Older flashguns on EOS Elan II

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I have a Canon Eos Elan IIe and just got a $1 worth flash for, supposedlu, Canon EOS. It's called Alfon 601-Can Auto Focus. Does anybody know anything about these? And another silly question: I have an older Practika BC-20 flash (Auto & TTL) from my old set. Can I use it directly on my Canon or will it fry its circuits? That flash was made in Germany for Practika BX 20 camera and resembles Metz design. Thanks to all who will answer.

-- Darek Szpunar (dszpunar@flash.net), December 24, 1998

Answers

I wouldn't use either until I check the trigger voltage. Official word is nothing higher than 6V, I think, but it SHOULD be safe as long as it doesn't excede 10-12V. I have seen trigger voltages in excess of 240V from old shoe mount flashes, and it is also reported to be a problem with some studio strobes, but I have never measured any. As for the Paktica, you say it is TTL, so if it is compatible with Canon EOS, it should be fine, but I would still check the voltage. If it is dedicated to another brand, I wouldn't use it.

To check trigger voltage you need a digital mutimeter. The cheap ones from Radio Shack work fine, but I have read that analog meters don't work for this. Turn the flash on and let it charge up. Measure from the center contact to the side contact. If you get negative voltage, you just reversed polarity, but the reading should be the same anyway. I think the center contact is positive though. Other than needing three hands to do this, the only problem you may have is having a probe too big to get to the side contact. If this is the case, use a paper clip or something to make the contact.

-- Brad (reloader@webtv.net), December 24, 1998.


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