Thursday, October 29, 2009

Canon Error Codes Revealed

Direct from a source at Canon, we have the basics to shed at least a tiny bit of light on the various error codes Canon is using for the 5D Mark II and beyond. While none of these error codes reveal enough information to allow you to do repairs on your own, any amount of information can be comforting when dealing with these errors if they occur.

10 - Malfunction related to files has been detected.
20 - Malfunction related to the mechanical mechanism has been detected.
30 - Malfunction related to the shutter has been detected.
40 - Malfunction related to the power source has been detected.
50 - Malfunction related to the electric control has been detected.
60 - not used on 5Dm2
70 - Malfunction related to images has been detected.
80 - Malfunction related to the electric control of images has been detected.
90 - not used on 5DM2

These error codes relate specifically to the 5D Mark II but our source says they probably apply "across the board to all cameras after the 5D Mark2." So if you see any of these error messages in your camera, don't hesitate to send it in to Ted at Tallyn's for a warranty repair or repair quote. You can also join Canon Professional Service, which offers various levels of priority and attention to qualifying members.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Free AC5 RF Shield Available for PocketWizard TT5 Users

PocketWizard has announced that they will offering a free AC5 RF Shield for customers who have already purchased a TT5 receiver for Canon Speedlites.

Click Here for PocketWizard's Signup Form
(will be available by end of day)

The AC5 RF Soft Shield provides RF shielding from certain Canon flashes emitting high levels of radio interference that impedes the AC5 from "hearing" the triggering information being sent from your transmitting PocketWizard and thus limits its operating range. The Canon flashes that need shielding are the 430EX, 580EX and the 580EX II. If you own the 430EX II or 550EX you do NOT need the AC5 as these flashes do not emit high levels of interference.

To receive your free AC5 RF Soft Shield you must already own one or more PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceivers. You will need to provide the serial number from each FlexTT5 Transceiver you own. AC5's will begin shipping on a first-come, first-served basis beginning mid to late November. PocketWizard will post a news update when they begin shipping on their News page and Facebook pages.

The AC7 RF Shield, a hard plastic shield with 1/4-20 mounting inserts and umbrella holder, will also be available in November. If you are also interested in the AC7, you may indicate this on the form and we will contact you when they become available. With either the AC5 or AC7 in use you will see a significant gain in operating range.

New Tech Tips Video on YouTube

We have completed two new Tech Tip videos this month. Both of them are on the Mini and Flex Control TTL Pocketwizards. Each video Tech Tip demonstrates a different scenario and step-by-step setup for the new TTL Pocketwizards. Enjoy all the Tech Tips Videos on the Tallyn's website or YouTube channel.










Thursday, October 22, 2009

Canon Instant Rebates

Canon Instant Rebates for Winter '09 are now available! Save on 12 of Canon's best lenses as well as EX II Speedlites. These are Instant Rebates - taken right off the sale price - No rebate forms, No waiting! Visit our Canon Instant Rebates Page for a full list of eligible items, and get your orders in soon to ensure quick delivery.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

New & Updated Wireless File Transmitters

Alongside the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, Canon has also announced a series of updates to their Wireless File Transfer systems, notably the new WFT-E2 II A which features added support for 802.11a wireless (along side 802.11b & g) and a revised HTTP mode called WFT Server which enables new remote camera triggering capabilities.

WFT Server brings new a remote viewing capability that taps into the camera's Live View feed and allows you to remotely adjust shutter speed, aperture, ISO and other settings as well as remote shutter release functions all from the web browser of a linked computer, iPhone or similar smartphone. Canon has released screenshots of the WFT Server mode running on a wirelessly connected iPhone.


There is some backwards compatibility between the new Wireless File Transmitters and the 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III. The original WFT-E2A will function on the 1D Mark IV without access to the new features like WFT Server. Alternately, the newer WFT-E2 II A will be compatible with the 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III once a firmware update has been released.

This brings the combinations of usable pro Wireless File Transmitters to include all of the following:
  • 1D Mark IV w/ WFT-E2A or WFT-E2 II A
  • 7D w/ WFT-E5A
  • 5D Mark II w/ WFT-E4A or WFT-E4 II A
  • 1D Mark III w/ WFT-E2A or WFT-E2 II A
  • 1Ds Mark III w/ WFT-E2A or WFT-E2 II A

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Announced

It has been made official. The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV has been announced and is available for Preorder. This camera replaces the sports & action photography oriented 1D Mark III and the continued emphasis on autofocus, frame per second rate and wide continuous shooting file buffer size continues that tradition.
- New 45-point Area AF sensor including 39 cross-type AF points with f/2.8 support plus new AI Servo II AF with improved algorithm.
- ISO 100 - 12800 (expandable to L: 50, H1: 25600, H2: 51200, H3: 102400) for shooting from bright to dim light with low noise levels.
- EOS HD movie with manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 60p (59.94) / 50p).
- 16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for high image quality and speed.
- 10.0 fps continuous shooting up to 121 Large JPEGS or 28 RAW using a UDMA CF card.
- 3.0-inch ClearView II LCD monitor, 160° viewing angle, 920,000-dot VGA, reflection resistance with multi coating and high-transparency materials for bright and clear viewing.
- Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability up to 300,000 cycles and exclusive dust- and weather-resistance.
- Fully compatible with over 50 EF lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories.

Tallyn's is now taking preorders at our website, Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, and by phone at 800-433-8685. Release dates and additional information will be made available here on our blog and on our Facebook page as they become available.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Canon 7D Firmware Update

Canon has released an update to the firmware for the new EOS 7D. Firmware Version 1.0.9 incorporates the following fixes:
  1. Improves AF accuracy during Live View shooting.
  2. Corrects a phenomenon where in rare instances, movie images shot by the camera may exhibit abnormal colors.
  3. Corrects a phenomenon that at certain timings, the shutter cannot be released when the camera's built-in flash or an external Speedlite is used for shooting.
Download the firmware update file from the link above and follow the instructions provided to update your camera. We will continue to post links to firmware updates as they are made available.