on the master unit.

•

You need not touch any controls on the slave units.

The procedure for setting wireless high-speed sync is the same as for normal high-speed sync.

See page 32.

G Wireless FE Lock

After setting up the wireless flash system with one or more slave units, you

can enable wireless FE lock by pressing the camera’s <FEL> button.

•

You need not touch any controls on the slave units.

The procedure for setting wireless FE lock is the same as for normal FE lock. See page 34.

If there are multiple slave units and one of them cannot provide the proper exposure, the

icon in the viewfinder will blink as a warning. Either use a larger aperture or place the

slave unit closer to the subject and try FE lock again.

G Wireless Flash Exposure Compensation

After setting up the wireless flash system with one or more slave units, you

can enable wireless flash exposure compensation by setting the flash

exposure compensation amount with the master unit.

•

You need not touch any controls on the slave units.

The procedure for setting wireless flash exposure compensation is the same as for normal flash

exposure compensation. See page 36.

You can also set flash exposure compensation individually for each slave unit.

See page 36.

G Wireless Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB)

After setting up the wireless flash system with one or more slave units, you

can enable wireless FEB by setting the flash exposure bracketing amount

with the master unit.

•

You need not touch any controls on the slave units.

The procedure for setting wireless FEB is the same as for normal FEB. See page 38.

[3] Wireless Manual Flash

After setting up the wireless flash system, you can manually set the slave

unit’s flash output with the master unit. The flash output can be uniform or

varied among the slave units. To determine the proper flash exposure, use a

hand-held flash meter.

1. Wireless Manual Flash With Uniform Flash Output

On the master unit, press the

1 _<

> button and select

Press the <

select the flash output display.

> button and

•

Pressing the <

> button changes

the selection in the following loop:

Flash output

(Off)

Press the < > or < > button to set

the desired flash output.

> button.

The flash output will be displayed.

4 ^{Press the <}

•

When you take the picture, all the slave units will fire at the flash output you have set

with the master unit.

•

If master flash ON is set, the master unit will also fire at the same flash output.

If a slave group is used, all the slave units in the group will fire at the flash output you

have set with the master unit.

2. Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output

You can set a different flash output for each slave unit (A, B, and C) as

follows.

1 _<^{On the master unit, press the}

> button and select

Press the <

select

> button and

•

Pressing the <

> button changes

the selection in the following loop:

Flash output

(Off)

> button to select

ON A:B or A:B:C

ON A:B or A:B:C will blink.

3 ^{Press the <}

•

> button.

A and the flash output display will blink.

4 ^{Press the <}

•

Press the < > or < > button to set

the flash output for A.

Press the <

> button.

•

B and the flash output display will blink.

Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output

Press the < > or < > button to set

the flash output for B.

> button.

C and the flash output display will blink.

8 ^{Press the <}

•

Press the < > or < > button to set

9 _{the flash output for C.}

Press the <

> button to

•

If there are only two slave units (A and B), steps 9 and 10 may be omitted.

After you complete the settings, you can check the respective flash output for slave

units A, B, and C by pressing the < > or < > button.

•

Press the master unit’s pilot lamp to test fire the slave units.

[4] Wireless Stroboscopic Flash

After setting up the wireless flash system, you can set stroboscopic flash with

the master unit for wireless stroboscopic flash.

•

The firing frequency and flash count will be the same for all slave units. They can be set by

following the procedure on page 46.

•

Set the flash output of the slave units in the same way as for wireless manual flash. See page 71.

To determine the proper exposure, take test shots and experiment.

[5] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit

Manual flash or stroboscopic flash can be set manually with a slave unit. The

setting is independent from the master unit. The master unit just triggers the

slave unit which fires according to its own independent (manual or

stroboscopic flash) setting. This feature can be used in the following

situations:

(1) As with studio flash, you can set the slave unit’s flash output yourself for

wireless manual flash photography.

(2) For wireless manual flash photography with Wireless Transmitter ST-E.

1. Setting Manual Flash With a Slave Unit

On a slave unit with the wireless selector

to <

>, press the <

button for at least 2 sec.

will start blinking. It will continue to

blink while the slave unit’s independent

setting is in effect.

To set the flash output, see page 44.

To determine the proper flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter.

2. Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit

•

While

is blinking, press the

> button. will then

start blinking.

•

To set the stroboscopic flash, see

page 46.

To determine the proper exposure, take test shots and experiment.

Pressing the <

> button while

is blinking will cancel the slave unit’s

independent setting. Set it back to an independent setting.

An independent setting is retained even after the slave unit’s main switch is set to

When the main switch is set to

again, the independent setting takes effect.

G Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 (Sold separately)

Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 serves as the master unit for wireless Speedlite

550EX control. It can control up to two slave unit groups (A and B). It is

attached directly to the camera’s hot shoe. As a master unit, the differences

between the 550EX and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 are listed below.

Wireless Functions

E-TTL autoflash

Unit

550EX

ST-E2

High-speed sync

FE lock

Flash exposure compensation

FEB (Flash exposure bracketing)

Flash ratio control/Group control

Manual flash mode

Stroboscopic flash

? / A, B, C

? / A, B

Second-curtain sync

Modeling flash

* Settable with the slave unit.

For details,

see the Speedlite Transmitter

ST-E2 Instructions.

EYE CONTROL

When using the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 with a Type-A camera, also read pages 112

to 125.

For Type-B Cameras

Basic Flash Photography

When the Speedlite 550EX is attached to a Type-B camera such as the EOS-

1N, you can take flash pictures with TTL autoflash as easily as normal

autoexposure (AE) pictures. Flash photography can be fully automatic—all

you do is press the shutter button. Or you can set the desired shutter speed

and aperture and still obtain autoflash exposure.

With the EOS-1N, the flash exposure is controlled by real-time, 3-zone, off-

the-film TTL autoflash metering linked to the active focusing point.

•

This section assumes that the Speedlite 550EX is used with the EOS-1N.

Before proceeding, first turn on the EOS-1N and the 550EX.

Set the 550EX’s wireless selector to OFF.

For EOS-1N operations, refer to the EOS-1N Instructions.

1. Using Flash in Full Auto Mode

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode to

(Program AE) or

(Full Auto).

Flash photography will then be as easy as normal AE photography. The

camera sets the aperture and shutter speed automatically to suit a wide

variety of lighting conditions including outdoor fill flash. The E-TTL autoflash

system sets the flash exposure automatically.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

1 _to

Set the 550EX’s flash mode to

Focus the subject.

•

The shutter speed and aperture will be

displayed in the viewfinder.

•

The shutter speed will be set automatically at

1/60 sec. or faster (up to the top sync

speed). The aperture is also set at the same

time.

Check that the subject is within the

4 _{flash range displayed on the 550EX’s}

LCD panel.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

Using Flash in Full Auto Mode

After the flash fires, check that the

6 _{flash exposure confirmation lamp}

lights.

When a correct flash exposure has

been obtained, the flash exposure

confirmation lamp lights for about 3

sec. If the lamp does not light, the

flash may have been insufficient,

resulting in underexposure. In such a

case, check that the pilot lamp is red,

then move closer to the subject and

take the picture again.

