ST-E2 with 430EXii + 420EX (set one to manual, and one to ETTL?)

[reicaden]

I currently have an ST-E2 and a 420EX with a 430EXii.

The issue I am having is that using ETTL produces backgrounds that are... well... grey.

I want a slightly over exposed backdrop for my subjects, so that it is closer to white, and saves me time in post.

Normally, the recommendation would be, set both flashes into manual, and just dial them in as needed. Unfortunately the 420EX does *not* have a manual mode, as far as I can tell. So my idea was, maybe I can set the 420ex to keep shooting based off the ETTL info, and put my 430EXii into Manual mode, with the ST-E2 controlling both.

Is this possible though? I cannot seem to find a method to accomplish this, in the least. Truth be told, I am still learning my flashes, and do not know how to work them to their max potential at all (even putting in simple commands into their controls takes 5 minutes minimum...) but so far, even with 30 to 40 minutes of tinkering, I cannot seem to get one to fire manual with my 420ex staying on ettl (not by choice, but because it does not seem to have a manual mode).

Any help would be great! Or if there is a way to get them to stay on ETTL but have one flash over expose by a 1/3 or 1 1/3 margin, that would work as well.

Thanks in advance to any takers on this one! I'd appreciate it

-Dave
microstuck.blogspot.com

[davemphoto]

I'm not sure if I can help, because I shoot on Manual (camera & flash) and don't use E-TTL. When shooting on a white background and wanting to go pure white, you need to over expose by 1 or 2 stops. + 1/3 is not going to over expose and turn your background to white.

If you're using your metering the white background, it will always give you grey. That's what it's supposed to do. So if you're using E-TTL, increase your flashes by 1 stop.

Hope this points you in the right direction.

Dave

[reicaden]

Ahhh, well thats a good start, thanks for the input dave. So i'll set my ETTL metered flash to +1 or +2 stops, and use that to light the backdrop. I wish there was a way to make my 420EX do that though (I dont think it has a +1/3, +1, +2 setting)... so i'd have to use the 420EX to light my subject.

[Crystal City]

Set your 430EX II to manual and use it for the backdrop. Adjust its output until you get the desired effect.

Then, set your 420EX (in E-TTL mode) to expose your subject. Adjust the output of the 420EX using your camera's Flash Exposure Compensation. Use your ST-E2 to trigger both flashes. Remember that the sensor in your strobes must be facing the ST-E2 in order to receive the signal. If the sensor is not able to see the output from the ST-E2 the strobe will not fire.