Introduction The Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II is a flash unit for shooting close-ups with Canon EOS cameras, compatible with E-TTL II/E-TTL/ TTL autoflash systems. The flash unit is equipped with various functions suitable for a wide range of shooting objectives, from simple shooting to advanced shooting.
Item Check List Before starting, check that all the following items are included with your MR-14EX II. If anything is missing, contact your dealer. Case Lens Cap MR-14EX II (p.16) * Be careful not to lose any of the above items.
Functions of the camera, and the Custom Functions and Personal Functions of the MR-14EX II are at their default settings. All figures are based on the use of four AA/LR6 alkaline batteries and Canon’s testing standards. The operation procedures assume that a macro lens is used.
Chapters Introduction Getting Started with Macro Flash Shooting Preparations for macro flash shooting and basic shooting Setting Flash Functions with Camera Operations Setting the flash functions from the camera’s menu screen Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting Wireless multiple flash shooting using additional slave units with optical transmission Customizing the MR-14EX II Customizing with Custom Functions and Personal Functions...
Contents Introduction Item Check List................. 3 Conventions Used in this Manual............. 4 Chapters................... 5 Nomenclature ................... 8 Getting Started with Macro Flash Shooting Installing the Batteries ..............14 Attaching the Control Unit to the Camera ........15 Attaching the Flash Unit to the Lens ..........16 Turning on the Power ..............
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Contents Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting : Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting..........44 Wireless Settings ................47 a: Multiple Flash Shooting with Slave C Added ..... 49 a: Advanced Multiple Flash Shooting with Slave A, B, and C Added ..............53 q: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with Manual Flash Output ..55 Customizing the MR-14EX II C / >: Setting Custom and Personal Functions.....
Nomenclature LCD Panel E-TTL II/E-TTL/TTL autoflash (p.21) G : Battery indicator (p.18) c : High-speed sync (p.30, 40) r : Second-curtain a : E-TTL II/E-TTL sync (p.31, 40) autoflash b : TTL autoflash u: Custom Functions (p.61) j: Normal shooting t: Temperature increase (Firing Flash exposure level...
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Nomenclature Manual flash (p.32) q : Manual flash Manual flash output Firing group 4 : Fire A 5 : Fire B Wireless multiple flash shooting with optical transmission (p.43) M : Master : : Optical g : Wireless shooting transmission wireless shooting (master) * : Transmission...
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Cautions for firing continuous flashes To avoid degrading and damaging the flash unit due to overheating, do not fire more than 20 continuous flashes. After 20 continuous flashes, allow a rest time of at least 10 min. If you fire 20 continuous flashes, and then fire the flash again repeatedly in short intervals, the safety function may activate and restrict flash firing.
Getting Started with Macro Flash Shooting This chapter describes the preparations before starting macro flash shooting and the basic shooting operations. Conditions of the subject greatly influence the exposure when shooting close-ups. Therefore, it is recommended to shoot the same subject with different exposures (p.27) and check the exposure immediately after shooting.
Approx. 0.1 to 3.3 sec. Approx. 0.1 to 5.5 sec. Approx. 100 to 700 Based on new AA/LR6 alkaline batteries, both sides firing, and Canon’s testing standards. The Quick flash function enables flash shooting before the flash is fully charged (p.18).
Attaching the Control Unit to the Camera When <!> is displayed, or the LCD panel display turns off during recycling, replace the batteries with new ones. Use a new set of four batteries of the same brand. When replacing the batteries, replace all four at one time.
Attaching the Flash Unit to the Lens Attach the flash unit to the front of the macro lens. Attach the flash unit to the front of the lens while holding down the release button. Make sure that the flash unit is securely attached.
Attaching the Flash Unit to the Lens Using a Filter A commercially-available filter can be used during flash shooting. A filter can be attached, using the two procedures described below. Filters may not be used together with some macro lenses. (1) Attach a 67 mm filter on the front face of the flash unit (see the above illustration).
