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E-TTL Recipes

by Julian Loke

Introduction
[HABC] code
On-camera single light [a000]
Ingredients Method
Wired Off-camera single light [a000]
Ingredients Method
Wireless Off-camera single light [ta00]
Ingredients Method
Hotshoe FILL + Wireless KEY light [a0a0]
Ingredients Method
Wired FILL + Wireless KEY light [a0a0]
Ingredients Method
Hotshoe FILL + Wireless KEY light + Wireless BACKGROUND light [a0aa]
Ingredients Method
Wireless KEY light + Wireless FILL light [taa0]
Ingredients Method
Wireless KEY light + Wireless FILL light + Wireless BACKGROUND light [taaa]
Ingredients Methods
Revision History
Comments

Introduction

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Evaluative TTL (E-TTL) is the name given to Canon's latest electronic flash system. It debuted in 1995 with the release of the EOS 55 / EOS 50E / Elan IIE and the first EX series flash, the 380EX.

Some of E-TTL flash exposure features were different from previous flash systems. Many photographers had to relearn how to use flash, and some even gave up on E-TTL all together!

Those that stuck with E-TTL were rewarded with important features, such as "Flash Exposure Lock" (FEL), modelling flash, multiple wireless flash synchronization, and flash ratio control.

This document has several practical recipies for setting up multiple wireless E-TTL flash. For basic instructions (i.e., how to load batteries, how to make mode selections), refer to your instruction manual. For a no-nonsense application guide, read on!

[HABC] code

The [HABC] (pronounced hab-cee) code used in this document is a shortcut to indicate the configuration of flash units. The letter in the H position number indicates configuration of the unit connected to the hotshoe, whether directly or via an Off-Camera Shoe Cord. Similarly, letters in the A, B, and C positions refer to the remote slave units.

The letter code is as follows:

t transmitter-only function

a# automatic exposure. The optional number indicates if a lighting ratio or exposure compensation was applied. e.g., [t : a1 : a2.8 : a+2]

m/# manual power. e.g., [t : m/1 : m/4 : m/8]

s#Hz*#/# stroboscopic manual power. e.g., [t : s10Hz*3/4 ] 10Hz * 3 pulses at 1/4 power

& multi-tube compound flash unit. e.g., MR-14EX [ a1 & a8 :0:0:0]

+ multi-unit compound slave group. e.g., [t : m/2+m/16 :0:0]

: , punctuation or space are optional group delimiters used to improve clarity. e.g., [t : a : a : 0]

0 no flash units in this position. A blank position code implies trailing zeros to the right. e.g., [a]=[a000]

[]# numbers outside the bracket indicate global flash exposure compensation. e.g., [a1 : a2.8]+1.5

$= flash unit identifier (optional). e.g. [ ST-E2 = t : 550EX = a ]

Some examples of the [HABC] code in action:
A single hotshoe-mounted automatic flash would be coded: [a000].
A dual-light automatic setup with ST-E2, and two remote slaves: [taa0].
A complex setup for macrophotography with MT-24EX on the camera using only one of the two tubes, a remote auto-exposure KEY light set for 2.8:1 ratio, and two manual-power BACKGROUND lights could be described very succinctly as: [t & a1 : 0 : a2.8 : m/4+m/8]

On-camera single light [a000]

Ingredients

E-TTL-capable camera body (e.g., Elan IIE)
E-TTL-capable flash e.g., EX series Speedlite

Method

Mount Speedlite on camera hotshoe.
Set Speedlite to automatic (E-TTL) mode.
Set Speedlite WIRELESS MODE to OFF.
Use FEL against a middle tone on the subject, or against a grey card. If flash power is inadequate, move closer to subject. If too close, move away from subject, or diffuse or weaken flash.
Shoot photograph.