G Fill Flash

Fill flash can be used outdoors in daylight to supplement existing light. It can

soften shadow areas of the subject or illuminate a backlit subject.

When fill flash is used, the flash exposure level is reduced automatically so that the

subject’s illumination by the flash balances well with the background’s ambient light.

Instead of having a properly-exposed subject and an underexposed background, both

the subject and background are exposed correctly for a natural-looking flash picture.

2. Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

Flash photography is also automatic in the other picture-taking modes. In the

Av (aperture-priority AE), Tv (shutter speed-priority AE), and

modes, the

TTL autoflash system sets the flash exposure automatically. The camera sets

the necessary shutter speed (in the Av mode), aperture (in the Tv mode), or

flash output (in the M mode). Flash photography is as easy as normal AE

picture-taking.

Shutter Speed and Aperture Settings for Picture-Taking Modes

Camera Mode

Shutter Speed

Flash Aperture

Manually set

Automatically set (30 sec. - 1/X sec.)

Manually set (30 sec. - 1/X sec.)

Manually set (bulb, 30 sec. - 1/X sec.)

Automatically set

Manually set

•

Manually set: You set it yourself.

Automatically set: Set automatically by the camera.

1/X sec.: Maximum sync speed. (See page 124).

When the shutter button is pressed completely, the flash fires and the picture is taken. The flash

output is controlled by the TTL autoflash system based on the aperture set by you or the camera.

The TTL autoflash system meters the light reflected off the film during the exposure and cuts off

the flash when the proper exposure is obtained.

•

The background’s exposure is set with the shutter speed and aperture combination.

•

If the camera is set to the

set in the same way as in the

mode (Full Auto), the shutter speed and aperture will be

mode (Program AE).

If the DEP mode (depth-of-field AE) is used with the 550EX, it will be the same as

using the mode (Program AE).

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

(1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and TTL Autoflash

This mode is effective for controlling the depth of field in your flash pictures.

You can also obtain a balanced exposure between the subject and

background. You set the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed

automatically to obtain a correct exposure for the background. The TTL

autoflash system obtains the proper exposure based on the aperture you set.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

1 _to

2 ^{Set the 550EX’s flash mode to}

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

Check that the subject distance is

4 _{within the flash range displayed on}

the 550EX’s LCD panel.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

If the top sync speed display blinks, the background will be overexposed. And if the 30”

shutter speed display blinks, the background will be underexposed. In such cases,

change the aperture until the shutter speed display stops blinking.

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

G Balanced Flash Exposures

In low-light situations, the exposure level can be balanced between the

subject and background by using a slow sync speed. You can obtain

balanced flash exposures automatically by setting the camera’s picture-taking

mode to Av. The camera then sets the sync speed automatically to suit the

background. Using a tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake.

Balanced flash exposure.

Flash exposure in the Full Auto mode.

•

To disable automatic balanced flash exposures, set the camera’s picture-taking mode

to . You can then set the desired shutter speed and aperture manually. See page

84.

Based on the shutter speed and aperture you set, the TTL autoflash system controls

the flash exposure automatically.

If you are using the Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 soft focus lens on your camera without a

tripod, setting the shutter speed and aperture manually is most effective for obtaining

soft-focus effects. Follow the procedure below.

1) Set an aperture near the maximum aperture.

2) Set the minimum shutter speed required to prevent camera shake.

3) Check that the flash has recharged, then take the picture.

•

To obtain balanced flash exposures in the Tv mode, set the shutter speed until the

meter reading indicates a correct exposure.

To obtain balanced flash exposures in the

mode, set the shutter speed and

aperture until the meter reading indicates a correct exposure.

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

(2) Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority AE and TTL

Autoflash

By selecting the shutter speed, you can obtain various effects with flash. You

can set the shutter speed from 30 sec. to the top sync speed. The camera

then sets the aperture automatically to obtain a correct exposure for the

background. The TTL autoflash system controls the flash exposure based on

the camera-selected aperture.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

1 _to

Tv and set the desired shutter

speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the

top sync speed.

2 ^{Set the 550EX’s flash mode to}

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

Check that the subject distance is

4 _{within the flash range displayed on}

the 550EX’s LCD panel.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

If the aperture display blinks, the background may turn out overexposed or

underexposed. In such a case, change the shutter speed until the aperture display stops

blinking.

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

(3) M: Manual Exposure and TTL Autoflash

In this mode, you set both the shutter speed and aperture. The TTL autoflash

system controls the flash exposure based on the aperture you set.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

1 _to

and set the desired aperture

and shutter speed anywhere from 30

sec. to the top sync speed. You can

also use buLb

2 ^{Set the 550EX’s flash mode to}

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

Check that the subject distance is

4 _{within the flash range displayed on}

the 550EX’s LCD panel.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

If the flash ranges below apply, the

icon will blink on the left end of the scale.

Zoom Setting

17-28mm

Flash Range

0.5 m / 1.6 ft or shorter

0.7 m / 2.3 ft or shorter

35mm and longer

For Type-B Cameras

Advanced Flash Photography

This section explains advanced flash operations possible with the Speedlite

550EX. It contains the following:

1. Flash Exposure Compensation (page 86)

2. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) (page 88)

3. Bounce Flash (page 90)

4. Close-Distance Flash Photography (page 92)

5. Manual Flash Mode (page 93)

6. Stroboscopic Flash (page 95)

7. Second-Curtain Synchronization (page 98)

•

This section assumes that the 550EX is used with an EOS-1N.

Before proceeding, first turn on main switch on the EOS-1N and 550EX.

Set the 550EX’s wireless selector to OFF.

For EOS-1N operations, refer to the EOS-1N Instructions.

1. Flash Exposure Compensation

Flash exposure compensation with the 550EX can be set up to 3 stops in

1/3-stop increments (or 1/2-stop increments with some cameras). You can

also use flash exposure compensation in combination with normal exposure

compensation (to control the background’s exposure level) in a flash picture.

Press the <

> button and

1 _select

•

Pressing the <

> button changes

the blinking setting in the following loop:

(Off)

•

The

icon and flash exposure

compensation display blink.

Press the < > or < > button to set

the desired flash exposure

compensation amount.

Press the <

> button or

press the shutter button halfway.

•

The

icon and flash exposure

compensation amount will stop blinking and

remain displayed.

4 ^{Focus the subject.}

•

Pressing the shutter button halfway also

displays the flash exposure compensation

amount on the scale in the viewfinder.

Flash Exposure Compensation

Check that the subject is within the

flash range displayed on the 550EX’s

LCD panel.

Check that the

and

icons are

displayed in the viewfinder, then take

the picture.

•

Flash exposure compensation set with the 550EX overrides any flash exposure

compensation set with the camera.

If the subject is small and the background is dark, flash exposure compensation may

not give the desired result. In such a case, use the manual flash mode. See page 93.

Effect on exposure of each type of compensation

Effect

E-TTL flash exposure compensation Changes the flash exposure of the main subject.

AE exposure compensation

Changes the exposure of the background.

Compensating the exposure by Changes both the flash (main subject) exposure

changing the film speed setting and the background exposure by the same

amount.

2. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing)

With FEB, you can obtain bracketed flash shots of the subject while the

background exposure level remains the same. Three bracketed flash shots

can be taken: Correct exposure, decreased exposure, and increased

exposure. The three shots can be bracketed up to 3 stops in 1/3-stop

increments (or 1/2-stop increments with some cameras). After all three

bracketed flash shots are taken, FEB is canceled automatically.

Press the <

> button and

select

•

Pressing the <

> button changes

the blinking setting in the following loop:

(Off)

•

The

icon and flash exposure bracketing

display will blink.

If the

icon appears, press the

> button again.

Press the < > or < > button to set

2 _the

flash exposure bracketing

amount.

> button.

The 550EX’s LCD panel display will be

similar to the figure on the left.

3 ^{Press the <}

•

4 ^{Focus the subject.}

•

When the shutter button is pressed halfway,

the icon will be displayed on the

viewfinder bottom.

FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing)

Check that the subject is within the

flash range displayed on the 550EX’s

LCD panel.

Check that the

and

icons are

displayed in the viewfinder, then take

the picture.

Take the remaining two bracketed

shots. (If necessary, repeat steps 4

to 6.)

Correct exposure.

Decreased exposure by 1 stop.

Increased exposure by 1 stop.

•

The film advances according to the camera’s current film advance mode.

Before taking the picture, make sure the flash is ready by checking that the 550EX’s

pilot lamp is red or the

icon is displayed in the viewfinder. If the flash is not ready,

only normal AE mode pictures can be taken. The

mode is recommended.

When the flash is ready, you can continue taking the bracketed flash shots.

(single-frame) film advance

•

Custom Function CF-1 can prevent the FEB setting from canceling automatically after the three

bracketed flash shots are taken. See page 113.

Custom Function CF-2 can change the sequence of the bracketed flash shots. See page 113.

3. Bounce Flash

With direct, frontal flash, harsh shadows are usually created in the

background behind the subject. This can be avoided by bouncing the flash off

a nearby wall or ceiling. Bounce flash also gives softer lighting effects.

To turn the flash head, press the

1 _<

PUSH

> button. To tilt the flash head,

PUSH

press the < > button. Turn and/or

tilt the flash head and point it at a

wall, ceiling, or other reflective

surface.

The flash head can be pointed in the

directions and angles listed below.

Direction Maximum Angle

Click Stops

0°, 60°, 75°, 90°

0°, 7°

90°

7°

Down*

0°, 60°, 75°, 90°,

120°, 150°, 180°

Left

180°

90°

Right

0°, 60°, 75°, 90°

* See page 92.

When the flash head is turned or

tilted,

is displayed on the

550EX’s LCD panel.

•

When the flash head’s zoom setting is

automatic and the flash head is turned or

tilted, the zoom setting is set automatically to

50mm. The zoom setting can also be set

manually for bounce flash.

•

If a manual zoom setting

the zoom setting display does not change

when the flash head is turned or tilted.

has been set,

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

Bounce Flash

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

•

If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does

not light after you take the picture, use a

larger aperture (smaller f-number) and try

again.

Bounce the flash on a plain, white, reflective surface. If a colored surface is used, the

picture may have a color cast.

With bounce flash.

Without bounce flash.

G Creating a Catchlight

A catchlight is a reflection of the flash in the subject’s eyes. A catchlight in the eyes

makes the subject look more lively. For portraits, you can easily create a catchlight with

the 550EX. See page 42.

4. Close-Distance Flash Photography

The flash head can be tilted downward by 7°. This position enables the flash

to better illuminate the lower part of a subject that is close to the camera.

PUSH

Press the < > button and tilt the flash

head downward until it stops. The

icon will blink on the LCD panel.

•

This flash head position is effective only for

subjects 0.5 meter / 1.6 ft to 2 meters / 6.6 ft from

the camera.

•

The flash range will be displayed as shown in the

left figure.

5. Manual Flash Mode

In the manual flash mode, you can set the flash output from 1/1 (full) to 1/128

power in full-stop increments.

•

To prevent overheating and deterioration of the flash head, observe the following limits for

continuous shooting with flash:

(1) At 1/1 or 1/2 output:

(2) At 1/4 or 1/8 output:

(3) At 1/16 or 1/32 output:

Max. 15 continuous flash shots.

Max. 20 continuous flash shots.

Max. 40 continuous flash shots.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

1 _to

Av or

Press the 550EX’s <

> button

2 _{and select}

•

Pressing the <

> button changes the

flash mode in the following loop:

Press the <

> button.

•

The manual flash output display blinks.

Manual Flash Mode

Press the < > or < > button to set

the desired flash output.

• Each time the button is pressed, the flash

output changes by one stop.

Press the

button

5 _{again. The manual flash output}

display will stop blinking and remain

displayed.

6 ^{Focus the subject.}

•

When you press the shutter button halfway,

focus will be achieved and the aperture and

flash range (bar segment) will be displayed

on the LCD panel.

Check the focusing distance on the

lens.

Check the flash range on the LCD

8 _{panel. If the flash range does not}

match the focusing distance, change

the aperture until it does match.

•

You can also change the flash output until

the flash range matches the focusing

distance.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

•

If there is a large difference between the flash range and focusing distance, change

the flash output or use a larger aperture until they match.

To obtain a more precise flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter.

6. Stroboscopic Flash

With stroboscopic flash, a rapid series of flashes is fired. It can be used to

record multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph for later

study.

You can set the firing frequency (the number of flashes per sec. expressed as

Hz) from 1 Hz to 199 Hz. The firing frequency can be set in 1-Hz increments

from 1 Hz to 20 Hz, in 5-Hz increments from 25 Hz to 50 Hz, and in 10-Hz

increments from 60 Hz to 199 Hz.

•

Stroboscopic flash cannot be used with the EOS 750 and EOS 850 cameras.

Up to 100 flashes can be fired

continuously. This maximum varies

depending on the flash output and firing

frequency. See “Maximum Continuous

Flashes” on page 122.

G Setting the Firing Frequency, Flash Count, and

Flash Output

Press the <

> button and

select

•

Pressing the <

> button changes the

flash mode in the following loop:

Stroboscopic Flash

Press the <

> button to

select the firing frequency, flash

count, or flash output display. When

selected, the respective item blinks

on the LCD panel to indicate that it

can be altered. Pressing the

> button changes the

blinking item in the following loop:

Firing frequency

Flash count

Flash output

(Normal display)

Press the < > or < > button to set

the desired value for the blinking

item.

Press the <

> button again

4 _{to register the value. The item will}

then stop blinking and remain

displayed. The next item will then

start blinking. Repeat steps 3 and 4

to set the next item.

•

After you set the flash output and press the

> button, the firing frequency,

flash count, and flash output are displayed.

G Shooting With Stroboscopic Flash

To shoot with stroboscopic flash, you must set a shutter speed that gives the

550EX enough time to fire according to the firing frequency and flash count

you have set.

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

and set the desired aperture.

Stroboscopic Flash

Use the following formula to calculate

the required shutter speed.

Flash count ÷ Firing frequency

= Shutter speed

Example: If the flash count is 10 and

the firing frequency is 5 Hz, the

shutter speed will have to be at

least 2 sec.