Turning on the Power Set the power switch to <K>. The flash recycling starts. During recycling, <G> is displayed on the LCD panel. When flash recycling is completed, this indicator disappears. Check that the flash is ready. The state of the flash-ready lamp changes from off to green (Quick flash ready) to red (fully charged).
Turning on the Power Lock Function By setting the power switch to <a>, you can disable the flash’s buttons and dial operations. It is effective when you want to prevent the flash function settings from being accidentally changed after you set them.
Fully Automatic Flash Shooting When you set the camera’s shooting mode to <d> (Program AE) or a fully automatic mode, you can shoot in the E-TTL II/E-TTL fully automatic flash mode. Set the flash mode to <a>. Press the <E> button and set to <a>.
Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash by Shooting Mode Simply set the camera’s shooting mode to <f> (aperture-priority AE) or <a> (manual exposure) and you can perform advanced macro flash shooting using E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash. You can perform flash shooting while obtaining a standard exposure of both the main subject and background while considering the depth of field.
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Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash by Shooting Mode Focusing Lamp Press the <d> button to light the focusing lamp for 20 sec., making focusing easier. Press the button again to turn off the lamp. The focusing lamp turns off automatically when you press the shutter button on the camera completely.
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Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash by Shooting Mode Modeling FlashN When the camera’s depth-of-field preview button is pressed, the flash fires continuously for 1 sec. This feature is called “modeling flash.” This is effective for checking shadow effects on the subject and the lighting balance.
l Setting the Flash RatioN You can adjust the flash ratio between flash tubes A and B, or fire only one of them. This can create shadows on the subject to give a more sculptural look. The flash ratio can be set in half-stop increments as follows: 8:1 to 1:1 to 1:8 (13 settings).
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l Setting the Flash RatioN Single-side Firing Set <4> or <5>. Press the <,> button to display <_> and <4> or <_> and <5>. Flash tube Flash tube B only A only Flash ratio control is not available on the models listed below. Both sides will fire at the same flash output, or single-side firing will apply.
f Flash Exposure CompensationN In the same way as normal exposure compensation, you can set exposure compensation for flash. The flash exposure compensation amount can be set up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments. Press the <@> button or <8>. Press function button 2 <@>...
g FEBN You can take three shots while automatically changing the flash output. This is called “FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing)”. The settable range is ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments. Press the <E> button. Press function button 3 <E>. <g> is displayed. Set the FEB level.
7: FE LockN FE (Flash Exposure) lock locks the correct flash exposure setting for any part of the scene. While <a> is displayed on the LCD panel, press the camera’s < > button. For cameras without a < > button, press the <A>...
c High-speed SyncN With high-speed sync, the flash can synchronize with all shutter speeds. This is convenient when you want to shoot in the aperture- priority AE (f) mode (open aperture) with background blur. Display <c>. Press function button 4 <Y> to display <c>.
r Second-curtain SyncN Shooting with a slow shutter speed and second-curtain sync captures the trajectory of the light source of a moving subject in a natural way. The flash fires right before the exposure finishes (shutter closes). Display <r>. Press function button 4 <Y> to display <r>.
q: Manual FlashN You can set the flash output from 1/1 full output to 1/128 power in 1/3- stop increments. The flash can be fired in one of the following three ways: Flash tubes A and B fired at the same output, A and B fired at different outputs, Only A or B fired.
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q: Manual FlashN Firing Flash Tubes A and B at a Different Flash Output Set <4> and <5>. Press the <,> button to display <%>, <4>, and Select a flash unit. Press function button 3 <F> or <8> and turn <9> to select flash unit A or B.
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q: Manual FlashN Single-side Firing Set <4> or <5>. Press the <,> button to display <_> and <4> or <_> and <5>. Flash tube Flash tube A only B only Set the flash output. Press function button 3 <@> or <8>.
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q: Manual FlashN Metered Manual Flash Exposures When using an EOS-1D series camera, the flash exposure level can be manually set before shooting. This is convenient for shooting at a short distance from the subject. Use a 18% gray reflector (commercially available) and shoot as follows.