Wired Off-camera single light [a000]

Ingredients

E-TTL-capable camera body (e.g., Elan IIE)
Hotshoe extension cord e.g., Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 (OCSC2)
E-TTL-capable flash e.g., EX series Speedlite

Method

Mount extension cord to camera.
Connect extension cord to Speedlite.
Aim Speedlite at subject.
Set Speedlite to automatic (E-TTL) mode, WIRELESS MODE to OFF.
Activate modelling flash and check for shadows and flash coverage. Adjust aim and zoom flash coverage if needed.
Use FEL against a middle tone on the subject, or against a grey card. If flash power is inadequate, move closer to subject. If you risk flash overexposure, move away from subject, or diffuse or weaken flash.
Shoot photograph.
(Optional) If one OCSC2 is too short, try stringing two or more together. Successful operation is not guaranteed.

Wireless Off-camera single light [ta00]

Ingredients

E-TTL-capable camera body (e.g. Elan IIE)
E-TTL master CONTROLLER (e.g., ST-E2, 550EX)
E-TTL slave KEY light (e.g., 420EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)

Method

Connect E-TTL master CONTROLLER to camera body.
Check for other E-TTL photographers working in the same vicinity, and agree upon a channel number that you can use.
Set all your Speedlites to selected channel.
If not using a Speedlite Transmitter (e.g., ST-E2), set WIRELESS MODE to MASTER and select NO FLASH OUTPUT.
On E-TTL master CONTROLLER, set RATIO to OFF, Automatic (E-TTL) mode.
On E-TTL slave KEY light, set WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE, and SLAVE GROUP to A.
On E-TTL master, push the PILOT (Flash Test) button. The master should fire, followed by the slave about a second later. If the slave fails to respond, adjust the slave receiver so that there is line-of-sight to the E-TTL master.
Activate modelling flash and check for shadows and flash coverage. Adjust aim and zoom flash coverage if needed.
Point SLAVE sensors towards the master CONTROLLER, using the blinking ready light to adjust aim.
Use FEL against middle tone on the subject, or a grey card. If flash power is inadequate, first check that the slave is responding correctly, then move closer to subject. If you risk flash overexposure, move away from subject, or diffuse or weaken flash.
Shoot photograph.

Hotshoe FILL + Wireless KEY light [a0a0]

Ingredients

E-TTL ratio-capable camera body (e.g., Elan 7E)
E-TTL A:B-capable master FILL light (e.g., 550EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)
E-TTL slave KEY light (e.g., 420EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)

Method

Connect E-TTL master CONTROLLER to camera body.
Check for other E-TTL photographers working in the same vicinity, and agree upon a channel number that you can use.
Set all your Speedlites to selected channel.
On E-TTL master FILL light, set WIRELESS MODE to MASTER, FLASH OUTPUT to ON, RATIO to ON A:B, and select Automatic (E-TTL) mode.
On E-TTL slave KEY light, set WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE, and SLAVE GROUP to B.
On E-TTL master, select desired FILL:KEY (A:B) flash ratio. Select from 8:1 (more FILL than KEY), through 1:1 (equal FILL and KEY), to 1:8 (less FILL than KEY).
On E-TTL master, push the PILOT (Flash Test) button. The master should fire, followed by the slave about a second later. If the slave fails to respond, adjust the slave receiver so that there is line-of-sight to the E-TTL master.
Activate modelling flash and check for shadows and flash coverage. Adjust aim and zoom flash coverage if needed.
Point SLAVE sensors towards the master CONTROLLER, using the blinking ready light to adjust aim.
Use FEL against middle tone on the subject, or a grey card. If flash power is inadequate, first check that the slave is responding correctly, then move closer to subject. If you risk flash overexposure, move away from subject, or diffuse or weaken flash.
Shoot photograph.

