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Category: Problems with Images

Photography Question 

Ashby A. B.
 

Weird crescent shaped shadow in photos


Sometimes when I shoot with my built-in flash (Canon EOS Elan 7E) I get a weird crescent shaped shadow either on the bottom for horizontal shots or on the left or right for vertical shots depending on which side the flash is on. I'm assuming this is a flash problem. It happens with close up shots and not so close up shots. Any suggestions? Thanks!


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April 12, 2004

 

John Wright
  Ashby,
I'd almost bet dollar to donuts that you are using the onboard flash and you are seeing the shadow of your lenses. The height of the onboard flash is a known problem. If you look at the elan and then look at the new Rebels, you will see that the newer cameras have an increased height to the on board flash units. To be sure, use a flash that attaches to your hot shoe. I'd bet the crescent shape goes away...

John


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April 12, 2004

 

Ashby A. B.
  Well isn't that just lovely......thanks for the reply......it all makes sense now. Kind-of a bummer, but makes sense. I will try with my flash attachment though and check the results.


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April 12, 2004

 

Jon Close
  If you have a lens hood mounted on the lens, take it off when using the built-in flash. What lens are you using? There usually isn't a problem with the smaller Ø58mm lenses such as the EF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM, but is with larger lenses, such as the Ø72mm EF 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.


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April 12, 2004

 

Ashby A. B.
  And as I start to write I draw a blank on my lens size!! 28-200MM, Sigma, I think.


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April 12, 2004

 
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