Rebel XT (350D) flash voltage

[Anteros]

Here is a message that was posted on the dpreview forums by Doug Kerr. Apparently it was emailed to him. Good news for those who have older flashes and want to use them on their 350d.

Chuck Westfall, Director/Media & Customer Relationship, Canon USA, advises as follows regarding the flash sync circuit of the EOS Digital Rebel XT (EOS 350D):

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The EOS Digital Rebel XT uses a modified version of the EOS 20D's shutter unit. Consequently, acceptable trigger circuit voltage for both cameras is the same, i.e., 250 volts. Except for the original Digital Rebel, all current EOS digital SLRs (i.e., EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 20D and EOS Digital Rebel XT) generate their X-sync signals electronically rather than mechanically. This is why they have higher acceptable trigger circuit voltage ratings than earlier models like the D30, D60, 10D and original Digital Rebel. These older models cannot be modified to achieve a higher trigger circuit voltage rating, since such a modification would require a different shutter mechanism as well as a complete redesign of the supporting circuitry.

*****

Best regards,

Doug


Not sure if links are allowed here, but here's the link to the post for reference:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1031&message=13042207

[Tobby]

I am trying to find one specific information from the threads but couldn't (looking if someone asked about it and got the answer). I even tried to post this question in other thread but couldn't get the answer i want. I hope this thread is suitable or at least close enough to my topic.

My question is, can i use my new Canon 350D with my old Nikon SB22s speedlight? Of course in the manual of SB22s, Nikon does not recommend using it with other brands and will not held responsible for any damage caused.

I managed to test it, it worked fine, managed to fire the flash (Nikon's SB22s speedlight mounted on Canon's 350D hot shoe). But i am just curious will it be okay for prolonged use. Don't want to spoil any of it (The Speedlight is also quite new, as it only fired less than 100 shots).

Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge.

[SkipD]

My question is, can i use my new Canon 350D with my old Nikon SB22s speedlight? Of course in the manual of SB22s, Nikon does not recommend using it with other brands and will not held responsible for any damage caused.If the SB22 has more than just a center pin (like the Canon flash units do), I would NOT use it on the Canon camera. There are communication type circuits that connect the Canon camera to its compatible flash units, and there's no telling what the other manufacturers do differently for similar communication. You could (as in possibly) damage either the camera or the flash unit by using the flash unit on the wrong brand camera. In my opinion, it just isn't worth the risk.

[Tobby]

If the SB22 has more than just a center pin (like the Canon flash units do), I would NOT use it on the Canon camera. There are communication type circuits that connect the Canon camera to its compatible flash units, and there's no telling what the other manufacturers do differently for similar communication. You could (as in possibly) damage either the camera or the flash unit by using the flash unit on the wrong brand camera. In my opinion, it just isn't worth the risk.
Thanks a lot SkipD, for sharing your points and opinion. The SB22s indeed have an extra pin. The 350D has 4 contact points/pins below the center (big) pin. However, SB22s speedlight only have 2 pins below the center pin, and what is likely to be dangerous (for 350D) is that SB22s have another pin aboe the center contact point (on the right side).

I found some info from (http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html) saying that it can be used together, i did try (gamble) to use the SB22s on my 350D. it managed to fire (of course only in manual).

After a bit of reading and thinking, i think i'll just trade in my old SB22s and top-up a bit to get a better Canon speedlight. It is good to have the TTL.

(Of course non of the above will be an issue if i money is not an issue in the first place) :-p