non- Canon Flash on my 20 D

[terpam]

Hello to All,

I have a NIKON SB-16 speedlite that I would like to use with my Canon 20D. When I put the flash on the hot shoe there apparently is no syncing. The shutter speed and aperture remain as if there is no flash on the camera. And the flash does fire which consequently washes the picture completely out. Do I need to change some settings? Am I doing something wrong? Am I wrong in assuming this flash will work on my camera? Any help appreciated.

Terry

[tim]

Try using the flash in full manual mode.

[jjonsalt]

Try using the flash in full manual mode.

That's the only way it's going to work.

[terpam]

Thanks for the replies. But what causes the camera to adjust shutter speed and aperture. In other words, if I shoot w/out the flash, in a room with ordinary lighting, the shutter speed is slow...very slow. When the on camera flash pops up the shutter speed adjusts, which indicates a flash shot. But it does not do that with the Nikon flash. Should I expect the camera settings to change when I attach the Nikon flash.

Thanks from a rainy North Carolina

[scotgasch]

in order to use the Nikon, or any other non-dedicated flash, you have to shoot in manual and adjust your flash output manually.

[Lax_lacks]

Just for future reference, External Flash Trigger Voltages (http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html)

[tim]

Terpan, no matter what flash you use the camera won't adjust its shutter speed or aperture. With Canon units you should go into manual mode, set the aperture/shutter you want, then ETTL will flash the right strength to expose the picture more or less correctly - you tweak it with flash exposure compensation. With your Nikon light you'll have to set its output strength manually, probably using a flash meter or perhaps by trying it out and watching your histogram.