. Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.

Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 is a wireless transmit- t e r which can control up to two Speedlite 550EX groups set as slaves.

The transmitting range is about 12 to 1 5 meters / 39.4 to 49.2 ft indoors and 8 to 10 meters / 26.2 to 32.8 ft outdoors. With Type A cameras (EOS-3, EOS Elan IIIIIE, EOS 50/50E, EOS 500NlRebel G, EOS IX. EOS IX7AX Lite), the ST-E2 can execute the fol- lowing operations through wireless control:

E-?"rL autoflash

This Instructions booklet assume t h a t a Type A cam- era is used with the ST-E2.

With Type H cameras (EOS cameras except 'I'ype A models), the ST-E2 can be used only for manual flash and multi-flash photography. See pages 23 to 27 in t h i s booklet a n d t h e Speedlite 550EX Instructions.

'

High-speed sync (FP flash)

FE lock

Flash exposure compensation

Manual flash (Flash output set with Speedlite) Multi-flash firing (Set with the Speedlites)

With the EOS-3, the following operations a r e also possible: Flash ratio control between two Speedlite

slave P ~ O U D S .modeline flash firing. and linkage- of

-,

A F - a s k t dea'm to a r e a k .

C ???

The CE Mark is a Directive cunformity mark of the European Community (ECl

This digital apparatus does not exceed t h e Class B limits for radio noise emissions frnrn digital appara- tus a s set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled "Digital Apparatus", ICES-003 of the Industry Canada.

Contents

Specifications ........................................................................................................................35

Note

All t h e operation instructions in this booklet assume t h a t the ST-E2 and other relevant equipment a r e already turned on. Before proceeding, make sure the ST-E2 and other equipment are on.

II

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. peration is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference receivcd, including interlilrence that may cause undesired operation.

Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the instructions. If such changt.s or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to conlply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 16the FCC Rules. These limits arc designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantec that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encour;~g-ed

1. Nomenclature

2. Readying the ST-E2

(I) Installing the Battery

Use one l i t h i u m 2CR5 b a t t e r y (sold separately).

1Slide the battery compartment cover as shown by the arrow and remove.

Install the battery in the orien- tation shown in the compart- ment.

Install the battery compart- ment cover to close the battery compartment.

About the battery

If t h e b a t t e r y c o n t a c t s a r e soiled, improper electrical con- t a c t m a y r e s u l t . Before installing the battery, wipe the battery contacts with a clean cloth.

When to replace the battery Replace the battery if it takes 30 sec. o r longer for t h e red pilot l a m p to light a f t e r you s e t t h e main switch to < I > or < HOLD >.

(2)Attachment to the Camera

Push in the ST-E2's mounting 1 foot all the way into the camer-

a's hot shoe.

Slide t h e shoe lock slider a s shown by the arrow. (The lock pin protrudes to lock t h e ST- E2 onto the camera.)

To remove the ST-152,slide t h e shoe lock slider in the opposite direction ( t h e lock pin retracts) and slide off the ST-EP.

Readvine the ST-E2

The hot shoe on t h e EOS 650, EOS 620, EOS 750, a n d EOS 850 will not couple w i t h t h e lock pin. The ST-E2 can still be attached to these cameras, but it cannot be locked onto the hot shoe.

(3) Turning On the Power

When transmission is possible, 2 the pilot lamp lights in red and the 5 icon lights in the camera

viewfinder.

1Turn the main switch to < I >.

The main switch has the follow- ing three positions:

<0 > : Turns of'f'the powcr.

<I > : Turns on the powrr.

<H LD > : T h e s e t t i n g s which were set a t the I switch position arc frozen. All transmitter con- trols exccpt t h e t e s t trtinsmis- sion button a r e disabled. This prevents inadvertant alteration of transmitter settings.

0 When the 5 icon lights in the camera viewfinder, it indicates that the ST-E2 is able to trans- mit. When Speedlite 550EX is rechareed and readv to fire. its AE-assist beam emiiter blinks.

