Help using hotshoe flash

[413x]

So had my flash come today
Never used one before and not sure if something in a setting is amiss

Main thing is the flash doesn't seem to be pre firing

Is in ettl mode but the settings in terms of aperture for example do not at any point seem to take the flash of the unit into consideration

The AF assist grid works

I may be being daft but I expected a pre flash on focusing and metering

 

[413x]

Firstly, you won't see the pre-flash as it happens a split second before the exposure is taken. You might be thinking of the red-eye reduction flashing you sometimes get from compact cameras?

Secondly, what mode are you in? On Canons, the Av and Tv modes will expose for ambient light, whereas P will expose for the flash as the primary light source.

Ah was thinking I'd see a double flash. Makes sense.

Yes I have read about there are differences in different modes. Need to get my head round it
So P mode (never used it) in a dark room with a person in flash range will result in a dark background?
Tv and Av use flash in different way?

 

[413x]

Thanks guys, reading up on this.

One thing. The zoom on the flash doesn't seem to be working
I have tried all modes and the camera can control every other settings except zoom
Also I can't even adjust it on gun

It appeared at the correct focal length only one use.

Is zoom meant to match lens focal length or not?

 

[413x]

Are you talking about the zoom number shown on the flash LCD? Mine changes through a few different focal lengths as I zoom the lens.

Yes mine wasnt.

Figured it out. The inbuilt diffuser is tied to it. When you get it out the zoom goes to 14mm fixed (makes sense, max width) but I hadn't quite put it back in all the way.

Didn't have a clue the diffuser affected this!

 

[413x]

I just thought it was purely mechanical and didn't affect anything on the settings
Took me longer to figure out than I want to admit

 

[413x]

Yeah from little I've used it bouncing is much much better effect.
So much you can do with a flash

Better to get a cable or control unit for initial hand held off cam stuff?

(ie. Cable or yn-e3-rt)

 

[413x]

It's more the weight.
What I'll most likely be doing is holding the camera in one hand and flash in other (have heard this does make a difference?)

But yep ray just said get another flash