Canon 580EX - Speedlite II - Hot-shoe clip-on Flash, Service Manual

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General Information
■PC terminal
A PC terminal has been newly provided. In case the mounting foot is broken, the Speedlite
can still be used with the PC terminal connection (manual flash and manual external
metering).
■Safety measures to prevent overheating
If the flash is repeatedly fired many times, it will be forced to wait for an interval of 8
seconds before it can be repeatedly fired again. If it is repeatedly fired many times again,
the interval will be extended to 20 seconds. The extension of this forced extension of the
flash interval serves to prevent the flash from overheating or deteriorating. This function
will be activated in the following conditions. 1) When only the flash's batteries are used
and the flash is fired 60 times continuously at the full output, 2) when the external battery
pack is used and the flash is fired 40 times continuously at the full output. Since the above
conditions are quite extreme, therefore, in normal use, this function will be rarely activated.
In the 580EX II instruction manual, not to encourage the user to fire more than 20
consecutive flashes (as in the previous models), the conditions is stated as follows; “If you
fire more than 20 continuous flashes and then fire more flashes in short intervals, the
inner overheating prevention function may be activated....” . If this function is activated, it
will return to normal after resting it for about 15 minutes. This function is also cleared if
you set the power switch to OFF/ON, although it is not stated in the 580EX II instruction
manual.
2) New Design and Easier Operation
■New design matching the EOS-1D Mark III
The Speedlite has been designed to optimally match the design of EOS-1 series digital
cameras (EOS-1D Mark III). The shape and layout of the Speedlite controls have been
optimized to convey the high reliability of this top-of-the-line Speedlite. An improved
exterior and better materials for the controls give the Speedlite a luxury feel. The design
also conveys an advanced and refined version of the 580EX.
■Quick attachment and new locking mechanism
The locking mechanism on the mounting foot has been changed from the conventional
rotating collar to a quick-lock and quick-release lever. This makes it much easier to attach
and detach the Speedlite. The new locking mechanism also has a lock-release button which
prevents the lock from accidental release.
■Battery compartment cover easier to open and close
Instead of opening horizontally, the battery compartment cover now opens vertically as
with the 430EX. The cover hinges are now metallic, with fixed hinges instead of the molded
plastic hinges on the cover. This makes it smoother to open/close the cover and improves
reliability. A locking mechanism is also provided to prevent accidental opening of the cover.