Controlling a Speedlite 580EX on a Canon 5D MkII --> Limited Menu?!

[John Goldstein]

I have a 5D MkII and a Speedlite 580EX (not ver II). I was hoping to control all the functions of the Speedlite from the back of the camera, but it won't give me access to the top 3 menu items (Flash Mode, Shutter Sync, and FEB) or the Speedlite's custom functions. Is this because I don't have the 580EX II?? Does anyone else with a 580EX have this problem? I would LOVE to access all the Speedlite's controls from the back of the camera, but can't get it to work!

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Best Wishes,
John

[SeedyBee]

John, a Mark II flash is required for full camera menu control. Canon needed to replace "positional" slide switches with digital pulse switches so that the functions could be controlled by the camera's computer.

Controlling my 580EX II from the camera is sweet, and the menus provide a clear picture of what is happening. The same is true for Pixel Knight triggers - they are at their best with Mark II flashes.

[John Goldstein]

Thanks SandyBee! I didn't realize that. Now I'll have to sell the 580EX to be able to get the 580 EX II!

[Worldinaframe]

John, you should keep your 580ex and use it as a slave from your 580ex II when you get one. Patience. You don't need to top technology and if you save, search and wait for a good deal you can have both! I snagged 2 580ex for $500 about a month ago. I found a post on Craigslist that was a couple of weeks old and since they still had the items, and I was buying both, I was able to get a deal. It's always nice to have more than one, for slaving, and for BACKUP if needed! I now have 1 Mark II and 3 Mark I 580ex....but never the time to play.