Q If t h e ST-E2 is on and not u s e d for 90 sec., t h e S E (Save Energy) feature takes effect a n d t u r n s off t h e power automatically to save b a t t e r y power. The ST-E2 t u r n s back on when t h e shutter button or test trans- mission button is pressed.

With a Type A camera (EOS- 3, EOS Elan IIIIIE, EOS 50/50E, EOS 500NIRebel G, EOS IX. EOS IX7IIX Lite) equipped with E-ITL, the ST- E2's E-ITL indicator lights.

3.Readying the 550EX (Slave Setting)

(4)Channel Setting(1) Slave settingIPower on (2) Channel setting

*:RATIO

To prevent wireless signals from being transmitted to unrelated S p e e d l i t e 55OEX u n i t s i n t h e vicinity, you can set a channel dif- ferent from the one used by the unrelated Speedlite 550EX units. One of four channels can be set. T h e ST - E2 ( m a s t e r ) and s l a v e Speedlite(s) must be set to t h e same channel No.

P r e s s t h e < CH. > button a n d select the desired channel.

Each time the button is pressed the channel indicator changes in-the fol- lowing loop: 1 + 2 -.3 -.4 1

T h e S T - E 2 a n d S p e e d l i t e 5 5 0 E X m u s t be set to the same channel No

S e t t h e w i r e l e s s selector t o 1 < SLAVE >. H e r e i n a R e r , a S p e e d l i t e 5 5 0 E X s e t to t h i s

mode will be called a "slave."

The zoom setting is set automat- ically to (a c7'lmm. T h i s can be overridden manually.

2 Set the slave's main switch to < I > or < SE > to turn it on.

When t h e Speedlite is ready t o fire, the AF-assist beam emitter blinks conli~>uouslya t 1 Hz.

E a c h t i m e you p r e s s t h e < SEL/SET > button, the blink- ing display changes in the fol-

2 While is blinking, press t h e < + z or < - > butlon to select the same channel No. as the ST-E2's.

0 If t h e 550EX's channel No. is d i f f e r e n t f r o m t h e S T - E 2 ' s c h a n n e l No., w i r e l e s s t r a n s - mission will not work.

4. Basic Wireless E-TTL Autoflash Operation .

3 press t h e < SEL/SET, b u t t o n to regster the channel N ~(the,

d i s p l a y s t o p s b l i n k i n g a n d stays on).

After t h e ST-E2 a n d s l a v e a r e ready, they can work w i t h i n t h e a r e a shown below for easy wireless E-TTI.autoflash.

For explanatory purposes, t h e EOS-3 will be used a s t h e sample camera here.

(I) Positioning of ST-E2 and slave

Attach t h e slave to t h e mini s t a n d (equipped with tripod socket) which comes with t h e 550EX.

Turn t h e Speedlite's body (bounce feature) so t h a t t h e slave sensor fhccs toward t h c ST-EZ.

Indoors, the slave position need not be so precise since the light will also bounce off the walls.

After positioning t h e c a m e r a a n d slaves, be s u r e to t e s t t h e wirclrss control before taking a picture.

Do not place any obstructions between t h e ST-EP and slaves. Otherwise, remote transmission may not bc achieved.

Basic Wireless E-TTL Autoflash Operation

(2) Camera operation

Set the camera for normal flash operation.

0 With the EOS-3, make sure the ST-E2's flash ratio control lamp is off. (If necessary, press the <RATIO > button to turn it off.) If the flash ratio control lamp is on, the Speedlite may not fire or a correct exposure m a y not be attained . After turning off the flash ratio con- trol lamp, set the main switch

(3)Checking the ST-E2's (4) Wireless operation test

pilot lamp and slave- ready status

to <IioLD> prevent the 'lash ratio control lamp from light- ing inadvertantly.

1111111

Check that the ST-E2's pilot lamp is on and that the slave is ready.

When the slave is ready to fire, its AF-assist beam emitter flashes a t 1

P r e s s t h e S T - E 2 ' s pilot l a m p (which also functions a s a t e s t transmission button).

