Canon 580EXII Service Manual

Also see for 580EX - Speedlite II - Hot-shoe clip-on Flash: Instruction manual Instruction manual Instruction manual Quick guide Manual

Contents

General Information■Improved reliability of direct contacts1. Metal mounting footThe mounting foot is now made of metal instead of molded plastic. With higher rigidityand less chance of breakage due to shock, the reliability is improved.2. Improved communication reliabilityIn the past, there have been cases where the Speedlite's metallic contacts rubbed againstthe hot shoe's molded plastic as the Speedlite was attached to the camera. This generateddust which stuck onto the contacts and caused faulty connection and communications.The 580EX II's shape of the contacts has been changed to make the contact's surfacesmaller. The contact's torque has also been reduced. These countermeasures reducethe frictional dust generated with the EOS-1D Mark III's new hot shoe, and improve theconnection and communications reliability.■Shorter recycling timeThanks to an oscillator circuit whose frequency is controlled by a microcomputer, the flashrecycling time is approx. 20% shorter than with the 580EX (approx. 4.6 sec. to approx. 3.7sec.).* With four new LR6 batteries. Right after the pilot lamp lit, the Speedlite was fired 10 times, and the timerequired for the pilot lamp to light again for the 11th flash was measured.■Safety measures against external power packsIf the external power pack terminal is connected to a power pack having 340 V or higher,the pilot lamp blinks as a warning and the circuitry is cut off. This prevents the Speedlitefrom damaging in case of 340 V or higher voltage is generated due to malfunction oralteration. Reliability is thus enhanced.■Silent recyclingThanks to the oscillator circuit whose frequency is controlled by a microcomputer, theoscillation frequency is increased (70 KHz) beyond the hearing ability of humans. Thismakes the recycling sound inaudible.* The hearing ability of humans ranges from 20 Hz to 20 KHz.■External metering sensorAn external metering sensor has been provided in response to pros who really wanted it.1. 580EX II's external metering systemThe 580EX II's external metering system works with the flash reflecting off the subjectmeasured by the external metering sensor. In accordance with the ISO speed andaperture set for the Speedlite, the flash exposure is obtained in real-time. When thecorrect exposure level is attained, the flash is cut off. It is an orthodox system. Theexternal metering sensor angle is approx. 20º.2. External metering modesTwo modes are provided: Auto external metering and manual external metering. Autoexternal metering works with the EOS-1D Mark III and newer EOS digital cameras. TheISO speed and aperture information from the camera are sent to the Speedlite whichthen controls the flash output accordingly. Flash exposure compensation can also beset. Manual external metering can be used with all EOS SLR cameras. The ISO speed andaperture are entered to the Speedlite manually. However, flash exposure compensationcannot be set.