How to View the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX on a Camera in Use

The MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite fits Canon digital SLR cameras, providing you with close-up and macro capabilities. The Ring Lite employs evaluative, through-the-lens (E-TTL) technology and uses the full capabilities of all Cannon TTL and E-TTL capable cameras. Three shooting modes using the MR-14EX are viewable through the camera's viewfinder while the camera is in use: auto flash shots, aperture-priority (Av), manual exposure (M) and program (P). After the camera shooting mode and Ring Lite mode are adjusted to coincide, camera and flash controls are available through the viewfinder.

Instructions

E-TTL Aperture-priority

1. Set the camera's shooting mode to aperture-priority (Av) using the "Mode" knob, located on top of the camera body. Depress the "Mode" button located on the back of the Ring Lite control unit until "ETTL" is displayed on the upper left side of the LCD panel.

2. Set the lens aperture using the "Aperture Control" knob that is usually located on the top of the camera (depending on make and model of camera). Correct flash exposure is automatically set by the MR-14EX based on the lens aperture.

3. Focuses the camera as normal, check for the lightning bolt icon (flash ready) displayed in the camera viewfinder and take the picture. Depth of field (DOF) will be noticeable when using this mode.

E-TTL Manual

1. Set the camera's shooting mode to manual (M) using the "Mode" knob on the top of the camera. Depress the "Mode" button located on the back of the Ring Lite control unit until "ETTL" is displayed on the upper left side of the LCD panel.

2. Set the lens aperture and the shutter speed using the control knobs usually located on top of the camera (depending on make and model of camera). The "Bulb" setting can also be used with the MR-14EX.

3. Focus the camera as normal, check for the lightning bolt icon (flash ready) displayed in the camera viewfinder and take the picture. Stop action (or motion enhancement such as intentional blurring) along with depth of field (DOF) are controllable when using this setting.

E-TTL Program

1. Set the camera's shooting mode to program (P) using the "Mode" knob on the top of the camera. Depress the "Mode" button located on the back of the Ring Lite control unit until "ETTL" is displayed on the upper left side of the LCD panel.

2. Concentrate on the subject because the camera will set the aperture and shutter speed automatically. Do not make any other adjustments to the camera or the Ring Lite.

3. Focus the camera as normal, check for the lightning bolt icon (flash ready) displayed in the camera viewfinder and take the picture. The depth of field (DOF) will be determined by the camera's automatic selection of aperture as will the stop-action characteristics of the shutter.

Tips & Warnings

• If your camera has a full-automatic setting, the procedures used for program mode will be appropriate.

• When using the MR-14E with either the Cannon EOS-1 V or EOS-3, the background exposure level is indicated within the viewfinder on the exposure level indicator.

• The MR-14EX cannot be attached to a 65mm lens while a filter is attached. Remove the filter before attaching the Macro Ring Lite.

• Shutter-speed priority AE is not recommended for close-up flash photography because you cannot set the desired aperture using this mode.

References

• "Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX and Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX Owner's Manual"; Canon USA; undated
• "Mastering Flash Photography: A Course in Basic to Advanced Lighting Techniques"; Susan McCartney; 1997
• "The Book of Photography"; John Hedgecoe; 2005