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420EX Flash Takes Ages to Recycle on my EOS 300D


Hi Everyone, Im hoping some one can help me. I have a Canon EOS300D (KISS Rebel) in some other countries. I purchased a simple 420EX Flash for my camera. For some reason, it takes AGES for it to recycle between shots. It takes up to 1 minute for the Pilot light to come on ready for the next shot. Is it suppose to take this long ? Do I have some setting wrong ? Has anybody got any ideas please? Thanks I would appreciate any assistance.
Rob


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August 25, 2005

 

Jon Close
  I'm guessing you're using disposable alkaline batteries. That's typical. They'll give quick recycle times at first then get longer and longer. Alkaline batteries' voltage drops over time.

Rechargeable NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries will recycle in about 1/2 the time of alkalines. The voltage does not begin to drop until they are near exhaustion. The battery descriptions in the 420EX manual (p. 11) is badly worded and seems to discourage the use of rechargeables, but they are preferred for faster recycle times and are cheaper in the long run than disposable alkalines. The lower number of flashes ("70-80%") is based on 1550 mAh (milli-amp hours) rechargeables. NiMH batteries are now commonly available in 2000 to 2500 mAh capacities.


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August 25, 2005

 

Christopher A. Vedros
  I have several sets of 2500 mAh NiMH batteries that I bought on eBay. They recycle my 420EX very quickly.


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August 25, 2005

 

Bob Cammarata
  If you want quicker re-cycles with alkalines you might want to consider upgrading to a flash unit which offers vari-power controls.
Unless I'm mistaken, The 420EX only operates at full-power. The recycle time is typically slow with these types of flash units.
If you can move closer to your subject and have the option to select 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, or even 1/16 power, your recycle time will decrease exponentially.

These vari-powered flash units are also more versatile, in that they will allow you to freeze much quicker action.


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August 25, 2005

 

Christopher A. Vedros
  Actually Bob, the 420EX only operates at full-auto E-TTL, which means it shoots at whatever power it needs to, you just can't pick it yourself.

Of course, you can assume that if you're shooting with it in low light, it will be popping at full power for every shot.


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August 25, 2005

 
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