Rebel XT and Sunpak 433AF

[4huskers]

Can I use this flash on my Rebel XT? I just got it today and I've taken a half dozen shots and everyone is over-exposed and the shutter speed is like the camera is set to bulb. I have the camera set to auto. I also read that the flash could generate too much voltage; is that true?
Thanks

[Curtis N]

According to this web page (http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html), the trigger voltage of the Sunpak 433AF should be ok for your camera.

I'm not familiar with that unit, but from the symptoms you describe I'm assuming it's not an E-TTL flash and isn't compatible with your camera's metering system. It's probably a TTL flash designed for film cameras, and probably won't work with your RebelXT in any practical way.

[4huskers]

Thanks, it sure seems to be that way. I thought since the ad stated EOS it would work with my digital.

[Curtis N]

I thought since the ad stated EOS it would work with my digital.Unfortunately, the TTL flash metering systems used with EOS film cameras didn't work with a digital sensor, so a new system was developed.

There's more info about this in The EOS Flash Bible (link in my signature).

Hopefully you can return this unit and get one that's compatible.

[4huskers]

The online camera store I bought the flash from had it listed as being for a Canon EOS digital camera. There was no list of compatible models. This is my first time posting to the forum and again thanks a lot. Learned new stuff already.

[FlashZebra]

Most likely the flash Sunpak 433AFwill work in "traditional" automatic on just about any camera with a hotshoe, including your Rebel XT.

You need not be concerned about the sync Voltage, it is likely less than 10 Volts, and far below the 250 Volt limit of the XT.

I have several Sunpak 433D (not the AF) and they work just dandy in "traditional" automatic.

Please realize that I am guessing a bit that the basic function of the 433AF is about the same as the 433D.

But, it has no special accommodation for a Canon Digital, so I would take it back.

Enjoy! Lon

[Curtis N]

Most likely the flash Sunpak 433AFwill work in "traditional" automatic on just about any camera with a hotshoe, including your Rebel XT.I wondered about that, but the image and description on the B&H website indicate it's TTL only.

If the OP will upload pictures of the front and back of the flash unit, we can clear up this mystery pretty quick.

[FlashZebra]

Curtis,

Well here is the back of a 433AF for a Nikon, look familiar? Like your 383?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sunpak-433AF-Flash-for-Nikon_W0QQitemZ130108163912QQihZ003QQcategoryZ1034 16QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But here is a 433AF for some sort of Canon, quite a different bird. Likely not to have any function with a Canon Digital.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CANON-SUNPAK-433-AF-THYRISTOR-TTL-Digital-film-flash_W0QQitemZ290111560672QQihZ019QQcategoryZ1079 31QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here is another one for a Canon that also looks pretty uncooperative.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sunpak-Auto-433-AF-Thyristor-Flash-for-Canon-AF_W0QQitemZ230126277102QQihZ013QQcategoryZ103414Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If the OP has one with that sparse back panel like the last two Ebay ads, they better get that flash returned right away.

Looks like my guess was way wrong.

Enjoy! Lon