Sigma Macro Flash and Canon 50D Issue

AndyD · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 08:06 AM

Hi All,

Firstly let me apologise if this has already been posted. I did have a quick search for it and couldn't see it anywhere. This is my first time opening a post so hopefully someone will find this interesting.

Any Canon DSLR users out there with a Sigma EM-140 DG macro flash beware if you are thinking of upgrading your camera to the 50D as I did.

The Flash does not work correctly with the 50D. The metering is completely useless. It totally over exposes every shot and it only fires when it misfires as well.

The good news is that Sigma will re-chip the flash for free if you have proof of purchase. If you do not it will cost you just over £30 to get it done with a quoted 2-3 week turn around. I'm just about to send mine off so I can't vouch for the service as yet.

DaiTheDragon · #2 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 01:41 PM

Andy, I was using my Sigma flash with my 30D and then upgraded to the 50D with no problems. Over exposure can be compensated either with the flash or on camera. The only time the flash misfired was when I don't give the flash enough time to recharge.

Dai

Mike Jackson · #3 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 01:45 PM

I'm using the sigma flash with my 50D and not had any problems.

AndyD · #4 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 09:51 AM

Hi Guys,

That's really interesting.

The flash works ok on my 40D but not the 50D. I had a bit of a look around on the internet and found other with similar problems (usually to do with exposure). The shots on just a bit overexposed. The shot is completely blown out. It appears that the flash is firing at full power no matter what. I've managed to use it in manual mode ok, but the misfire is a bit of a pain.

I contacted Sigma Tech Support and they new of the problems hense the need to send it to them for re-chipping. I can only think that you two have more recent flashes with newer firmware. I can't say for sure how old my flash is as I bought it second hand. I've got to say that I've always had good results with it although I usually dial in some exposure compensation to get the best out of it.

£30 to get it sorted will be money well spent I just thought I'd start the thread to give anyone with it a headsup if they were thinking of buying one of the new Canon DSLRs.

Thanks for your feedback.

Andy