Non-Dedicated Flash on EOS cameras -is it OK?

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I own 4 EOS cameras and a couple of dedicated flash units (300 EZ and a Sigma 280) and find that the quality of photos is poor when these flash units are used. Faces of people turn out over exposed as well as their clothing (if they wear white). I have tried all the settings on automaticn (P, AV, TV and the PIC modes) but the photos still do not live up to my expectations. I have tried using non-dedicated flash units like the Vivitar 285, Vivitar 2600, Sunpak 411 and the Sunpak 20. With the camera set on manual (with the aperture set to that chosen on the flash) these non-dedicated units give me better flash photos. I am more than happy with the result. I did measure the trigger voltage and it is about 10-12 volts (if I read my volt meter correctly). Is it safe to use these on my EOS? Thanks (jrj@pacific.net.ph).

-- Rani Jalandoni (jrj@pacific.net.ph), January 02, 2001

Answers

Canon says 6 volts max. I have used higher voltage flashes, up to 10 volts, without problems, but you might have a different experience.

-- Jim Strutz (jimstrutz@juno.com), January 02, 2001.

I have never had a problem using a 430ez or a 300ez dedicated flash on my EOS cameras. You should not have any problem either...ever! Are you using print film in dark rooms, and a cheap lab which tries to lighten up the dark surroundings, washing out your subject...that's a common problem...and what cameras are you using?

-- Todd Frederick (fredrick@hotcity.com), January 02, 2001.

I've been using 430EZ for about 10 years on various Canon bodies - EOS 630, A2, Rebel. Never I had any problems. You will have higher chance of wrongly exposed photos with non-dedicated flashes if you don't really know how to use them. It could be a lab.

-- Boris Krivoruk (boris_krivoruk@ams.com), January 12, 2001.

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