430ex on a Minolta x-300?

[ExpensiveHobby]

Hello, i was just wondering if I could use my 430ex on my dad's old Minolta x300. Would the auto functions on the flash work? also, would they 'burn' each other out? thanks!

[Jim G]

Auto functions will not work. Don't Minoltas have a really oddly shaped hotshoe that won't fit most flashes?

[ExpensiveHobby]

Thanks for the reply! I just checked, it fits on the hotshoe, so I guess it is not oddly shaped.

[Wilt]

The contacts on different brands of cameras and flashes do not all line up, or if they line up they might not have the same function! Two contacts are universal in presence and position and function...the large center contact, and the edge contact of the hotfoot/hotshoe provide trigger circuit for the flash.

ETTL of the flash requires the camera body to provide the right commands to the flash, so no ETTL function. Since the 420EX has no photosensor of its own, you have no Auto mode and are limited to Manual settings of the flash, and reliance upon the Guide Number arithmetic (or a flash meter, or trial and error) for exposure determination if you use the 430EX on the Minolta body.