Flashguns

[ChrisMClark]

I apologise if this question has been asked before, I did search but as you'd imagine there were many results for the search term 'flashgun'

I've just ordered an Olympus E420 with a lens, and I'm wondering about flashguns. Will any flashgun with a normal hotshoe (not like the strange Sony one) work on my shiny new olympus, or will I have to buy an Olympus gun? My old ST605 worked with any flashgun, but it's an old camera (circa '77) and that flashgun has long since packed up!

Any help?

 

[dinorock]

yes is the answer but if you look on the hotshoe it probably has two or more contacts these give the camera the info of what flash you are using a dedicated olympus flash will give better results other makes will need an oly connector to attach it to the camera i think check the camera when you get it youll see what i mean mike

 

[ChrisMClark]

I did notice having a look round jessops earlier that new flashguns have 4 pins on the shoe, whereas my old flashgun, including the one that I aquired with my st605 had the contacts in the recess of the shoe, and one 'bobbly' contact on the bottom.

Can't wait for my new camera to turn up Should be much easier than my old Fujica....although it does take luvverly pics.

 

[who?]

You need to be careful about the trigger voltaqge. I think olympus 4xx/5xx cameras are ok up to 6v - but some flashes put out big voltages.

As I understand it you need an olympus or possibly a metz if you want it to work fully with the olympus camera. I did ask about this on the http://forum.fourthirdsphoto.com/showthread.php?t=38645 you might also ask on the http://e-group.uk.net/forum/index.php

I'm not really trying to push other forums, but most peopl on here seem to be canon/nikon users

 

[ChrisMClark]

Thanks for the help, that's a good thing to remember! Don't wanna fry my new little baby, do I?!

Also apologies if this should have gone in the lightng sub-forum...I mod on other forums and it drives me mad when people mispost...so I'm sorry! :bonk:

 

[Slapo]

Safest thing to do is to check the manufacturer's website to see whether a particular flash model supports your camera model (and manufacturer ). Otherwise you might lose feature, gear or even risk your health.