Clearing MR-14EX II SettingsN You can return the settings of the MR-14EX II shooting functions and wireless multiple flash shooting settings to their default settings. Press function buttons 2 and 3 simultaneously for 2 seconds or longer. The MR-14EX II settings are cleared and the settings will return to normal shooting and <a>...
Setting Flash Functions with Camera Operations This chapter describes how to set the flash functions from the camera’s menu screen. When the camera’s shooting mode is set to a fully automatic mode or an Image Zone mode, the operations in this chapter are not available.
Flash Control from the Camera’s Menu Screen When using EOS DIGITAL cameras released since 2007, you can set flash functions or Custom Functions from the camera’s menu screen. For the camera operations, see the camera’s instruction manual. Flash Function Settings Select [External Speedlite control].
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Flash Control from the Camera’s Menu Screen Settings Available in the Flash Function Settings Screen The main settable functions from the Camera’s [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen are as follows. The settings available vary by the camera used, flash mode, etc. For details, see the next page.
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Flash Control from the Camera’s Menu Screen Flash firing To perform flash shooting, set to [Enable]. E-TTL II flash metering For normal exposures, set it to [Evaluative]. If [Average] is set, the flash exposure will be averaged for the entire scene metered by the camera.
Flash Control from the Camera’s Menu Screen Flash Custom Function Settings You can set Custom Functions for flash units from the camera’s menu screen. The details displayed vary by the camera. If C.Fn-22 is not displayed, set it by operating the flash unit. For the Custom Functions, see pages 61-64.
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Flash Control from the Camera’s Menu Screen Functions Which Cannot Be Set from the Flash Function Settings Screen Some of the following functions as in the tables below cannot be set from the camera’s flash function settings screen (p.38). In such a case, set it by operating the MR-14EX II.
Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting This chapter describes how to perform wireless multiple flash shooting with optical transmission, using an EX- series Speedlite (sold separately) equipped with wireless slave function. For the accessories required for wireless multiple flash shooting, see the system map on page 68. When the camera’s shooting mode is set to a fully automatic mode or an Image Zone mode, the operations in this chapter are not available.
: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting Using an EX-series Speedlite equipped with optical transmission wireless slave function, you can easily perform wirelessly-controlled photography lit with multiple flashes. The system is designed so that the settings of the MR-14EX II (master) attached to the camera are automatically applied to the slave flash unit. Therefore, you do not need to operate the slave unit while shooting.
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: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting Advanced multiple flash shooting with slave A, B, and C added (p.53) This section describes multiple flash shooting with slave C where slave A and B are also added. Slave A is controlled to fire with flash tube A and slave B to fire with flash tube B as a group (as a single flash unit).
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: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting Slave Group Control Slave A is controlled to fire with flash tube A and slave B to fire with flash tube B as a group (as a single flash unit). Multiple units can be used as slave C. There is no limit for the number of units that can be used as slave A, B, or C.
Wireless Settings To perform wireless multiple flash shooting with E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash, set the master unit and slave unit with the following procedure. Master Unit Setting Display <:> and <M>. Press the <,> button to display <:> (optical transmission wireless) and <...
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Wireless Settings Transmission Channel Setting To avoid interference with optical transmission wireless systems used by other photographers, you can change the transmission channel. Set the same channel for both the master unit and slave unit. Press function button 4. Press function button 4 <]> to display <C>...
a: Multiple Flash Shooting with Slave C Added This section describes multiple flash shooting where slave C is added to flash tubes A and B. Set the flash mode to <a>. Press the <E> button and set to <a>. Set <l> and <6>. Press the <,>...
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a: Multiple Flash Shooting with Slave C Added Set the A:B flash ratio. Press function button 3 <F>, turn <9>, select <l>, then press <8>. Turn <9> to set the A:B flash ratio, then press <8>. Set the flash exposure compensation amount for slave C.