Wired FILL + Wireless KEY light [a0a0]

Ingredients

E-TTL ratio-capable camera body (e.g., Elan 7E)
Hotshoe extension cord e.g., Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 (OCSC2)
E-TTL A:B-capable master FILL light (e.g., 550EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)
E-TTL slave KEY light (e.g., 420EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)

Method

Mount extension cord to camera.
Connect extension cord to Speedlite.
Check for other E-TTL photographers working in the same vicinity, and agree upon a channel number that you can use.
Set all your Speedlites to selected channel.
On E-TTL master FILL light, set WIRELESS MODE to MASTER, FLASH OUTPUT to ON, RATIO to ON A:B, and select Automatic (E-TTL) mode.
On E-TTL slave KEY light, set WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE, and SLAVE GROUP to B.
On E-TTL master, select desired FILL:KEY (A:B) flash ratio. Select from 8:1 (more FILL than KEY), through 1:1 (equal FILL and KEY), to 1:8 (less FILL than KEY).
On E-TTL master, push the PILOT (Flash Test) button. The master should fire, followed by the slave about a second later. If the slave fails to respond, adjust the slave receiver so that there is line-of-sight to the E-TTL master.
Activate modelling flash and check for shadows and flash coverage. Adjust aim and zoom flash coverage if needed.
Point SLAVE sensors towards the master CONTROLLER, using the blinking ready light to adjust aim.
Use FEL against middle tone on the subject, or a grey card. If flash power is inadequate, first check that the slave is responding correctly, then move closer to subject. If you risk flash overexposure, move away from subject, or diffuse or weaken flash.
Shoot photograph.

Hotshoe FILL + Wireless KEY light + Wireless BACKGROUND light [a0aa]

Ingredients

E-TTL ratio-capable camera body (e.g., Elan 7E)
E-TTL A:B:C-capable master FILL light (e.g., 550EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)
E-TTL slave KEY light (e.g., 420EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)
E-TTL slave BACKGROUND light (e.g., 420EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)

Method

Connect E-TTL master CONTROLLER to camera body.
Check for other E-TTL photographers working in the same vicinity, and agree upon a channel number that you can use.
Set all your Speedlites to selected channel.
On E-TTL master FILL light, set WIRELESS MODE to MASTER, FLASH OUTPUT to ON, RATIO to ON A:B:C, and select Automatic (E-TTL) mode.
On E-TTL slave KEY light, set WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE, and SLAVE GROUP to B.
On E-TTL slave BACKGROUND light, set WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE, and SLAVE GROUP to C.
On E-TTL master, select desired FILL:KEY (A:B) flash ratio. Select from 8:1 (more FILL than KEY), through 1:1 (equal FILL and KEY), to 1:8 (less FILL than KEY).
On E-TTL master, select desired BACKGROUND flash ratio relative to the FOREGROUND flash, C:(A+B). Choose a setting from -3EV (less BACKGROUND than FOREGROUND), through 0EV (equal BACKGROUND and FOREGROUND), to +3EV (more BACKGROUND than FOREGROUND).
On E-TTL master, push the PILOT (Flash Test) button. The master should fire, followed by the slave KEY light, then the slave BACKGROUND light, each about a second apart. If the slave fails to respond, adjust the slave receiver so that there is line-of-sight to the E-TTL master.
Activate modelling flash and check for shadows and flash coverage. Adjust aim and zoom flash coverage if needed.
Point SLAVE sensors towards the master CONTROLLER, using the blinking ready light to adjust aim.
Use FEL against middle tone on the subject, or a grey card. If flash power is inadequate, first check that the slave is responding correctly, then move closer to subject. If you risk flash overexposure, move away from subject, or diffuse or weaken flash.
Shoot photograph.

Wireless KEY light + Wireless FILL light [taa0]

Ingredients

E-TTL ratio-capable camera body (e.g., Elan 7E)
E-TTL A:B-capable master CONTROLLER (e.g., ST-E2, or 550EX)
E-TTL slave FILL light (e.g., 420EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)
E-TTL slave KEY light (e.g., 420EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)

