Okay... need to fire the 430EX 2ed Curtain... but I have misplaced the manual, and my 50D says it is not compatible?

It must be in the Customer Functions in the flash? There are 6 of them, but I have no idea what they are at this point...

HELP

I don't know on the 50D, but on my 20D, 2nd curtain flash is a camera option. I would say check the custom functions on your camera.

-- Mark

Yes, I see the menu in the camera... however.. the option is grayed out, and it says flash is off or not compatible?

http://media.the-digital-picture.com/Owners-Manuals/Canon-Speedlite-430ex-Flash-Manual.pdf

It is set via the button on the flash between mode and zoom buttons with the >>> symbol.

I had the same problem so I contacted Canon. It seems that with the 50D the menu was changed somewhat and now that camera controlled function has been lost for the original 430EX. The capability is there, however, for the 430EX II. To achive 2nd curtain with the original model, you must control it directly on the flash.

Got it!! Thanks so much!