• 90-degree bounce capability with flash exposure confirmation signal.
• Six-position auto zoom head for flash photography from 24mm to 105mm.
• A powerful guide number from 69~125/21~38 (ISO 100, ft./m) depending on the auto zoom head position.
• Automatic shut-off after 90 seconds to save energy and extend battery life.

E-TTL (Evaluative TTL) is a major step forward in flash photography Q the third step in the evolution of Through-the-Lens flash exposure control systems. Conventional TTL and A-TTL flash systems measure and control flash illumination reflected from the film's surface during exposure. With E-TTL, flash exposure is measured and controlled by the Elan II/IIEUs 6-zone evaluative metering sensor in combination with the AIM system. Subject position, ambient light level, evaluative metering and pre-flash data are instantly analyzed. Flash output is then controlled to provide a natural balance between subject and background, in any shooting condition. Difficult situations that often fool conventional TTL systems, such as heavy backlight or even bright reflections from glass or mirrors, are recognized and dealt with automatically by E-TTL. And E-TTLUs integration with CanonUs AIM system means that you can concentrate on an off-center subjectUs peak expression, without the requirements imposed by other systems to lock focus and recompose.

FE Lock (Flash Exposure Lock) provides an AE lock function for flash photography. Available exclusively with the combination of the Elan II/IIE and Speedlite 380EX, FE Lock takes advantage of the camera's AIM system and 9.5 partial metering capability to isolate flash readings to a small part of the picture area. With FE Lock, the Speedlite 380EX preflash fires when the cameraUs AE lock button is depressed, storing AF and metering data for up to 16 seconds. This provides enough time for adjustments: Not only can the shot be recomposed, but the background exposure can also be altered for maximum creative control.

FP Flash (High-Speed SYNC) When used with EOS Elan II or IIE cameras, the Speedlite 380EX can be set to FP Flash mode for use with shutter speeds from 1/180th to 1/4000th second. This gives the photographer extended creative control over ambient light photography in a flash mode. FP sync is ideal for use with high-speed films, for fill-flash portraits, and for close-up and scientific photography. Unlike conventional flash, guide numbers decrease as shutter speeds increase: Please refer to the GN chart on the back page of this Sales Guide. FP Flash is usable with the Creative Zone modes of the Elan II & IIE cameras - Intelligent Program, Shutter- priority, Aperture-priority and Manual.

AUTOMATIC ZOOM HEAD

The head of the Speedlite 380EX automatically zooms to six different positions, providing proper coverage angles for lenses with focal lengths from 24mm to 105mm. When used with a Canon EF zoom lens, the zoom head will automatically adjust to meet the focal length being used. This feature enables higher flash output at the longer camera-to-subject distances required for telephoto focal lengths. The user can see the setting as indicated by a series of red LEDs on the rear of the unit.

Flash Coverage Angle: Zoom position is automatically set to any of six positions according to focal length data received for the lens when shutter button is partially depressed. If no data is received from the lens (such as when using non-coupled lenses) zoom position is automatically set at 35mm. In bounce flash position, zoom is automatically set at 50mm.

Zoom Positions: Six. (24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm & 105mm) Zoom positions are indicated by red LEDs on the back of the unit.

Bounce Positions: Four. (0, 60, 75, 90 degrees)

HIGH OUTPUT

Speedlite 380EX provides outstanding power for a mid-range flash unit, with a guide number range from 69 to 125 in feet (21 to 38 in meters) at ISO 100, depending on the position of the zoom head. The 50mm guide number is 102 (31 in meters), producing a usable distance range from 2.3 ft. to 56 ft. with ISO 100 film when using a standard EF50mm f/1.8 II lens.

AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF

Speedlite 380EX is equipped with a Save Energy (SE) function that automatically shuts off the flash after 90 seconds of inactivity to conserve battery life. Power automatically turns on again with EOS cameras when the shutter button is depressed or when test firing button is depressed.

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Direct coupling shoe mount automatic flash permitting TTL automatic flash with Canon EOS cameras and E-TTL exposure control with EOS Elan II cameras. Auto zoom and bounce functions plus high-speed sync mode, FE Lock mode, AF Auxiliary Light and shoe lock.

