Question about Rebel and external flash

[rkorn]

Can a Vivitar 285 flash unit be used with the Rebel? Also can this flash work in the auto modes?

Thanks!!

[Curtis N]

From what I have read, the trigger voltage on those Vivitars can be fairly high. Definitely too high for the 300D (6 volt max) and probably too high for the 350D (250 volt max).

A company called Wein makes various "safe sync" devices whith you can attach between hotshoe and flash to avoid damaging your camera, but I would recommend saving your money for an E-TTL compatible flash unit instead.

In general, auto-thyristor flash units work fine in auto mode on digital SLRs, some say better than the camera's E-TTL system. You have to manually set the ISO and aperture on the camera to match the flash settings. If you have used these flash units before then you understand their limitations.