20D and Sigma EF-500 DG ST flash

[Toby Port]

So I have a bit of a puzzle here.

I just bought a Sigma EF-500 DG ST flash because I want to take a few happy snaps at a Xmas party tonight. I have the 20D, firmware 2.0.3 with the 16-35mm L-USM lens. I set the flash to TTL (rather than MH and ML) and tried a few indoor shots. Manual mode 1/125 and f2.8. Distance from object 50cm - 1.5m. I get the most horrible dark mess of pictures.

The URL http://www.sigmaphoto.com/faq/faq.asp?navigator=5 suggests the two are compatibler. I used to have the 1.1.0 firmware and upgraded to 2.0.3 as someone suggested this makes a difference.

I tried the internal flash and it produces a world of difference in brightness and result. However I cant use that as the lens is too long and I keep getting a horrible lens shadow in the picture.

please help!

Toby

 

[Toby Port]

Oh, i AM using duracel non-rechargable batteries so thats not it...

 

[Peter Kwok]

I have the non-DG version of the 500 Super. It works great with my old D60 as well as the 20D. But on the Super, I can select between ETTL, Manual & Multi, not TTL.

Are you sure you got the version dedicated the Canon and not some other brands of DSLR?
--
Peter Kwok
http://www.pbase.com/peterkwok

 

[Toby Port]

It says TTL on the flash, but supposedly its ETTL. Doesnt work on the manual MH and ML modes at all. Web seems to indicate it SHOULD work, but just doesnt for me. Store persons were puzzled when I rang them and unable to help said to bring it in the next day. Doesnt help me since I need it at a party tonight. I'll return it for credit or refund and never buy Sigma again. Only reason I did was coz Canon was not in stock. Bugger

 

[jrscls]

Get yourself a 430Ex or 580Ex and forget the Sigma IMO.

 

[Toby Port]

So I got the EX 580 now from Canon to go with my 20D and the 16-35 mm L USM lens and I have the same damned problem. I get dark dark dark results.

either Im being very stupid (possible) or my config is wrong.

Hook it up to the Pro1 I have and its like the sun just came into my room. It aint the flash theres something whacked with my camera or setup thereof

Im in a dimly lit room, my subject is about 1-2metres away from the lens. I want to take a shot at about F2.8 and 1/125 shutter speed.

What am I doing wrong? What are the exact settings I should be using?