10 ÷ 5 = 2

•

If the flash count display is

, the flash will

keep firing until the shutter speed ends or

until the maximum number of continuous

flashes (as indicated in the table on page

122) is fired.

3 ^{Focus the subject.}

•

To set the exposure settings, see “Manual

Flash Mode” on page 93.

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

To prevent overheating and deterioration of the flash head, do not use stroboscopic flash

for more than 10 frames in rapid succession. After 10 frames, allow the 550EX to cool for

at least 10 minutes.

•

Stroboscopic flash is most effective with highly reflective subjects in front of a dark

background.

•

Using a tripod and Remote Switch are recommended.

Using an external power source is recommended for stroboscopic flash.

•

Stroboscopic flash cannot be used at a flash output of 1/1 or 1/2.

buLb can also be used with stroboscopic flash.

7. Second-Curtain Synchronization

Normally, the flash fires in synchronization with the first shutter curtain when

the shutter is fully open. With second-curtain synchronization, the flash fires

immediately before the second shutter curtain closes at the end of the

exposure. With second-curtain synchronization and a slow shutter speed, you

can create a trailing blur (illuminated by ambient light) that trails a moving

subject (illuminated by the flash) to give a natural-looking illusion of motion.

Set the desired picture-taking mode

with the camera.

Press the < > and < > buttons

simultaneously to select

LCD panel.

on the

•

Each time you press the < > and <

buttons simultaneously, the display changes

in the following loop:

(Off)

Check that the

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

icon is displayed in

With second-curtain synchronization.

With first-curtain synchronization.

•

Second-curtain synchronization is easier with buLb

Second-curtain synchronization does not work with the camera’s

mode and Programmed Image Control modes.

To cancel second-curtain synchronization, press the <

simultaneously to turn off the icon on the LCD panel.

picture-taking

> and < > buttons

•

For Type-B Cameras

Wireless Flash Photography

This section covers wireless flash photography with the 550EX. It explains the

550EX’s built-in master and slave flash features. A wireless flash system with

multiple Speedlite 550EXs can be used as easily as a single, on-camera

Speedlite 550EX.

With Type-B cameras, the 550EX offers the following wireless flash features:

[1] Wireless System Setup and Testing (page 100)

[2] Wireless Manual Flash (page 107)

[3] Wireless Stroboscopic Flash (page 109)

[4] Independent Settings With a Slave Unit (page 110)

•

This section assumes that the Speedlite 550EX is used with the EOS-1N.

Before proceeding, first turn on the main switch on the EOS-1N and 550EX.

In these Instructions, a Speedlite 550EX whose wireless selector has been set to

> is called the “master unit” and a 550EX whose wireless selector has been

> is called a “slave unit.”

set to <

•

For EOS-1N operations, refer to the EOS-1N Instructions.

[1] Wireless System Setup and Testing

The wireless flash system can be setup in one of two ways: 1 With a 550EX

set as the master unit and one or more 550EXs set as slave units. 2 With

Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 (sold separately) used as the master unit and

one or more 550EXs set as slave units.

This section describes the procedure for the former. For the latter, refer to "[4]

Manual or Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit" on page 110,111.

1. Setting the 550EX as the Master Unit

Attach the 550EX to the camera and set

the wireless selector to

. This

550EX will then be the “master unit.” The

master unit’s wireless signal is

transmitted to the slave unit(s) at almost

the same time as the shutter release.

The master unit’s flash head zoom setting is set automatically to

wireless signal the maximum coverage of 80˚. You can also press the

. This gives the

button to

change the zoom setting manually. However, this will narrow the wireless signal’s

coverage.

2. Setting the 550EX as a Slave Unit

Set the wireless selector to

the 550EX to be used as a slave unit. A

550EX set in this way is called a “slave

unit.”

•

The slave unit’s flash head zoom setting is

set automatically to

You can change the slave unit’s flash head zoom setting manually with the

button.

100

3. Setting the Master/Slave Channel

To prevent your master unit from firing another photographer’s slave units,

four channels are provided to differentiate your slave units from unrelated

ones. The master unit and slave unit(s) in the same wireless flash system

must be set to the same channel No.

Press the master unit’s <

1 _{button and select}

•

The TTL mode cannot be used with wireless

flash photography.

To set the master unit’s channel No.,

2 _{press the <}

> button and

select

•

Pressing the <

the selection in the following loop:

> button changes

Flash output

(Off)

Press the < > or < > button to set

the channel No. (1, 2, 3, or 4).

101

Setting the Master/Slave Channel

Press the <

> button.

icon and channel No. will be

•

The

displayed.

To set the slave unit’s channel No.,

5 _{press the <}

> button and

select

•

Pressing the <

the selection in the following loop:

> button changes

(Off)

Press the < > or < > button to set

the same channel No. (1, 2, 3, or 4)

as the master unit’s.

> button.

icon and channel No. will be

7 ^{Press the <}

•

The

displayed.

If the master unit and slave unit(s) are not set to the same channel No., the master unit

will be unable to trigger the slave unit’s flash. Make sure the channel No. is the same.

102

4. Setting the Slave ID

With multiple slave units, a slave ID can be assigned to distinguish a slave

unit as being the main flash or fill flash. A flash ratio can thereby be set. Three

slave IDs are available: A, B, and C.

To set a slave unit’s slave ID, press

1 _{the <}

> button and select

•

Pressing the <

the selection in the following loop:

> button changes

(Off)

Press the < > or < > button to set

the slave ID (A, B, or C).

> button.

icon and slave ID will be

3 ^{Press the <}

•

The

displayed.

If you want all the slave units to fire at the same flash output, you need not assign a slave

ID.

103

5. Master Flash ON/OFF

The master unit’s flash firing can be enabled (ON) or disabled (OFF).

(1)

(

)

: This setting enables the master unit to fire a flash.

•

This setting is called “Master flash ON.”

This setting automatically sets the master unit’s slave ID to A.

(2)

(

) : This setting (Master flash OFF) prevents the master unit

from firing a flash. It can still transmit wireless signals to

trigger the slave units.

Press the <

> button and

select

•

Pressing the <

> button changes

the selection in the following loop:

(Off)

Press the < > or < > button to set

2 _either

> button.

3 ^{Press the <}

•

will appear.

If master flash OFF is set,

will blink.

104

6. Wireless Flash Range

After the master and slave units have been set, position them within the

wireless flash range shown below.

15 m / 49.2 ft

For indoors

For outdoors

10 m / 32.8 ft

80°

8 m / 26.2 ft

12 m / 39.4 ft

•

Use the mini stand (provided) for the slave unit(s). The mini stand also has a tripod socket.

Use the bounce feature to turn the body of the slave unit so that the sensor is exposed to the

master unit.

•

For an indoor setup, the positioning can be less precise since the wireless signals can bounce off

the walls.

After positioning the master and slave unit(s), fire a test flash to make sure the wireless flash

system works.

Do not place any objects between the master unit and slave unit(s) which may obstruct the

wireless transmission.

Set the master unit’s flash mode to

1 _M

Set the camera as desired for flash

photography.

105

Wireless Flash Range

Check that the master unit’s pilot

lamp is lit and that the slave unit(s)

are recharged and ready.