If everything is OK, slavc A will fire

followed by slave R ( a t 1/64 output). If the slave(s)docs not fire, reposi-

tion the slave's angle or distance toward the ST-EZ and Lcst it :rg;lin.

0When t h e ST-E2's pilot lamp lights and the 5 icon lights in t h e camera viewfinder, they indicate t h a t t h e ST - E2 is ready for remote transmission. They do not indicate that the slave is ready (recharged).

Basic Wireless E-TTI. Autoflash O ~ e r a t i o n

(5)Taking the picture and flash confirmation

W h e n y o u p r e s s t h e s h u t t e r b u t - t o n c o n ~ p l e t e l ya, w i r r l c s s s i g n a l i s t r a n s m i t t e d t o t h e s l a v e , t h e n t h e s l a v e f i r e s a p r e f l a s h a n d t h e n t h e m a i n f l a s h w h e n t h e p i c t u r e is

t a k e n .

The subject's flash cxposurc reading is obtained with t h e preflash a n d used to s e t t h e main flash output. Wireless flash photography is there- by executed with a n optimum flash ou1put.

When t h e correct flash exposure is obtained, t h e ST-E2's flash confir- mation lamp lights for about 3 sec. immediately after the flash fires. If i t does not light, the picture might be underexposed. In this case, use a larger a p e r t u r e or place the slave

closer to t h e s u b j e c t a n d r e p e a t steps (2)to ( 5 ) .

With the EOS-3, the model- B Ing, 'flash can be fired to see t h e lighting effects before t h e p i c l u r e i s t a k e n . S e e

page 32.

The slave must be properly positioned to receive t h e wireless transmission.

After t h e picture is t a k e n . the slave's operation result is displayed on t h e slave's display panel.

I f t h e s l a v e i s in t h e S E (Save Energy) mode, press- ing t h e ST-E2's t e s t t r a n s - mission button will cancel it. When you press t h e shutter button halfway and activate t h e c a m e r a ' s e x p o s u r e meter, the ST-E2 cannot be used to cancel the slave's SF: mode o r to e x e c u t e a t e s t transmission. The camera's exposure m e t e r m u s t t u r n off (viewfinder's exposure s e t t i n g d i s p l a y t u r n s off) before t h e S E mode can be canceled or a test transmis- sion executed.

AF-assist beam

U n d e r low-light o r low-contrast c o n d i t i o n s , t h e ST-E2's A F - a s s i s t b e a m is e m i t t e d t o a s s i s t a u t o f o c u s i n g . The A F - a s s i s t b e a m i s c o m p a t i b l e w i t h t h e EOS-3's A r e a AF. T h e AF-assist b e a m ' s effective r a n g e is a b o u t 0.6 m e t e r t o 10 m e t e r s a t t h e c e n t e r a n d 0 . 6 m e t e r t o 5 m e t e r s a l o n g t h e p e r i p h e r y .

The ST-E2's AF-assist bran> c a n he e m i t t e d only while t h e ST-E:! is attached to the EOS-3. In the case of EOS c a m e r a s with a built-in AF- assist beam emitter, the beam will

be emitted by the camera.

The slave's AF-assist beam is not emitted (except when t h e flash is ready).

44 To prevent overheating, limit t h e n u m b e r of consecutive wireless transmissions to 50. After 50 consecutive wireless transmissions, allow the ST-EP to rest for 10 minutes.

28

45. Wireless Multi-Flash E-TTL Autoflash Operation

T h e r e a r e t w o t y p e s of wireless multi-flash E-TTL autoflash opcr- ations:

a< RATIO > O F F : All slaves fire the same flash output.

Q)< RATIO > ON: Slaves are given a n ID, e i t h e r A o r B. T h e f l a s h ratio is then set for each ID.

The flash ratio can be set only when

the camera is an EOS-3.

The flash ratio cannot be set with an EOS Elan IVIIE, EOS 50/5OE, EOS Rebel G/500N, EOS IX or EOS K71X Lite.

a By c h a n g i n g t h e d i s t a n c e between t h e subject a n d slaves, the lighting balance (flash ratio) can be changed accordingly.

