Problems with wireless flash ST-E2

[zulupentax]

Can someone help me please.
I have just received the wireless remote ST-E2 bought here from a fellow member, although I do not have the manual for it the settings look straightforward. The only problem I have is that when I attach the remote on the hotshoe all I get in the menu for EXTERNAL FLASH CUNC SETTING in the camera are the EXP. COMP and E-TTLII. The rest everything is greyed. If for example I want to change to Manula in the FLASH MODE instead of E-TTL, or alter the shutter sync all these settings are gryed and I cannot access it.

Can someone please tell me how do I get around this and get the meny to function properly?
I am sure this transmitter should allow me to alter anything else instead of forcing me to shoot in ETTL mode. Even the High Sync is not possible to be used this way.

Can someone please help me with any resolution for this?
I have put the 580EXII in slave mode, tried every single setting I could think of but failed so far. Am starting to get frustrated as I was hoping to use this remote tomorrow.


Many thanks

Amin

 

[Canon Bob]

Amin....I can email you a PDF copy of the manual if you PM me with your email address.

Bob

 

[HoppyUK]

I don't have an ST-E2 but I know it is a bit outdated. For example, only TypeII guns (like your 580EXII) can be controlled from the camera, maybe the ST-E2 is the same?

You can use the 7D's pop-up flash as a master controller, so why do you need the ST-E2?

 

[zulupentax]

I don't have an ST-E2 but I know it is a bit outdated. For example, only TypeII guns (like your 580EXII) can be controlled from the camera, maybe the ST-E2 is the same?

You can use the 7D's pop-up flash as a master controller, so why do you need the ST-E2?

I cannot set up the high sync flash if i pop up the built in flash to control the 580EXII. That is the main reason I wanted the ST-E2. The moment I open the pop flash it reverts to 1st curtain. I wanted the ability to use high sync and also manual flash. Also for some artistic work macro work that I have been trying to do I need the pop up flash not to fire at all, and for it to control the others as slave it gives a small burst of light always to transmit the signal.

My main problem with the ST-E2 is just that it doesn't give me the control I need. But aparently it should. At the moment all I get is just everything greyed except exp comp. and E-TTLII which gives me just two options, Evaluative or average. The rest above three groups of menu are all greyed. Surely this can't be right

 

[lostsoulal2]

The ST-E2 is being regarded as a 550EX Flash which is what that unit is loosely based upon, as its not a flashgun in its own right, that is the reason the menus are greyed out.

But as "Hoppy" says, there is no real need to use a ST-E2 on a 7D as you can use the built in flash as the Master and then you will be able to have control over the Mark II flashguns from the camera - older flashguns will also be fired wirelessly from the 7D, but you will not be able to control them individually.

When using the 7D, it will always fire a "flash" which then triggers the other speedlites, this is a very low power flash and normally does not affect your shots unless you are very close to your subject - you can put a piece of film or sweet wrapper over the built -in flash if that occurs.

Regards

 

[zulupentax]

The ST-E2 is being regarded as a 550EX Flash which is what that unit is loosely based upon, as its not a flashgun in its own right, that is the reason the menus are greyed out.

But as "Hoppy" says, there is no real need to use a ST-E2 on a 7D as you can use the built in flash as the Master and then you will be able to have control over the Mark II flashguns from the camera - older flashguns will also be fired wirelessly from the 7D, but you will not be able to control them individually.

When using the 7D, it will always fire a "flash" which then triggers the other speedlites, this is a very low power flash and normally does not affect your shots unless you are very close to your subject - you can put a piece of film or sweet wrapper over the built -in flash if that occurs.

Regards

The problem of High Sync still remains when using pop up flash to trigger and control the 580EXII as slaves.

But I can see the limitations on the ST-E2 also :thumbsdown:, controlling just 2 groups, not being able to use manual settings on the slaves wirelessly, etc.

I am soon starting to get to the conclusion that for me the only benefit that this ST-E2 has brought really is the ability to activate high sync flash from the camera to the slaves. I just wish i could control the slave flash on manual mode also using the remote