Flash question

[Chuckurbarla]

Perhaps someone can help. I have a Cobra 700AF flash unit 'dedicated canon' that I bought to use with my EOS50E some years ago. It uses 4xAA batteries (6v). It has worked well with the 50E but I just bought a 350D and thought I would be able to use it with that too. Somewhere recently I read about incompatible voltages on 3rd party flash units causing camera problems (sorry can't remember where it was). Does anyone have an enlightening knowledge of this please?

Thanks.

 

[CT]

It's the trigger voltages you have to watch with older units. Modern Canon flash units only have a trigger voltage of around 6 volts while older units often have much higher voltages and could fry your camera.

Try to do a bit of research and find out what the TV is - but don't risk it until you're sure it's safe.

 

[Chuckurbarla]

Thanks CT. I found out how to measure it and it turns out to be 4.8v. As that is lower than 6 can I assume I'm safe? Or is there somethink else I can check.

 

[Keltic Ice Man]

Have a look at this thread
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=8304&highlight=cobra

I managed to get the flash working in manual but not in AV or TV mode with the 350D. As for the voltage - yep it was ok. There is a site that gives all the voltages. but i cant recall it at the mo.

Gave up with it in the end and got a sigma 500DF

 

[Lufbrarunner]

Trigger Voltages as KIM says the voltage is O/K, it just wont talk to the 350D. It works o/k in manual or auto on my 300D.

 

[Chuckurbarla]

Thanks guys, very helpful.