Two or more slaves can be

used.

With the EOS-3, a modeling flash can be fired to check t h e lighting effects before the picture is taken.

As a n e x a m p l e , t w o s l a v e s a r e used here, one positioned on t h e left a n d t h e other on t h e right of the subject.

All t h e s l a v e s s e t a t t h e s a m e c h a n n e l fire a t t h e s a m e o u t p u t controlled by E-TTL autoflash t o obtain a correct exposure.

Thc operation ~rooedureis thc same a s with wireless I.>-'ITI, autoflash.

0 With the EOS-3, make sure the S T - E 2 ' s f l a s h r a t i o control lamp is off. (If necessary, press the <RATIO > button to t u r n i t off.) If t h e flash ratio control lamp is on, the Speedlite may not fire or a correct exposure m a y n o t be a t t a i n e d . A f t e r turning off the flash ratio con- trol lamp, set the main switch to <HOLD > to prevent the flash ratio control lamp from light- ing inadvertantly.

In t h e sample flash s e t u p shown below, t h e lighting on t h e left will be b r i g h t e r t h a n on t h e r i g h t of t h e subject.

Outdoors

Wireless Multi-Flash E-TTL Autuflash Operation

In t h e example shown for "Multi- F l a s h w i t h a U n i f o r m F l a s h O u t p u t , " t h e l i g h t i n g b a l a n c e (flash ratio) was adjusted by plac- i n g t h e s l a v e s a t d i f f e r e n t d i s - t a n c e s t o t h e s u b j e c t . However, with "Multi-Flash with Slave ID a n d F l a s h R a t i o S e t t i n g s , " t h e flash ratio can be adjusted with - out moving the slaves.

T h e f l a s h r a t i o c a n bc a d j u s t e d from 8:l to 1 a n d from 1 to 118 in half-stop increments.

Sample Multi-Flash Setup with Slave ID and Flash ti^ settings

15ni / 49.2ft

Wireless Multi-Flash E-'lTL Autoflash Operation

(1) Setting the Slave ID

With the wireless control of multi- ple slaves, you can set the flash ratio and specify the main flash and fill flash by assigning a slave ID. There are three IDS:A, B, and C. The ST-E2 can control slaves A and B. When the flash ratio con- trol lamp is lit, the C slave does not fire.

Set the slave ID to A for the slave on the left of the camera. and to B for the slave on the right of the camera.

Press t h e slave's < SEL/SET > button to select < > .

2 Press the <+ > or < - > but- ton to set the slave ID to <A>.

3 Press t h e < SELISET > button to register the slave ID. (The slave I D stops blinking a n d stays on.)

4 Follow the same procedure for the other slave to set the slave ID to <B>.

0 If the slave's ID is set to C, it cannot he controlled by thc ST-

E2. Be sure to set the slave ID 7rn5s to A or B.

T h e r e is no limit a s t o t h e number of slaves t h a t can be used. S e t t h e slave ID for all the slaves to either A or B.

About Slave Group

Control

All slaves s e t to the same ID a r e controlled a s one group.

Shown below is a g r o u p of t h r e e slaves whose ID is A. They will be controlled as a single slave group A.

Wireless Multi-Flash E-TTL Autoflash Operation

(2) Setting the A:B Flash Ratio

The flash ratio between slave A and slave B can be set to specify the main flash and fill flash. The flash ratio can be set from 8:l to 1and from 1 to 1:8 in half-stop increments. In terms of exposure stops, it ranges from 3:l to 1 and from 1 to 1:3. When the flash ratio is set, E- TTL autoflash metering controls the flash output to obtain a correct exposure.

(3)Camera and Slave

Positions

Position the ST-E2-attached cam- era and the two slaves to obtain t h e desired lighting effect. See page 26.

Check t h a t t h e ST-E2's main s w i t c h i s s e t t o c I > , t h e n press the <RATIO > button.

T h c f l a s h r a t i o control l a m p lights in red, and the respective flash ratio indicator lights.

