Firmware Notice: Speedlite EL-1, EL-5 and ST-E10

[Canon Rumors]

Canon has released new firmware for the Speedlite EL-1, EL-5 and ST-E10 transmitter. It is a small update, but may be a great thing for anyone using these Speedlites. Firmware Version EL-1: 1.1.0 & EL-5, ST-E10 1.2.0 You can download the firmware here.

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[nwardrip]

I wanted to share my (positive) experience. I downloaded and installed the ST-E10 and EL-5 firmware last night and installed on my 2x ST-E10s and 2x EL-5s. Historically, that combo drops connections within a few minutes and won't reconnect until both the transmitter and speedlite are power-cycled. It has been horribly frustrating to the point that I wouldn't use the wireless connection to the flashes. Last night, after the FW update, I tested the transmitter and speedlites and they stayed connected for 30 minutes or so, after which I was tired and shut things down. They even immediately reconnected after only power cycling one device at a time.

So far, this looks like the update we've been waiting for for years. Not holding my breath and will continue to test it. Would be curious to see if others see an improvement.

 

[Etnaphele]

I wanted to share my (positive) experience. I downloaded and installed the ST-E10 and EL-5 firmware last night and installed on my 2x ST-E10s and 2x EL-5s. Historically, that combo drops connections within a few minutes and won't reconnect until both the transmitter and speedlite are power-cycled. It has been horribly frustrating to the point that I wouldn't use the wireless connection to the flashes. Last night, after the FW update, I tested the transmitter and speedlites and they stayed connected for 30 minutes or so, after which I was tired and shut things down. They even immediately reconnected after only power cycling one device at a time.

So far, this looks like the update we've been waiting for for years. Not holding my breath and will continue to test it. Would be curious to see if others see an improvement.

I’ll believe it when I see it, but FINALLY! Stoked to try it out this weekend.

EDIT: tested out yesterday night, connection looks solid now (in a place where every 20s-3min the connection was previously lost). I have high hopes that now these devices work as they should have from day one.

 

[Klendothir]

I can’t believe it!!! I’ll try it out immediately and might consider buying another EL-5 if the connection doesn’t drop …

 

[Etnaphele]

Curious if equipment without MFS can be updated as well: the ST-E3-RT Ver.3 was released not long ago and suffered the same problems if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Klendothir]

I wanted to share my (positive) experience. I downloaded and installed the ST-E10 and EL-5 firmware last night and installed on my 2x ST-E10s and 2x EL-5s. Historically, that combo drops connections within a few minutes and won't reconnect until both the transmitter and speedlite are power-cycled. It has been horribly frustrating to the point that I wouldn't use the wireless connection to the flashes. Last night, after the FW update, I tested the transmitter and speedlites and they stayed connected for 30 minutes or so, after which I was tired and shut things down. They even immediately reconnected after only power cycling one device at a time.

So far, this looks like the update we've been waiting for for years. Not holding my breath and will continue to test it. Would be curious to see if others see an improvement.

I did some tests with an ST-E10 + EL-5. It seems to work flawlessly. Both even reconnect automatically after waking up from sleep mode. It looks like Canon finally solved the issue...

 

[Spacey69]

I did some tests with an ST-E10 + EL-5. It seems to work flawlessly. Both even reconnect automatically after waking up from sleep mode. It looks like Canon finally solved the issue...

I’m very curious to know what the fix is so Canon can acknowledge the problem that plagued all of us Canon flash users these many years.

 

[nwardrip]

I’m very curious to know what the fix is so Canon can acknowledge the problem that plagued all of us Canon flash users these many years.

Poorly written firmware (error handling)

 

[Slappy_G]

Poorly written firmware (error handling)

Good to see them quietly fix this after YEARS of ignoring it and pretending there was no issue, but I'd like to see both an official acknowledgement of the fixes (that'll never happen), and updates for the other products with radio signalling (the ST-E3, the 480EX and 600EX models, since those are still used in large groups by many pros).

 

[Sbehnke]

Curious if equipment without MFS can be updated as well: the ST-E3-RT Ver.3 was released not long ago and suffered the same problems if I'm not mistaken.

I have a ST-E3-RT Ver.2 and it had the same problems with staying connected to the EL-1 that was reported for the ST-E3-RT Ver.3. This seems to be resolved with the new EL-1 firmware finally. I haven't tested exhaustively yet, but at least over 1 hour with multiple times turning it off / back on it stayed connected / reconnected immediately. I might actually be able to use them now.

 

[Spacey69]

I would like to know if folks are testing this outside under "real" photographic conditions especially in areas of 5G influence?

 

[koenkooi]

I would like to know if folks are testing this outside under "real" photographic conditions especially in areas of 5G influence?

Only the n53 5G band overlands with the 2.4GHz band Canon uses, and only one company operates on that, in a very limited capacity. I'd be more worried about microwaves, consumer wifi access points and poorly shielded monitors.