Compatibility: Compatible for TTL operation with all Canon EOS cameras (except Elan II/IIE) and T90 cameras. E-TTL exposure control, FE Lock, FP Flash, and second-curtain sync only with Canon EOS Elan II & IIE cameras.

GUIDE NUMBERS (GN): Normal output (ISO 100, m/ft.)

Color Temperature: Equivalent to daylight, approximately 5500{ Kelvin.

Flash Coverage Angle: Zoom position is automatically set to any of six positions according to focal length data received for the lens when shutter button is partially depressed. If no data is received from the lens (such as when using non-coupled lenses) zoom position is automatically set at 35mm. In bounce flash position, zoom is automatically set at 50mm.

Zoom Positions: Six. (24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm & 105mm). Zoom positions are indicated by red LEDs on the back of the unit.

Bounce Positions: Four. (0, 60, 75, 90 degrees)

Flash Synchronization: Synchronization speeds in normal operation vary according to camera exposure mode with normal maximum speed of 1/125th sec. Using Elan II or IIE cameras with the Speedlite 380EX set to FP sync, high-speed synchronization from 1/180th to 1/4000th sec. is possible. FP sync is only possible in Intelligent Program, Shutter- priority, Aperture-priority and Manual modes. Flash synchronization is normally set for first curtain. (In other words, flash fires at beginning of exposure.) Second curtain sync (flash fires at end of exposure) is possible with Elan II or IIE cameras via setting on camera.

Flash Connection: Shoe mount for fully automatic operation. Also may be connected via Canon off-camera TTL flash accessories.

Exposure Control Modes:

(1) New E-TTL prestored evaluative control

(2) FE Lock with

Auto Flash Confirmation: Green LED lights for 2 seconds to confirm automatic exposure after the flash is fired.

Automatic Flash Range:

Normal Operation: Effective from 2.3 to 56 feet (0.7 - 17 meters) when set to 50mm position using ISO 100 film.

FP Sync: Effective from 2.3 to 33 feet (0.7 - 10 meters) at 1/250 second, varies with shutter speed.

Display Signals (on flash): LEDs indicate zoom position, (E-TTL indicator light), ready light, auto flash confirmation signal.

Autofocus Assist Beam: Fires when necessary in low light conditions using Elan II/IIE cameras with center focusing point selected, or when using other EOS cameras only having center focusing point. At all other times Canon EOS cameras will emit beam.

Save Energy (SE) Function: Power automatically shuts off after 90 seconds. Will automatically turn on again with EOS cameras when the shutter button is depressed or when test firing button is depressed.

Power source: Uses 4 AA-size alkaline, NiCd or lithium batteries. Recycle times and number of flashes per set of batteries varies with temperature and battery type.

Dimensions: 3-1/8 in. (W) x 6-5/8 in. (H) x 2-3/8 in. (D) 80mm (W) x 169mm (H) x 61mm (D)

Weight: 9.5 oz./270g

Remote flash firing is controlled entirely by a master unit such as Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Speedlite 550EX or Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX connected to the camera, making it fast and simple to set up. Up to 3 remote flash groups can be designated, and the maximum number of 550EX and 420EX Speedlites per group is unlimited. When used with the EOS-1V, EOS-3 or EOS D30 cameras, additional features such as lighting ratio control and modeling flash are also supported by the 420EX.

Speedlite 420EX has a maximum Guide Number of 42/138 (ISO 100, meters/feet) and the flash head’s autozoom provides edge-to-edge coverage for focal lengths from 24mm to 105mm with bounce and swivel capabilities. Higher flash output in a more compact body (approximately 10% smaller than the Speedlite 380EX) is made possible due to a large storage capacitor and higher flash efficiency using an improved reflector and fresnel lens.

The AF-assist beam of the 420EX is emitted automatically when necessary in low light situations to ensure accurate focusing. It is capable of covering all 7 focusing points of the EOS Elan 7/7E by using two new ultra-bright LEDs that emit a cross-type pattern with vertical and horizontal stripes. The effective range of the AF-assist beam is approximately 2.7 ft. to 23 ft using the central focusing points, and approximately 2.7 ft. to 16.4 ft. for other focusing points.