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a: Multiple Flash Shooting with Slave C Added Shooting with firing group C pointed directly toward the main subject may result in overexposure. On the models listed below, wireless multiple flash shooting adding slave C is not available when the <a> mode is set (with C.Fn-15-0). When the <q>...
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a: Multiple Flash Shooting with Slave C Added Multiple Flash Shooting Using Wireless Functions Flash exposure compensation and other settings set on the master unit will be automatically set to the slave unit(s). You do not need to operate the slave unit. Wireless multiple flash shooting with the following settings can be performed in the same way as normal flash shooting.
a: Advanced Multiple Flash Shooting with Slave A, B, and C Added When C.Fn-15 is set to 1 (p.63), multiple flash shooting can be performed not only with slave C but also with slave A and B. For an outline of controlling flash, see “Slave Group Control”...
a: Advanced Multiple Flash Shooting with Slave A, B, and C Added Take the picture. Set the flash ratio for the firing group (flash tube + slave) A:B and the flash exposure compensation amount for slave C, following the procedure described in “Multiple Flash Shooting with Slave C Added”...
q: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with Manual Flash Output This section describes wireless multiple flash shooting using manual flash. You can shoot with a different flash output setting for each firing group. Set all the parameters on the master unit. Set the flash mode to <q>.
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q: Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting with Manual Flash Output Set the flash output. Press function button 3 <1> or <8>. Turn <9> to set the flash output, then press <8>. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to set the flash output for all groups. Take the picture.
Customizing the MR-14EX II This chapter describes how to customize the MR-14EX II with the Custom Functions (C.Fn) and Personal Functions (P.Fn). When the camera’s shooting mode is set to a fully automatic mode or an Image Zone mode, the operations in this chapter are not available.
C / >: Setting Custom and Personal Functions You can customize the MR-14EX II features to suit your shooting preferences with Custom Functions and Personal Functions. Note that the Personal Functions provide you with customized settings unique to the MR-14EX II. C: Custom Functions Display the Custom Functions screen.
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C / >: Setting Custom and Personal Functions Custom Function List Number Function Page C.Fn-01 Auto power off C.Fn-02 Modeling flash p.61 C.Fn-03 FEB auto cancel C.Fn-04 FEB sequence C.Fn-05 Flash metering mode p.62 C.Fn-06 Quick flash with continuous shot C.Fn-07 Test firing with autoflash C.Fn-12...
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C / >: Setting Custom and Personal Functions Clearing All the Custom/Personal Functions By pressing function button 2 <3> and then function button 1 <;> on the Custom Functions screen, you can clear the Custom Functions that have been set. Similarly, by performing the same operations on the Personal Functions screen, you can clear the Personal Functions that have been set.
C: Setting Custom Functions C.Fn-01: (Auto power off) When the MR-14EX II is not operated for approx. 90 seconds, the power turns off automatically to save energy. You can disable this function. 0: ON (Enabled) 1: OFF (Disabled) When the temperature of the flash unit rises due to continuous flash firing etc., the time until auto power off takes effect may become longer.
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C: Setting Custom Functions C.Fn-04: (FEB sequence) You can change the shooting order of the FEB sequence: 0: Standard exposure, -: Decreased exposure (darker) and +: Increased exposure (brighter). 0: 0 – 1: – C.Fn-05: (Flash metering mode) You can change the automatic flash metering mode for flash shooting. 0: E-TTL II/E-TTL 1: TTL When using an EOS DIGITAL camera or EOS REBEL T2/EOS 300X, do not...
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C: Setting Custom Functions C.Fn-07: (Test firing with autoflash) You can change the flash output when firing the test flash in E-TTL II/ E-TTL/TTL autoflash mode. 0: 1/32 (1/32) 1: 1/1 (Full output) C.Fn-12: (Flash recycle with external power source) 0: 1 (External &...
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C: Setting Custom Functions C.Fn-18: (Macro: Focusing lamp on/off) 0: LAMP (With focusing lamp button) Press the <d> button to turn on/off the focusing lamp. 1: J (Half press shutter button twice) Press the shutter button halfway twice quickly (double-click) to turn on/ off the focusing lamp.
