G9 Flashgun Help [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

Fergie

30th of January 2009 (Fri), 15:38

My Canon G9 (that I got at Christmas 08.) does not seem to be recognising the external flash.
Can anyone give me some advice with this.

The flash fires when the camera is set to 'Auto' but the shutter and aperture seem to remain set as if there was no flash and the the result is a 'white-out' photo.
Photo details in Photoshop says that the flash did not fire.I am assuming that it is referring to the built in flash.

My flash is a Canon 200E that I am begining to suspect might be incompatible with the G9.

Cheers.

SnJPhoto

30th of January 2009 (Fri), 15:47

I believe you are correct on the incompatible part. I believe it needs to have E-TTL capability to have the camera control it for you. Otherwise it is likely only going to fire at full power.

Bob_A

30th of January 2009 (Fri), 15:48

That's a pretty old flash. It may work with the camera set to have flash in Manual where you set the power (in-camera menu), but it won't give you auto-flash ability.

Pick up a used 420EX and you'll be a happy camper. All of the EX series flashes work (auto-flash). The 220EX can be found for less $, but with the 420EX you can swivel and tilt the flashhead to bounce it ... much better.

msowsun

30th of January 2009 (Fri), 16:03

I believe you are correct on the incompatible part. I believe it needs to have E-TTL capability to have the camera control it for you. Otherwise it is likely only going to fire at full power.

Correct. The 200E will always fire at full power. You could shoot in manual mode and keep altering the f/stop to get the right exposure, but it will need lots of trial and error.

Fergie

1st of February 2009 (Sun), 08:02

Thanks for your help guys.
Looks like the 200E will have to go but Canon flashguns are a bit on the expencive side. Do any of you know of alternative flashguns that will fit and be compatible with the G9 ??

Cheers.

Fergie

4th of February 2009 (Wed), 16:43

Spoke to a 'Jessops' sales person today who says that their own-make flashgun, the 'Jessops 300AFD Digital Flashgun for (Canon AF)' will be compatible with the G9.

It can be seen Here (http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Accessories/Flash/Flashguns/products/Jessops/300AFD%20Digital%20Flashgun%20for%20(Canon%20AF)-35585/Show.html)

Any comments please.

Bob_A

4th of February 2009 (Wed), 20:09

Buy a used 420EX. You should be able to get one for a pretty reasonable price.

PlayersZ28

7th of February 2009 (Sat), 17:41

Metz makes some flashes that are compatible too.

Fergie

8th of February 2009 (Sun), 19:56

I've ordered a Jessops 300AFD.
I will report back on it.

Cheers.

DaryleH

8th of February 2009 (Sun), 22:16

I use the Promaster 5550 DX Digital with the Canon E-TTL module, does about the same as the Canon 400 series for about $150.

Daryle

photosmarty

15th of February 2009 (Sun), 13:09

First post and trying to be VERY helpful ;)

I have put together a website detailing and basic experimenting with a Jessops 300afd on my 350d. When I was looking to buy one I found no info whatsoever about them, only found this thread due to my father-in-law (who is registered on this site somewhere) borrowing it for his G3.

I am quite pleased with what it does for such a cheap and basic unit, takes a bit of work, especially when bouncing but pleased overall.

Website is here:
http://www.ourpicturebook.co.uk/300afd

No ads or pop-ups, its my own work and domain.
Hope it helps some folks.