Method

Connect E-TTL master CONTROLLER to camera body.
Check for other E-TTL photographers working in the same vicinity, and agree upon a channel number that you can use.
Set all your Speedlites to selected channel.
On E-TTL master CONTROLLER, set RATIO to ON A:B, Automatic (E-TTL) mode.
If not using a Speedlite Transmitter (e.g., ST-E2), set WIRELESS MODE to MASTER and select NO FLASH OUTPUT.
Set E-TTL slave FILL light to SLAVE GROUP A, WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE.
Set E-TTL slave KEY light to SLAVE GROUP B, WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE.
On E-TTL master, select desired FILL:KEY (A:B) flash ratio. Choose a setting from 8:1 (more FILL than KEY), through 1:1 (equal FILL and KEY), to 1:8 (less FILL than KEY).
On E-TTL master, push the PILOT (Flash Test) button. The master should fire, followed by the slave FILL light, then the slave KEY light, each about a second apart. If any slave fails to respond, adjust the slave receiver so that there is line-of-sight to the E-TTL master.
Activate modelling flash and check for shadows and flash coverage. Adjust aim and zoom flash coverage if needed.
Point SLAVE sensors towards the master CONTROLLER, using the blinking ready light to adjust aim.
Use FEL against middle tone on the subject, or a grey card. If flash power is inadequate, first check that the slave is responding correctly, then move closer to subject. If you risk flash overexposure, move away from subject, or diffuse or weaken flash.
Shoot photograph.

Wireless KEY light + Wireless FILL light + Wireless BACKGROUND light [taaa]

Ingredients

E-TTL ratio-capable camera body (e.g., Elan 7E)
E-TTL A:B:C-capable master CONTROLLER (e.g., 550EX)
E-TTL slave KEY light (e.g., 420EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)
E-TTL slave FILL light (e.g., 420EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)
E-TTL slave BACKGROUND light (e.g., 420EX, EF 500 Super, or 880AFC)

Methods

Connect E-TTL master CONTROLLER to camera body.
Check for other E-TTL photographers working in the same vicinity, and agree upon a channel number that you can use.
Set all your Speedlites to selected channel.
On E-TTL master CONTROLLER, set WIRELESS MODE to MASTER, FLASH OUTPUT to OFF, RATIO to ON A:B:C, and select Automatic (E-TTL) mode.
Set E-TTL slave FILL light to SLAVE GROUP A, WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE.
Set E-TTL slave KEY light to SLAVE GROUP B, WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE.
Set E-TTL slave BACKGROUND light to SLAVE GROUP C, WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE.
On E-TTL master, select desired FILL:KEY (A:B) flash ratio. Select from 8:1 (more FILL than KEY), through 1:1 (equal FILL and KEY), to 1:8 (less FILL than KEY).
On E-TTL master, select desired BACKGROUND flash ratio relative to the FOREGROUND flash, C:(A+B). Choose a setting from -3EV (less BACKGROUND than FOREGROUND), through 0EV (equal BACKGROUND and FOREGROUND), to +3EV (more BACKGROUND than FOREGROUND).
On E-TTL master, push the PILOT (Flash Test) button. The master should fire, followed by the slave KEY light, then the slave BACKGROUND light, each about a second apart. If any slave fails to respond, adjust the slave receiver so that there is line-of-sight to the E-TTL master.
Activate modelling flash and check for shadows and flash coverage. Adjust aim and zoom flash coverage if needed.
Point SLAVE sensors towards the master CONTROLLER, using the blinking ready light to adjust aim.
Use FEL against middle tone on the subject, or a grey card. If flash power is inadequate, first check that the slave is responding correctly, then move closer to subject. If you risk flash overexposure, move away from subject, or diffuse or weaken flash.
Shoot photograph.

Revision History

v0.5 2006Oct20 jul: Aiming
v0.4 2006May10 jul: [taaa] insert FILL group A
v0.3 2005Jan01 jul: pages break cleanly with "print selected frame"
v0.2 2004Feb18 jul: t7 typo group B, A:B:C, [taa0] test order
v0.1 2003Nov11 jul: Original draft; added images; jc: edits; jul: [HABC], edits, edits

Comments

Multi-flash lighting can be confusing. These links might prove useful in helping this subject make more sense:

Inspiration

Neil Turner: http://www.dg28.com/technique/
Monte Zucker - Elegant Portraiture: http://www.zuga.net/freelessons/elegantportraiture.asp
Joseph Zeltsman - Classical Portraiture (16 chapters): http://jzportraits.home.att.net/
AGFAnet - Classical Photo Course - Portrait Photography: http://www.agfanet.com/en/cafe/photocourse/classiccourse/9711/cont_lighting.php3