>: Setting Personal Functions P.Fn-01: (Focusing lamp brightness) You can adjust the brightness of the focusing lamp in 5 levels. P.Fn-02: (LCD panel display contrast) You can adjust the contrast of the LCD panel in 5 levels. P.Fn-03: (LCD panel illumination color) You can select the color of the LCD panel illumination.
Memory Function You can save the settings in the MR-14EX II and recall the settings later. The memory function can be used whenever <]> is displayed on the screen, such as when the settings are configured to wireless multiple flash shooting by pressing the <,> button, or during normal shooting when flash ratio control or single-side firing is set.
An adapter to attach the flash unit to the lens (p.16). For external power source, use the Compact Battery Pack CP-E4. Using a non-Canon external power source may result in a malfunction. Speedlite units without the function to switch firing groups (A, B, and C) listed in $ can be used as slave A during wireless multiple flash shooting.
Flash Firing Restriction due to Temperature Increase When continuous flash or modeling flash is repeatedly fired in short intervals, the temperature of the MR-14EX II may increase. Repeated firings of the flash activates the flash firing restriction automatically to avoid degrading and damaging the flash unit due to overheating. While flash firing is restricted, the warning is displayed to indicate the increase in temperature, and the firing interval is automatically set to approx.
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Flash Firing Restriction due to Temperature Increase Even when Level 1 warning is not displayed, the firing interval will be extended as the flash unit begins to heat up. If Level 2 warning is displayed, allow a rest time for at least 15 min. For cautions on the number of flash firings, see page 12 (continuous flashes) or page 23 (modeling flash).
Troubleshooting Guide If a problem occurs with the flash, first refer to this Troubleshooting Guide. If this Troubleshooting Guide does not resolve the problem, contact your dealer or nearest Canon Service Center. Normal Shooting The power does not turn on.
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Troubleshooting Guide The picture is very blurred. When the shooting mode is set to the aperture-priority AE (f) mode and the scene is dark, slow sync is enabled automatically (the shutter speed becomes slower). Use a tripod, or set the shooting mode to the program AE (d) or fully automatic mode (p.21).
Specifications Type Type: E-TTL II/E-TTL/TTL autoflash Ring-type flash unit for close-ups Compatible cameras: Type-A EOS cameras (E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash) Type-B EOS cameras (TTL autoflash) Flash Unit Guide No.: Both sides firing: Approx. 14/45.9 (ISO 100, in meters/feet) Single-side firing: Approx. 10.5/34.4 (ISO 100, in meters/feet) Flash coverage: Approx.
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Approx. 69.6 x 118.8 x 71.4 mm / 2.74 x 4.68 x 2.81 in. Weight: Approx. 455 g / 16.05 oz. (MR-14EX II only, excluding batteries) All specifications above are based on Canon’s testing standards. Product specifications and external appearance are subject to change without notice.
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Specifications Guide Number (Approx., ISO 100, in meters/feet) Normal Flash High-speed Sync (at full output) Flash Both Sides Single-side Shutter Both Sides Single-side Output Firing Firing Speed Firing Firing 14.0 / 45.9 10.5 / 34.4 1/125 8.9 / 29.2 6.6 / 21.7 9.9 / 32.5 7.4 / 24.4 1/160...
Using MR-14EX II with a Type-B Camera This section describes the functions that are available or unavailable when using the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II with a Type-B camera (EOS film camera supporting TTL autoflash). When the MR-14EX II is used with autoflash with a Type-B camera, <b>...
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This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual.
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For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, waste authority, approved WEEE scheme or your household waste disposal service. For more information regarding return and recycling of WEEE products, please visit www.canon-europe.com/weee.
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The cameras and accessories referred to in this Instructions booklet are current as of January 2014. For information on compatibility with the cameras and accessories marketed after this date, contact your nearest Canon Service Center.