The new Speedlite 420EX is powered by the user’s choice of four AA-size Alkaline, Ni-CD, Lithium or Nickel-Metal-Hydride (Ni-MH) cells, with a shooting capacity of up to 400 full-power flashes per set when AA-size lithium cells are used.

With Type-A EOS System cameras (including most current models):

• E-TTL autoflash (preflash evaluative metering linked to the focusing points)
• FP Flash (high-speed sync)
• FE Lock (flash exposure lock, a form of spot metering with flash)
• Second-curtain sync (using camera’s Custom Functions)

• Autozoom head for 24-105mm focal lengths
• Bounce and swivel
• SE (Save Energy) mode
• Shoe-lock provided

• The 550EX is capable of covering the area of an 17mm lens by the use of its built-in diffuser panel.
• The flash head can tilt down -7 degrees for better coverage of close-up subjects.
• AF assist when used with the EOS 3 is multi-point.
• AF assist range is 0.6 - 15 meters center point, 0.6 - 5 meters outer points (EOS 3).
• Rapid fire capability is available with external HV power.
• Wireless control capable (IR) with the ST-E2.
• Multi-flash E-TTL capable with other 550ex units and ST-E2.
• Has "modeling flash" function (199Hz) in DOF preview mode (EOS 3).
• Flash exposure bracketing (FEB) capability with the EOS 3.
• 6 custom functions:
  1. FEB cancellation after completion (enabled or disabled)
  2. FEB sequence (0-+ or -0+)
  3. Flash metering system (E-TTL or TTL)
  4. Slave unit SE mode activation (after 60 minutes non-operation or 10 minutes)
  5. Slave unit SE mode cancellation (by master unit for 1 hour or 8 hours)
  6. Modeling flash (enabled or disabled)
• The power switch has 3 positions:
  1. Off
  2. SE (On with save energy function)
  3. On (On without save energy function)

• ST-e2
• Type: 550EX-dedicated, clip-on Speedlite transmitter with direct contacts
• Compatible Cameras: Type A EOS cameras (E- TTL, autoflash); Type B EOS cameras (Manual flash)
• Channels: 4
• Flash Ratio Control: For A:B ratio: 1:8 to 8:1, in half- step increments or 13 steps
• High- Speed Sync (FP flash): Enabled with high-speed sync mode
• Slave Operation Confirmation: With test transmission button.  (Slave A fires followed by slave B at 1/64 output.)
• Flash Exposure Confirmation:
  • Before flash fires during FE lock Adequate flash exposure indicated by the flash exposure level icon lit in the viewfinder.  Insufficient flash exposure indicated by the flash exposure level icon blinking in the viewfinder.
  • After flash fires ST-E2's flash confirmation lamp lights in green for 3 sec.
• Wireless slave SE mode cancellation: Cancels when the test transmission button or FE lock botton is pressed to turn on the slave unit.
• Wireless Transmission: Infrared pulse
• Transmission Range: Indoors: Approx. 12-15 meters/39.4 - 49.2 ft; Outdoors: Approx. 8-10/ 26.2-32.8 ft
• Transmission Coverage: ±40° horizontal and ±30° vertical
• Battery Life: Approx. 1,500 transmissions (At room temperature and with a new set of batteries)
• AF-assist Beam: Compatible with EOS-3's 45-point Area AF and 28mm and longer lens focal lengths
• AF-assist Beam Effective Range: Approx. 0,6 to 10 m/2.0 to 16.5 ft along the periphery (in total darkness).
• SE Feature: While the power switch is set to I or HOLD, the transmission turns off automatically after about 90 sec. of non-use.
• Power Source: 2CR2 lithium (6V) battery x 1
• Dimensions: 62 (W) x 51 (H) x 80 (D) mm/2,4 (W) x 3,1 (D) in
• Weight: 100 g/ 3.5 oz (exluding battery)