420 EX and 540 EZ

[Curtis Cunningham]

Is there a way that I can use the 540 EZ as another strobe (slave) if I have the 420 EX on my camera? What equipment do I need?

[Ron Metz]

Curtis,

I asked this question about a month ago and the responses that I receivwed were that the 540EZ is not compatable with the Canon digital cameras. It is for the EOS film cameras. Although, I ubderstand that it can be used with digital but only in the manual mode. As a result, I sold off my three 540EZ flashes and purchased three used 550EX(slaves) and a 580EX II. Hope that this helps.

Ron

[John_DeMings]

hi Curtis,
since you don't plan to use the 540 on camera, that's not an issue (it won't work with digital cameras). The 420 doesn't function as a master, so you couldn't use Canon's infrared system. Instead, you can use an optical trigger like a Wein peanut with the 540 (fairly inexpensive but not terribly reliable over much distance), or move up to radio control like Pocket Wizards (that cost more than your flashes). There are some much less expensive radio units coming on the market--Radiopoppers--if their promotion can be believed. The other option is to run a cord to the 540.

i stand ready to be corrected at any moment (unless you don't mind me sitting)

[Curtis Cunningham]

Originally Posted by John_DeMings

The other option is to run a cord to the 540.

So would I be able to purchase something like this, get a flash bracket like this or this, and then connect my camera (Digital Rebel XT) to my 540EZ and be ready to shoot?

[Dennis_Vied]

Yes, as long as you plan to shoot in manual. If you want to take full advantage of the technology, you need a flash that will work with the system.

I think the cord John is referring to is a wired slave cord. The cord you are referring to is an off camera cord, which is designed to allow you to use a flash off camera with the same functions as it has on camera. I believe your initial post referred to master/slave function, and the cord in your previous message won't do that. You need one of the sync connection cords, and I'm still not sure you can get that functionality with the flashes you have.

What you need to do is to go to the Canon USA web site in the Support>Downloads section and download the System Chart brochure. There is a chart in there which will tell you what flash works with what camera/system, and what connecting cords/equipment you need to make it work.

What you will find is that you need to buy some more equipment to make everything work together, and then you're not ever going to be 100 percent compatible.

My advice is to sell the flashes you have on E-Bay, or trade them in, and get a flash that works with your up-to-date camera. You can probably pick up one or two on E-Bay. It will be a lot easier than what you're trying to do with what you have.

I know how it is. You think you'll be able to use your old stuff because when you bought it you thought you'd be able to use it forever. Well, it ain't been that way for the last 8 years or so. Life will be a lot easier if you get a flash(es) that will work with your camera's new system.

You can use manual with what you got, but life gets a lot easier if you can use the system.

[Curtis Cunningham]

Thanks Dennis for the thoughtful reply. My tendency it seems to to leverage the equipment that I have to the fullest because I'm just starting out. But, as you said, that isn't a sustainable solution for the long run.

I'm in the middle of a large graphic design contract (at least for me it is) that will help underwrite the purchase of new camera gear--lens, body, flash, grip etc. and maybe a printer and tripod (if you want, you can click here to see last year's version of the calendar I'm currently working on).

So I think the best thing would be to just get the correct gear in the first place, then I won't have to try and patch things together just to try and make something work.

[Dennis_Vied]

Nice calendar. I need to get off my a** and do something nice like that.

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