Perspiration

Canon Flash Work: http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/flashwork/
http://www.camera.canon.com.my/archive/photography/art/art13/index.htm
Canon 550EX Wireless Ratio Flash: http://www.megalith.freeserve.co.uk/
Canon CPS - Flash Performance: http://www.cps.canon-europe.com/articles/article.jsp?articleId=1200&pageId=1
EOSdoc - E-TTL Recipes: http://eosdoc.com/manuals.asp?q=ETTLRx
EOSdoc - E-TTL Advanced Flash Differences: http://eosdoc.com/manuals.asp?q=ETTLDx
EOSdoc - FEL meter - using the flash meter inside your E-TTL camera: http://eosdoc.com/manuals.asp?q=FELmeter
EOSdoc - Blind FEL - Getting the Maximum out of your EX flash: http://eosdoc.com/manuals.asp?q=blindFEL

Julian Loke 5/10/2004 2:53:13 AM

THANK YOU!!!!

This article cleared up questions I was having concerning a 550ex (master) on camera and a 420ex slave.

Rob 11/29/2003 1:06:01 AM

Is that the recipe for [ta00] or for [a0a0]?
Julian Loke 11/29/2003 2:01:01 PM

On the E-TTL Rx page I cannot figure out why the difference in setting the slave group betweent the Hotshoe Fill + Wireless Key and the Corded Fill + Wireless Key. For the hotshoe recipe the method calls for setting the Slave to Group B. On the Wired recipe the method calls for the setting to be Group A. Both recipes call for using flash ratio.

I appreciate your instructions as the 550 manual only gives instructions for having master in the No Flash position. I am trying to figure out where to have the slave groups set when using the hotshoe as fill or a bounce, and I can't seem to figure out why the difference your instructions. I assumed that the hotshoe flash would always be Group A, but the Canon manual gives no instruction for this.
Thanks,
Jim
Jim Simon 2/6/2004 7:45:03 PM

Sorry. That was a typo. For [a0a0] the slaves should be set to group B. I'll fix it right away.
You are right in stating that a hotshoe 550EX must belong to group A. The other slaves can belong to any group, but I tried to show in these recipes how versatile the system can be.
Julian Loke 2/7/2004 4:22:55 AM

This is great help... thanks! I do have a question, though. In the recipe for taa0, it says to set the fill to group A and the key to group B... and then goes on to say that the key light will fire and then the fill. Isn't that backwards? Doesn't a slave in group A always fire before a slave in group B? Along those same lines, then, if I wanted less fill than key... would my ratio then be something like 8:1 instead of 1:8? Please help my confusion...thanks!
Holly 2/18/2004 1:48:43 AM

Yup. Another typo to be fixed. We initially had KEY in group A and FILL in group B, but changed it to the other way around for consistency with the other recipes, where the group A hotshoe master was FILL. So, correctly, FILL=A, and KEY=B. If you apply a FILL:KEY (A:B) ratio of 1:2, this would be [t : a1 : a2 ] (less FILL than KEY).
Julian Loke 2/18/2004 3:21:11 PM

Added page break tags for better print layout.
Julian Loke 1/3/2005 2:44:14 PM

I have a question... Can a Sigma EF500 DG Super act as a master and a 420EX as a wireless slave?
Ray 2006Apr03 09:52:46 -0700

For Wireless Key + Wirless Fill + Wireless Background (taaa), it appears the Fill slave is missing - this should be Slave Group A?
Merv Lowe 2006May06 23:43:37 -0700

Yes.
Set E-TTL slave FILL light to SLAVE GROUP A, WIRELESS MODE to SLAVE.
Note that you will need a transmitter such as a 550EX or 580EX that can control three slave groups.
Julian Loke 2006May10 15:30:44 -0700

great receipes for ettl canon flashes, can you help me out with receipes for canon 550ex speedlite with using nikon sb28 and sb24 with wireless transmitters and receivers, not sure how to set it all up...any help appreciated
Stephanie Miller 2009Jan20 14:54:14 -1000

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E-TTL Recipes

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