•

When a slave unit is ready, its AF-assist

beam blinks once per second.

Press the master unit’s pilot lamp

4 _{(test firing button) to fire a test flash.}

•

When the wireless transmission works, the

slave unit fires at the flash output that was

set.

•

If a slave unit does not fire, place it closer to

the master unit or angle the sensor more

toward the master unit and try again.

•

In a wireless flash system, all the settings can be set with the master unit. The master

unit transmits all these settings to the slave units by wireless signals. Controlling slave

unit(s) is the same as controlling one on-camera Speedlite.

•

Make sure the slave units are within the effective range of the master unit.

After the picture is taken, the slave unit’s operation result is displayed on the LCD

panel.

•

With the slave unit's main switch set to SE (Save Energy), the slave unit turns off

automatically if it is left unused for over 60 minutes*. While the slave unit is off due to

this SE mode, SE is displayed on the LCD panel. Within 1 hour** after the slave unit

turns off in the SE mode, the slave unit can be turned on again by pressing the master

unit's test firing button.

•

If the manual flash mode has been set and you press the master unit’s pilot lamp, all

the slave units will fire a test flash simultaneously at the manually-set flash output.

After pressing the shutter button halfway, test firing cannot be executed during the first

6 sec. when the camera is metering the scene.

Custom Function CF-4 can change this to 10 minutes. See page 113.

** Custom Function CF-5 can change this to 8 hours. See page 113.

106

[2] Wireless Manual Flash

After setting up the wireless flash system, you can manually set the slave

unit’s flash output with the master unit. The flash output can be uniform or

varied among the slave units. To determine the proper flash exposure, use a

hand-held flash meter.

1. Wireless Manual Flash With Uniform Flash Output

Press the master unit’s <

button and select

Press the <

> button and

select the flash output display.

•

Pressing the <

> button changes

the selection in the following loop:

Flash output

(Off)

Press the < > or < > button to set

the flash output.

> button.

The flash output will be displayed.

4 ^{Press the <}

•

When you take the picture, all the slave units will fire at the flash output you have set

with the master unit.

•

If master flash ON is set, the master unit will also fire at the same flash output.

If a slave group is used, all the slave units in the group will fire at the flash output you

have set with the master unit.

107

2. Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output

You can set a different flash output for each slave unit (A, B, and C) as

follows.

1 _<^{On the master unit, press the}

> button.

Press the <

select

> button and

•

Pressing the <

> button changes

the selection in the following loop:

Flash output

(Off)

> button to select

ON A:B or A:B:C.

ON A:B or A:B:C will blink.

3 ^{Press the <}

•

> button.

A and the flash output display will blink.

4 ^{Press the <}

•

Press the < > or < > button to set

the flash output for A.

> button.

B and the flash output display will blink.

6 ^{Press the <}

•

108

Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output

Press the < > or < > button to set

the flash output for B.

> button.

C and the flash output display will blink.

8 ^{Press the <}

•

Press the < > or < > button to set

9 _{the flash output for C.}

Press the <

> button to

•

If there are only two slave units (A and B), steps 9 and 10 may be omitted.

After you complete the settings, you can check the respective flash output for slave

units A, B, and C by pressing the < > or < > button.

•

Press the master unit’s pilot lamp to test fire the slave units.

[3] Wireless Stroboscopic Flash

After setting up the wireless flash system, you can set stroboscopic flash with

the master unit for wireless stroboscopic flash.

•

The firing frequency and flash count will be the same for all slave units. They can be set by

following the procedure on page 97.

•

Set the flash output of the slave units in the same way as for wireless manual flash. See page 93.

To determine the proper exposure, take test shots and experiment.

109

[4] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit

Manual flash or stroboscopic flash can be set manually with a slave unit. The

setting is independent from the master unit. The master unit just triggers the

slave unit which fires according to its own independent (manual or

stroboscopic flash) setting. This feature can be used in the following

situations:

(1) As with studio flash, you can set the slave unit’s flash output yourself for

wireless manual flash photography.

(2) For wireless manual flash photography with Wireless Transmitter ST-E.

1. Manual Flash With a Slave Unit

On a slave unit with the wireless selector

set to <

>, press the <

button for at least 2 sec.

will start blinking. It will continue to

blink while the slave unit’s independent

setting is in effect.

To set the flash output, see page 93.

To determine the proper flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter.

110

2. Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit

•

While

is blinking, press the

> button. will then

start blinking.

•

To set the stroboscopic flash, see

page 95.

To determine the proper exposure, take test shots and experiment.

Pressing the <

> button while

is blinking will cancel the slave unit’s

independent setting. Set it back to an independent setting.

An independent setting is retained even after the slave unit’s main switch is set to

When the main switch is set to

again, the independent setting takes effect.

111

Custom Functions

The Speedlite 550EX has Custom Functions which enable you to customize

Speedlite functions according to your preferences.

G Setting a Custom Function

Press the LCD panel illumination

1 _{button for at least 2 sec. until}

appears on the LCD panel.

Press the <

the Custom Function No. to be

altered blinks.

> button until

•

Pressing the <

the Custom Function No. from F1 to F6.

> button selects

Press the < > or < > button to set

the Custom Function setting to 0 or 1

according to your preference.

> button.

The display stops blinking.

4 ^{Press the <}

•

Press the LCD panel illumination

button or the <

> button to

return to the normal state.

•

You need not press the LCD panel

illumination button for 2 sec. or longer.

• A Custom Function can be set while the wireless selector is set to

• When a Custom Function has been set, the icon is displayed on the LCD panel.

112

Custom Functions

G Custom Function Settings

Custom

Function No.

Function

Setting

Description

Enabled

Disabled

FEB cancellation

after completion

CF-1

Correct exposure, decreased exposure, increased exposure

CF-2

CF-3

CF-4

CF-5

CF-6

FEB sequence

Decreased exposure, correct exposure, increased exposure

E-TTL

Flash metering

system

TTL

Activate after 60 min. of non-operation.

Activate after 10 min. of non-operation.

Enable SE mode cancellation by master unit for 1 hour.

Enable SE mode cancellation by master unit for 8 hours.

Enabled

Slave unit SE mode

activation

Slave unit SE mode

cancellation

Modeling flash

Disabled

• With a Type-A camera, the CF-3-1 setting will not enable wireless operation with

autoflash.

• With a Type-B camera, TTL autoflash will be set regardless of the CF-3 setting.

113

Canon Speedlite 550EX System

The accessories on the left enable

wired, multi-Speedlite TTL autoflash.

e TTL Hot Shoe Adapter 3

r TTL Distributor

t Off-Camera Shoe Adapter OA-2

y Connecting Cord 60

u Connecting Cord 300

114

Canon Speedlite 550EX System

1 Speedlite 550EX (On-camera master unit)

2 Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2

Dedicated wireless transmitter for any 550EX set as a slave unit.

3 Connecting Cord ET (included with Transistor Pack E)

4 Transistor Pack E

Houses Battery Magazine TP or Ni-Cd Pack TP.

5 Battery Magazine TP

Houses six size-C alkaline batteries.

6 Ni-Cd Pack TP

Ni-Cd pack dedicated to Transistor Pack E.

