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View Full Version : old sigma flash gun for EOS?

the captain
20th of June 2006 (Tue), 02:47
HI, I have an old Sigma 287 MA flash that I used to use with a minolta dynax camera. Is it possible to adapt it in anyway to fit a Canon 20D?

thanks for the help

the captain
Andy_T
20th of June 2006 (Tue), 03:09
Hi Captain,

welcome to the forum :D

IMPORTANT - TAKE A LOOK HERE: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

This listing (can't access it now as its blocked from my work internet access) should tell you whether the flash will fry your camera or not. :shock:
If it's not in there, better don't try it out!

Best regards,
Andy
the captain
20th of June 2006 (Tue), 05:01
thanks for that, but my flash isn't listed (interesting website though).

anyone else got amy ideas?


the captain.
Andy_T
20th of June 2006 (Tue), 05:15
As I said, then I wouldn't try it.

- Chances are it might damage your camera
- it will work in full manual mode only, anyway

Best regards,
Andy
Curtis N
20th of June 2006 (Tue), 08:28
The website Andy linked to also has instructions for measuring the sync voltage on your unit. You could try that.

The 20D can handle 250 volts which is safe for many, but not all flash units.

As Andy said, its capabilities with that camera are limited, since it's not designed for the E-TTL II flash metering system which that camera uses. I would stick with the pop-up flash until you can afford to purchase a proper unit for your camera. Your choices are here. (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=123694)

More info on E-TTL II flash metering in "The EOS Flash Bible" link in my sig.

If the Sigma unit has a manual mode and adjustable power, you may be able to use it as an optical slave if you buy a slave trigger for it.
FlashZebra
20th of June 2006 (Tue), 11:35
Measure the sync voltage. It is easy. Just put the positive meter lead on the center contact on the hotshoe, and the negative lead on the contact on the side(s) of the hotshoe mount. If you meter lead is too thick to touch one of the side contacts in the side groves, jam a penny or dime into the grove that contains the contact as an intermediate conductor.

If it is less than 250 Volts, use the flash on your 20D (do not use it on the hotshoe's of older Canon DSLR cameras, as they cannot tolerate Voltages greater than 6 Volts).

ETTL function is nice, but hardly fundamental. An automatic flash will give you very good function without any expense.

Enjoy! Lon