Have a problem with Slow Sync (580EX)

[MOmilkman]

Tonight I was trying to do Slow Speed sync (2nd Curtain) with my 17-40 lens attached and it just wouldn't fire. I looked at the screen on the flash and it read "TTL" when normally it reads "ETTL". I coulnt get the camera or flash to do a thing.

So, for whatever reason, I took that lens off and put my 100mm Macro lens on. Same thing.

Took that lens off and put on my 50mm Prime and it worked fine (and it read "ETTL" again)

Anyone able to tell me what I might be doing wrong?

[acedrew]

I would be checking the connection with the flash, not switching lenses, I have issues infrequently with my 50D and 580EXII. I simply switch both off reseat the flash and that tends to take care of the issue... Bad Canon!!!

Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers | Andrew Rodgers (acedrew) on Twitter | Login | Facebook

[inkista]

With a Canon dSLR, you should never see <TTL> on the flash's screen. That only occurs if you mount the speedlight onto a film body that's too oldt to do E-TTL. I agree that your flash may not be properly seated on the hotshoe, and that it probably doesn't have much to do with the lens you have mounted.

[sybren]

Yeah, use some cotton buds and some equipment-friendly fluid to clean the hotshoe contacts.

[MOmilkman]

Ok I will try the cleaning technique but I'm doubtful that will work.

This morning I tried it again. 17-40 lens no workie.

Put the 50mm on and works fine. So it is making connection the the hot shoe but only with the 50mm attached.
I'm baffled by this one.

[inkista]

Might be time to send the flash or camera to Canon Service...

[MOmilkman]

Wanna hear something funny? I took it by our local camera shop toady and guess what???.....

Thats right she worked just fine!!! SHOCKER! I guess it just had to touch the right hands.

Maybe I should go be to a P/S. lol