Shortens flash recycle time as with a high-voltage battery. Rechargeable with Ni-

Cd Charger TP for repeated use.

7 Ni-Cd Charger TP

Dedicated charger for Ni-Cd Pack TP. Charging time is about 15 hours.

8 Compact Battery Pack CP-E2

Small and lightweight external power source. It uses six size-AA alkaline or

nickel-hydride batteries. It can also use lithium batteries.

9 Speedlite 550EX (Slave unit)

0 Speedlite 420EX (Slave unit)

q Mini Stand (provided with the 550EX and 420EX)

Mini stand to prop up the 550EX or 420EX positioned as a remote slave unit.

Tripod socket provided at the bottom.

w Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2

For off-camera flash operation up to 60 cm away from the camera. All automatic

EOS functions are enabled

115

Troubleshooting Guide

No.

Problem

Probable Cause

Solution

Page

I cannot detach the Speedlite The locking collar has not

from the camera.

Loosen the locking collar

completely to retract the

locking pin.

been loosened enough to

retract the locking pin.

The flash does not fire even

when I press the shutter

button completely.

The Speedlite has not been

mounted properly on the hot

shoe.

Mount the Speedlite properly

and securely on the camera.

The hot shoe contacts are

dirty or the Speedlite’s

mounting foot contacts are

dirty.

If the contacts are dirty, use a

clean cloth to wipe them.

After I turn on the Speedlite,

the pilot lamp turns off after a SE, the Speedlite turns off

while.

With the main switch set to

Press the shutter button

halfway or press the test

firing button.

automatically when it is not

used for 90 sec.

When I turn on the main

switch, the entire display

blinks.

The wide panel is not fully

retracted.

Retract the wide panel

completely.

The wide panel has been

extended and the Speedlite is

set for bounce flash.

Retract the wide panel.

When I press the shutter

button halfway, the flash

range bar segments blink.

The flash head has been

tilted downward by 7°.

Except for close-distance

subjects, do not tilt the flash

head downward.

I installed new batteries in the Batteries have not been

external power source, but

the flash still does not fire.

Even when using an external

power source, be sure to

installed in the 550EX itself.

Or, the batteries in the 550EX have good batteries in the

are exhausted.

550EX.

I installed new batteries in my The batteries in the 550EX

external power source and are exhausted. Disconnect

connected it to the Speedlite. the external power source

When I turned on the power

switch, the flash head

Replace the batteries in the

550EX with new ones.

and turn on the 550EX. If the

pilot lamp does not light

zoomed automatically. Or the within 30 sec., the 550EX’s

LCD panel display went out.

batteries are exhausted.

The flash picture looks dark

toward the bottom.

The subject was too close to

the camera.

If the subject is 2 meters or

closer, tilt the flash head

downward by 7°.

116

Troubleshooting Guide

No.

Problem

Probable Cause

Solution

Page

The subject was toward the

edge of the picture and it

came out overexposed.

The subject was not correctly With an EOS camera having

exposed with the flash.

multiple focusing points,

select a focusing point which

covers the subject and then

compose the shot before

taking the picture. With an

EOS camera having only

one focusing point, set a

suitable exposure

compensation amount on the

minus side.

The subject was in front of a

window and the subject’s

face turned out dark.

The flash’s reflection in the

window caused the

underexposure.

Position yourself or the

subject so that the flash’s

reflection in the window does

not enter the picture. Or set

exposure compensation on

the plus side.

A group picture of people

wearing black clothing had

overexposed faces.

The Speedlite tried to obtain

a correct exposure for the

black clothing which has low

reflectance.

Set exposure compensation

on the minus side.

The periphery of the picture

came out dark.

The flash head’s zoom

setting that you set manually

gave inadequate flash

coverage for the lens focal

length.

Set the flash head to auto

zoom. Or manually set a

zoom setting that is shorter

than the lens focal length.

The picture looks

overexposed or

underexposed.

Flash exposure

compensation was still in

effect.

Cancel the flash exposure

compensation setting.

The picture came out

blurred.

Since the camera was set to

the Av mode and the scene

was dark, a slow shutter

(1) Using a tripod is

recommended.

(2) Use the P mode.

speed was set automatically. (3) Use the M mode on the

During the slow exposure,

camera shake caused the

blurry photograph.

camera

The slave unit does not fire.

The slave unit’s wireless

selector is not set to

Set the slave unit’s wireless

100

selector to

The slave unit is not within

the master unit’s wireless

transmission range.

Position the slave unit within

the wireless transmission

range.

105

117

Specifications

Type:

Direct-sync, shoe-mount flash with E-TTL/TTL autoflash control and

wireless transmission/reception (E-TTL preflash, AF-assist beam, auto

zoom, and bounce flash).

Compatible cameras: Type-A EOS cameras (for E-TTL autoflash control)

Type-B EOS cameras (for TTL autoflash control)

Flash coverage and Guide No.:

See page 121.

Battery life and recycling time:

See page 11.

Flash duration:

Flash coverage:

1.2 ms or less. For quick flash: 2.3 ms or shorter.

(1) Auto zoom head covers 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 80mm,

and 105mm lens focal lengths automatically.

(2) Manual zoom: Enabled with zoom button.

(3) Wide panel: When the built-in wide panel covers the flash head, flash

coverage is extended for 17mm lens focal length.

(1) Normal flash

Flash modes:

(2) Quick flash

(3) High-speed sync (FP flash)

(4) Stroboscopic flash: 41 flash frequency settings, 31 firing settings

(5) Preflash: Obtains exposure reading for E-TTL autoflash control

(6) Test flash: With test firing button

(7) Modeling flash: Fired with the camera’s depth-of-field preview button

Bounce positions:

Direction

Angle

0° - 90°

0° - 7°

Click Stops

0°, 60°, 75°, 90°

0°, 7°

Down

Left

0° - 180°

0° - 90°

0°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°

0°, 60°, 75°, 90°

Right

Exposure control modes: (1) E-TTL autoflash (with Type-A cameras: Preflash evaluative metering)

(2) FE lock (with Type-A cameras: Preflash metering, FE lock)

(3) TTL autoflash (with Type-B cameras: Off-the-film metering)

Flash exposure compensation:

(1) Automatic flash output reduction for fill flash.

(2) Flash exposure compensation adjustable manually with the Speedlite

up to 3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments.

(3) Flash exposure compensation adjustable manually up to 3 stops in

1/3- or 1/2-stop increments with cameras equipped with flash exposure

compensation function.

FEB:

Set with the Speedlite up to +/- 3 stops in 1/3-stop or 1/2-stop increments.

Flash range (with 50mm f/1.4 lens at ISO 100):

(1) With normal flash

: 0.5 - 30 meters / 1.6 - 100 feet

: Min. 0.5 - 7.5 meters and max. 0.5 - 21 meters /

: Min. 1.6 - 25 feet and max. 1.6 - 70 feet

(2) With quick flash

(3) With high-speed sync : 0.5 - 15 meters / 1.6 - 49 feet (at 1/250 sec.)

Flash exposure confirmation: Yellow-green pilot lamp lights.

Sync speed: See page 124.

118

Specifications

Flash-ready indication: (1) Red pilot lamp indicates normal flash ready.

