[daveyuk]

I think I've got a problem with my 350D in as much as any external flash I put on it, and whatever I try to do the flash gun will not fire. I've just spent a fair bit of dosh on the all singing all dancing Sigma EF500 DG Super Flashgun which uses ETTL II coz it says so on the box!!
I set every thing up with the 350D plus flash gun on my tripod and pluged in the cable release, setup my chosen shot and pressed the button the shutter fires but no flash, I checks the flash and yep I've switch it on coz there's a little red light glowing!!
I now ask the following questions
Have I got a knacked hot shoe on my 350D?
Is it worth getting fixed?
How much will it cost, as I think my warranty has expired?
I know the super doper Sigma flashgun works coz I put it on my 30D and was able to do most of what I wanted to do a part from the small apeture and long exsposure shots. The only way that I can get extra flash for my 350D is to bolt on a support arm for my slave flashgun not the best way but it works, having spent the dosh on the Sigma I was hoping it would work without any problems. I know I know I've got a 30D and why would I want to use my 350D instead of using my 30D? Well easy I've got a cable release for my 350D but I haven't ordered one for my 30D as I really didn't think I'd need to order one coz any indoor tripod work I intended to use my 350D, well that was my thinking behind it.
Any help, advice, words of inspired wisdom are all gratefully recieved as I'm totally confused.
Many thanks in advance

[stepheno]

Possibly clean the contacts on the hot-shoe. I've never heard of a shoe failing.

• Is it possible to try someone else's flash so as to eliminate the camera?
• Have you altered the settings on the flash?
• Does the 350 need a setting changed in Control Functions?

Can't think of much else Davey. HTH.

[daveyuk]

Ta muchly Stephen
I'll give shoe a clean tonight
As for point 1 no but I could always try some one in my camera club when that starts up again.
As for point two no not that I know of, but I'll reset the camera back to the default factory settings just be on the safe side.
As for point 3 I'll have to RTFM!!!!!

[stepheno]

Originally Posted by daveyuk

As for point 3 I'll have to RTFM!!!!!

[lolyton]

Can't you just stick it on the 30d and set the self timer then you'll eliminate the need for a cable release? It does however depend on what you are doing, also you could hack the connections so a 350d cable release will work on the 30d....possibly...?? However i wouldn't!!

[daveyuk]

Naffing firmware upgrade

exits stage left head hung low in shame as not doing the firmware upgrade before posting thread and wasting everyones time

Moral to this tale
1) Check for firmware upgrade
2) Install firmware

Still anyone with an old 350D with either 1.0.1 or 1.0.2 firmware you can get the latest upgrade version 1.0.3 from the link below.
D REBEL XT / 350D Firmware-E

[stepheno]

No problem Davey, no one's time has been watsed and it's a good heads-up for other 350 owners

[daveyuk]

Just add if you want check your firmware version.
Select menu
tab over to the last menu tab
press set
scroll down to "firmware"
press set (once only)
your firmware version will now be displayed.

You will find on the Canon firmware page a full guide of how to download for both PC and Mac's, along with a step by step guide of how complete the firmware upgrade.

Tip
Make sure you have a fully charged battery.
A formated cf card this must have been formated in your camera first.
15 spare minutes and a mug of tea or coffee.