Help with a flash gun!

[jimmyb]

I'm looking for afew pointers with a flash gun... I know using flash is far too complex to explain in one thread but I'm wandering how to set up the camera to use it.

The flash gun is a Jessops 280AFC which I had for an old film camera. I'd like to try it on my 350d.

Firstly is it compatible?

Secondly do you just put it on the hotshoe and expose as per the in built camera light meter and the flashgun does the rest or do you have to adjust the exposure to a certain shutter speed for the flash?

Thirdly the flash is fully adjustable both up and down and 360 degrees and the flash lens/diffuser pulls in and out away from the strobe... what would be the best way to set up the bounce/diffuser.

I realise I'm asking allot to be explained in a thread and certain situations require different setups but though I'm an ok photographer I find the world of flash baffling!!!

Any pointers would be much appreciated.

 

[Dave *]

I'm looking for afew pointers with a flash gun... I know using flash is far too complex to explain in one thread but I'm wandering how to set up the camera to use it.

The flash gun is a 280AFC which I had for an old film camera. I'd like to try it on my 350d.

Firstly is it compatible?

Yes, I've seen a fair number of users asking the same question over the years, and it is compatible.

Most canon dslr's have a flash voltage of 250v so most modern flashes won't cause damage, (this includes the 350d I remember it being confirmed by the VP of Canon USA).

Found the original quote
(and got his job title wrong)

Chuck Westfall, Director/Media & Customer Relationship, Canon USA, advises as follows regarding the flash sync circuit of the EOS Digital Rebel XT (EOS 350D):

*****
The EOS Digital Rebel XT uses a modified version of the EOS 20D's shutter unit. Consequently, acceptable trigger circuit voltage for both cameras is the same, i.e., 250 volts. Except for the original Digital Rebel, all current EOS digital SLRs (i.e., EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 20D and EOS Digital Rebel XT) generate their X-sync signals electronically rather than mechanically. This is why they have higher acceptable trigger circuit voltage ratings than earlier models like the D30, D60, 10D and original Digital Rebel. These older models cannot be modified to achieve a higher trigger circuit voltage rating, since such a modification would require a different shutter mechanism as well as a complete redesign of the supporting circuitry.