(2) Yellow pilot lamp indicates quick flash ready.

AF-assist beam linkage and range:

Linked to area AF (45 focusing points), effective from approx. 0.6 to 10

meters / 2 to 33 feet at the center and 0.6 to 5 meters / 2 to 16 feet along

the periphery (in total darkness).

Wireless functions

Transmission system: Optical pulse transmission

Configuration:

Camera, master unit, and slave unit(s)

Wireless switchover: With wireless selector

Wireless selector positions:

OFF, Master, Slave

Channels:

[Master unit]

Transmission angle: Horizontal: Approx. 80° / Vertical: Approx. 60° (At

(Manual zooming of flash head also enabled)

zoom setting)

Transmission range: Indoors: Approx. 12 to 15 meters / 39.3 to 49.2 feet

Outdoors: Approx. 8 to 10 meters / 26.2 to 32.8 feet

No. of transmissions: Approx. 1500 (without master unit firing)

Controllable slaves: A, B, C (3 groups)

Flash control:

(1) E-TTL autoflash (with Type-A cameras)

High-speed sync (FP flash) / FE lock / flash exposure compensation /

FEB / flash ratio control

(2) Manual flash (with Type A and B cameras)

(3) Stroboscopic flash (with Type A and B cameras)

A:B = 8:1 to 1:1 or 1:1 to 1:8 (In thirteen 1/2-stop increments)

(For C, flash exposure compensation can be set up to 3 stops in 1/3 or

1/2-stop increments.)

Flash ratio control:

Master flash:

ON/OFF possible (When ON, automatic set as slave unit A.)

[Slave unit]

Reception angle:

Flash coverage:

Horizontal: Approx. 80° / Vertical: Approx. 80°

Set automatically to

(Manual zooming of flash head also enabled)

Flash-ready indication: AF-assist beam emitter blinks

Flash modes: (1) Controlled automatically by master unit.

(2) Manual flash and stroboscopic flash settable independently from master

unit.

Flash exposure compensation:

Settable individually with each slave unit up to 3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop

increments.

Slave Operation Confirmation:

Enabled with master unit's test firing button.

119

Specifications

Slave unit SE mode

cancellation:

While the slave unit’s SE mode is in effect, the slave unit turns on when a

flash is fired.

The slave unit's SE mode can be canceled by the following wireless operations:

(1) When the master unit’s test firing button is pressed.

(2) When the camera’s FE lock button is pressed.

Internal power sources:

Power source:

(1) Size-AA alkaline batteries × 4

(2) Size-AA nickel-hydride batteries × 4

Size-AA lithium batteries × 4

External power sources: (1) Compact Battery Pack CP-E2

Size-AA alkaline batteries × 6

Size-AA nickel-hydride batteries × 6

(2) Transistor Pack E

Battery Magazine TP with size-C alkaline batteries × 6

Ni-Cd Pack TP (NR-SC Ni-Cd batteries × 6 in sealed pack)

With the power switch set to SE, the Speedlite enters the SE mode as

follows:

SE mode:

• On-camera master unit enters the SE mode after 90 sec. of non-use.

• Slave unit enters SE mode after 60 min. (or 10 min. with CF-4) of non-use.

Custom Functions:

Custom

Function

Setting

Description

Function No.

FEB

Enabled

Disabled

CF-1

cancellation

after completion

Correct exposure, decreased exposure, increased exposure.

Decreased exposure, correct exposure, increased exposure.

E-TTL

FEB

sequence

CF-2

CF-3

CF-4

CF-5

CF-6

Flash

metering

system

Slave unit

SE mode

activation

Slave unit

SE mode

cancellation

TTL

Activate after 60 min. of non-operation.

Activate after 10 min. of non-operation.

Enable SE mode cancellation by master unit for 1 hour.

Enable SE mode cancellation by master unit for 8 hours.

Enabled

Modeling

flash

Disabled

Dimensions (mm) and Weight:

80 (W) x 138 (H) x 112 (D), 405 g

3.1 (W) x 5.4 (H) x 4.4 (D) in, 14.2 oz

• All data are based on Canon’s Standard Test Method.

• Subject to change without notice.

120

Specifications

G Guide No.

[Normal Mode]

(At ISO 100 in meters)

Flash Coverage (mm)

Normal (full) Flash Guide No.

Quick Flash

105

Same as for manual flash from 1/2 to 1/6.

1/1

10.6

7.5

5.3

3.8

2.7

1.9

1.4

19.8

21.2

25.5

29.7

32.5

35.4

1/2

1/4

38.9

27.5

19.5

13.8

9.7

1/8

9.9

10.6

7.5

5.3

3.8

2.7

12.7

14.8

10.5

7.4

16.3

11.5

8.1

17.7

12.5

8.8

Manual Flash Guide No.

1/16

1/32

1/64

1/128

4.9

3.5

2.5

6.4

4.5

3.2

5.3

5.8

6.3

6.9

3.7

4.1

4.4

4.9

[High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) ]

Flash Coverage (mm)

Shutter Speed

19.8

21.2

18.8

17.7

15.0

13.3

12.7

11.9

10.6

9.4

8.7

8.4

7.5

6.7

6.1

5.9

5.3

4.7

25.2

22.5

21.2

18.0

15.9

15.2

14.2

12.7

11.3

10.4

10.1

9.0

29.7

26.3

24.7

21.0

18.6

17.7

16.6

14.8

13.1

12.1

11.7

10.5

9.4

105

38.9

34.4

32.4

27.5

24.3

23.2

21.7

19.4

17.2

15.9

15.4

13.8

12.3

11.2

10.9

9.7

1/125

1/160

10.6

9.4

8.8

7.5

6.6

6.3

5.9

5.3

4.7

4.3

4.2

3.8

3.4

3.1

3.0

2.7

2.4

2.2

2.1

1.9

1.7

1.5

1.3

32.5

28.8

27.1

23.0

20.3

19.4

18.2

16.3

14.4

13.3

12.9

11.5

10.3

9.4

35.4

31.3

29.5

25.0

22.1

21.1

19.8

17.7

15.6

14.4

14.0

12.5

11.2

10.2

9.9

17.5

16.5

14.0

12.4

11.8

11.1

9.9

8.8

8.1

7.8

7.0

6.3

5.7

5.5

4.9

4.4

4.0

3.9

3.5

1/180

1/250

1/320

1/350

1/400

1/500

1/640

1/750

1/800

1/1000

1/1250

1/1500

1/1600

1/2000

1/2500

1/3000

1/3200

1/4000

1/5000

1/6000

1/6400

1/8000

8.0

7.3

8.6

7.1

8.3

9.1

8.1

6.4

7.4

8.8

5.7

6.6

7.3

7.9

8.7

4.3

4.2

3.8

3.4

3.1

3.0

2.7

5.2

6.1

6.6

7.2

7.9

5.0

5.9

6.4

7.0

7.7

4.5

5.3

5.8

6.3

6.9

3.1

2.9

2.8

2.5

4.0

4.7

5.1

5.6

6.1

3.7

4.3

4.7

5.1

5.6

3.6

4.2

4.5

4.9

5.4

3.2

3.7

4.1

4.4

4.9

(Multiply by 3.3 to convert to feet)

121

Specifications

G Maximum Continuous Flashes

Flash Output

1/4

1/8

1/16

1/32

100

1/64

1/128

Flash Output

1/4

1/8

1/16

1/32

1/64

1/128

100

Flash Output

1/4

1/8

1/16

1/32

1/64

1/128

Flash Output

1/4

1/8

1/16

1/32

1/64

1/128

•

When the flash count is

frequency.