The flash ratios for the unmarked indica- tors ( are shown in parentheses below.

Press the < 4 > or < b > but- ton to select the desired flash ratio.

0If the main switch has been set t o < I >, t h e b u t t o n s will not work. S e t t h e main switch to

< HOLD >.

The modeling flash can be fired to see the lighting effects before the picture is taken.

(4)Follow the basic proce- dure for wireless E-TTL autoflash exposure to take the picture. See page 26.

6. Applications

Even with a wireless multi-flash system, you can use high-speed sync (FP flash), FE lock, and flash exposure compensation in the same way a s with a camera-attached 650EX.

Wireless high-speed sync (FP Wireless F E lock

Flash exposure compensation Flash exposure compensation can be set with the camera.

Wlrelchs manual flash

Wireless manual flash can be fired - by settlng the slave to single-slave

or manual flash Wlreless repeating flash

W i r e l e s s r e p e a t i n g f l a s h c a n be used when the slave has been set to slngle-slave or repeat~ngflash

F o r d e t a l l s , s e e t h e 5.50EXts Instruct~ons

After setting t h e wireless single- or multi-flash setup, just s e t t h e ST-E2's high-speed sync button to < 5~ >. This enables wireless high- speed sync. T h e slaves need not be touched at all.

After setting t h e wireless single- o r multi -flash s e t u p , j u s t p r e s s t h e c a m e r a ' s < FEL > b u t t o n t o enable wireless FE lock.

39:\ I / The ST-E2 can transmit wireless signals only toward the front. Therefore, the slaves cannot be positioned behind the camera. Otherwise, they will not be able to pick up the ST-E2's wireless control signals. However, with Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 (sold separately), the ST-E2 can be positioned away from the camera and face any direction for wireless transmission.

7.Troubleshooting

I

Specifications

-All data are based un (';~non'?;Stt~nil;~t-'I'vcl.it Method.

S u b j e c t to change without noticc,.

Canon

CANON INC. 30-2. Shimornaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku. Tokyo 146-8501, Japan

CANON CANADA INC~MONTREALBRANCH

5990. CMe~deL~esseMontreal. Ou8bec H4T lV7. Canada

CANON PHOTO VIDEO FRANCE S.A.

102, averwe Charles de Gaulle 92250 La GarenneColombes. France

CANON UK LTD.

Brerll Trnd8ng Cenlre. Nonh Circular Road, London NWlO OJF. Uniled Kingdom

CANON EURO-PHOTO G.m.b.H

S181"~"5rl"4 90 92. D-478i7 Wllich. Germany

CANON ~TALIAS. A

Palazzo L. Slrada fi. 288dRozzano. Mrlanolrorr.Mlano. Italy

CANON Benelux N.V.1S.A.

Bessenveldslraal 7. I831 Diegen (Macheen). Belgium

CANON Schweiz AG

GeSchallSbere<chWiedewerkaut. Induslrisslrasse 12. CH-8305 Dielllkoo. Sw8lzerland

CANON G.m.b.H.

Obeilaaerstras~e233. 4th l l w r . 1I 0 0 Wleo, Austrba

CENTRAL & -- CANON LATIN AMERI A, INC. DEPTO DE VENTAS

SOUTH AMERICA 6505 Blue Laawn Drrve. Sulle 325. M~arnlFL33126. U S.A

CANON LATIN AMERI A, INC. ENTRO DE SERVlClO Y REPARACION

A n I? 201 I s n ow oe ,c c r H ~ Lo r- or " 3 n ~ r n

ASIA- CANON SINGAPORE PTE LTD.

79 Anson Road no9 01.05 Singapore 079906

OCEANIA - -CANON AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

1 Thomas Holl Drve. N ~ n Rydeh. N.S W. 21 13. Australla

CANON NEW ZEALAND LTD.

Fred Thomas Dnve. P O Box 33-336. Takapuna. Auckland. New Zealand

JAPAN -CANON SALES CO., INC.

1215. Mita. 3 Chome. Mlnato ku. Takyo 108-8011. Japan

0299Ni1.2