The 420EX was originally introduced by Canon as a cheaper alternative to Speedlite 550EX while it could also perform as a companion, by being able to accept remote commands from 550EX in Slave mode.
Having had some frustration with early YongNuos, I had purchased 420EX used, at a very attractive price, exactly for its slave function.
Beside that, it worked very well on top of EOS 400D /Digital Rebel XTi mostly as a bounce flash. However, there are some incompatibilities with crop factor digital cameras concerning the zoom ratio translation as the flash unit was designed with Canon film cameras in mind.
Further, the 7 points assist beam may not cover all AF points of even the EOS Digital Rebels.
On the other hand, if one is to use it as a bounce or off-camera flash none of the latter has any importance.
In my opinion 420EX is still today one of the best alternatives to cheap imitations when used as a slave unit.
The Flash
Features & Specification
- Maximum Guide Number 138 at 105mm setting; G.N. 101 at 35mm setting.
- Approximately 1/2-stop less powerful than 550EX.
- Full E-TTL flash operation with "Type-A" bodies.
- E-TTL features include high-speed FP sync mode, and FE Lock.
- Fully compatible with EOS-1v, EOS-3, Elan 7 series & D30.
- Powered by four AA-size batteries.
- Totally TTL-compatible with all "Type B" EOS cameras.
| Specification: | |
|---|---|
| Flash Modes: | E-TTL, TTL |
| Guide Number: | 138 |
| AF Assist Beam: | 7 points |
| Bounce / Swivel: | Yes |
| Wireless Triggering: | Yes |
| Dimensions: | 2.8 W x 4.8 H x 3.9 D in |
| 2.8 W x 4.8 H x 3.9 D cm | |
| Weight (without battery): | 370 gr (10.6 oz) |
 |
| Canon 420EX whereabouts (Photo by courtesy of Canon Camera Museum) |
The Flash Foot Stand
The Carrying Case
The old type genuine leather case has small pocket for the flash stand.
The Battery Compartment
The Flash Head
The head is equipped with safety lock rubber button on one side
A secondary safety button releases the head swivel function independently.
The Mounting Foot
Is made of hard plastic with 5 connectors for the E-TTL function of the unit plus a small safety pin that extends when the flash locks on the camera hot shoe.
Flash Controls
Mounted on a Camera
Pros
Canon quality construction.
Canon infrared Slave mode at the flip of a switch.
Very attractive second hand price.
Cons
No manual mode.
Not compatible with the latest on camera Flash Control menus.
Does not recognize between crop factor and Full Frame cameras.
Conclusion
For shure the age of Speedlite 420EX is obvious compared to contemporary Canon speedlites and although it has some limitations lacking a full manual mode, I still think that if it is found used in a good condition it can be a very good choice against cheap imitations. First for beginners experimenting with bounced flash with E-TTL capabilities and second as a very good slave for fill-in or background flash for those starting to experiment with multi off-camera flash.
I hope you found the reference useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos & Photosynths: © 2010-2012 S.C.Vlachos
Availability:
Canon Speedlite 420EX can still be found used in good condition at very low price either from Amazon or from eBay.
Relevant Articles:
Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 Reference
Canon Speedlite 580EX Reference
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Reference
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Reference
Relevant Readings:
Canon U.S.A. Speedlite 420EX
Canon Camera Museum Speedlite 420EX Technical Report
Speedliter's Handbook at Amazon.com
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