, the maximum flash count will be as follows regardless of the flash

Flash Output

Flash Count

1/4

1/8

1/10 1/32 1/64 1/128

100

160

122

Specifications

G AF-Assist Beam Emission Preconditions

550EX’s AF-Assist

Beam Emitted

Camera’s AF-Assist

Beam Emitted

550EX/Camera Combination

EOS-1D, EOS-1V, EOS-3, EOS-1N, EOS-1N RS,

EOS D60, EOS D30, EOS ELAN 7/7E, 30/33,

EOS 50/50 E/ELAN ll/ELAN ll E,

EOS 300/REBEL 2000, EOS 500 N/REBEL G,

EOS 3000N/66/REBELXSN, EOSIX, EOS IX 7/IX Lite

EOS 1000 N/REBEL ll/1000 FN/REBEL S ll,

EOS 1000/REBEL/1000 F/REBEL S,

EOS 100/ELAN, EOS 700,

—

EOS RT, EOS-1, EOS 630/600,

EOS 850, EOS 750, EOS 620, EOS 650

EOS 500/REBEL XS/REBEL X,

EOS 5/A2/A2 E, EOS 10/10 S,

EOS 5000/888

—

G Camera’s Flash-Related Exposure Warnings

Mode

Warning Indication

Description

Remarks

Max. sync speed

blinks.

The background will

be overexposed.

Only the flash

exposure setting for

the subject is correct.

Changing the aperture

may stop the shutter

speed from blinking.

Aperture-priority AE

Minimum aperture

setting blinks.

The background will

be overexposed.

Only the flash

exposure setting for

the subject is correct.

Shutter speed-priority

Maximum aperture

setting blinks.

The background will

be underexposed.

Minimum aperture

setting blinks.

The subject is too

bright.

Attach a neutral-

density filter to the lens

to reduce the amount

of light received by the

camera.

Program AE

123

Specifications

G Speedlite 550EX Feature Availability

Camera’s Max. Sync Speed (sec.)

Autoflash Control

Wireless Flash

Camera

1/90

1/125

1/200

1/250

1/500

E-TTL

TTL

E-TTL

EOS 650

EOS 620

EOS 750

EOS 850

EOS 630/600

EOS-1

EOS RT

EOS 10S/10

EOS 700

EOS 1000/1000F/

REBEL/REBEL S

EOS 100/ELAN

EOS REBEL II/REBEL S II/

1000N/1000FN

EOS 5/A2/A2E

EOS 500/REBEL X/REBEL XS

EOS-1N/1N RS

EOS 5000/888

EOS 50/50E/ELAN II/ELAN II E

EOS REBEL G/500 N

EOS IX

EOS IX 7/IX Lite

EOS-3

EOS 3000/88

EOS 300/REBEL 2000

EOS-1V

EOS ELAN 7/7E/30/33

EOS D30/D60

EOS 3000N/66/REBEL XSN

EOS-1D

*1 With Custom Function CF-3-1.

*2 Only one slave group can be controlled.

*3 For bulb exposures with the EOS 700, the aperture f/5.6.

124

G: Available. ×: Not available.

Wireless Flash

Flash Exposure Compensation

Flash Ratio Modeling 2nd-Curtain

FP Flash

FE Lock

FEB

Control

Flash

Sync

M/MULTI

w/550EX

w/camera

*4 Enabled in shutter-speed AE mode.

125

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference,

and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise

specified in the instructions. If such changes or modifications should be made,

you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class

B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are

designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a

residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or

television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and

on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of

the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise

emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference-causing

equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus”, ICES-003 of the Industry

Canada.

126

The CE Mark is a Directive conformity mark of the European

Community (EC)

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing.

Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

Dry batteries shall not be subjected to charging.

127

CANON INC. 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan

U.S.A.

CANON U.S.A. INC.

For all inquiries concerning this camera, call toll free in the U.S.

1-800-OK-CANON or write to: Customer Relations, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, N.Y. 11042-1198

CANADA

CANON CANADA INC. HEADQUARTERS

6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7, Canada

CANON CANADA INC. MONTREAL BRANCH

5990, Côte-de-Liesse, Montréal Québec H4T 1V7, Canada

CANON CANADA INC. CALGARY OFFICE

2828, 16th Street, N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7K7, Canada

For all inquiries concerning this camera, call toll free in Canada

1-800-OK-CANON

EUROPE,

CANON EUROPA N.V.

AFRICA &

MIDDLE EAST

Bovenkerkerweg 59-61, P.O. Box 2262, 1180 EG Amstelveen, The Netherlands

CANON COMMUNICATION & IMAGE FRANCE S.A.

102, Avenue du Général de Gaulle 92257 La Garenne-Colombes Cedex, France

CANON UK LTD.

Woodhatch Reigate Surrey RH2 8BF, United Kingdom

CANON DEUTSCHLAND GmbH

Europark Fichtenhain A10, 47807 Krefeld, Germany

CANON ITALIA S.p.A.

Palazzo L, Strada 6, 20089 Rozzano, Milanofiori, Milano, Italy

CANON Benelux N.V./S.A.

Bessenveldstraat 7, 1831 Diegem (Machelen), Belgium

CANON Schweiz AG

Geschäftsbereich Wiederverkauf, Industriestrasse 12, CH-8305 Dietlikon, Switzerland

CANON G. m. b. H.

Oberlaaerstrasse 233, 4th floor, 1100 Wien, Austria

CANON España, S. A.

C/Joaquín Costa, 41, 28002 Madrid, Spain

SEQUE Soc. Nac. de Equip., Lda.,

Praça da Alegria, 58, 2°, 1269-149 Lisboa, Portugal

CENTRAL &

CANON LATIN AMERICA, INC. DEPTO DE VENTAS

SOUTH AMERICA 703 Waterford Way Suite 400 Miami, FL 33126 U.S.A.

CANON LATIN AMERICA, INC. CENTRO DE SERVICIO Y REPARACION

Apartado 2019, Zona Libre de Colón, República de Panamá

ASIA

CANON HONGKONG CO., LTD.

9/F, The Hong Kong Club Building, 3A Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong

CANON SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

79 Anson Road #09-01/06 Singapore 079906

OCEANIA

JAPAN

CANON AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

1 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde, N.S.W. 2113, Australia

CANON NEW ZEALAND LTD.

Fred Thomas Drive, P.O. Box 33-336, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand

CANON SALES CO., INC.

12-15 Mita, 3-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8011, Japan

This Instructions booklet is dated April 2000. For information on the camera’s

compatibility with system accessories marketed after this date, contact your nearest

Canon Service Center.

CT1-1707-004

1098Ni5.0

CANON INC. 1998

PRINTED IN JAPAN

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