5DMKII flash compatibility

Hi there, apologies, can't find a thread for this,

I have a question for someone(s) who really know their stuff. Canon can't even answer this.

Question: Will using a Canon Speedlite 420Ez on my Canon 5D MKII damage either the flash or the camera as they are worlds apart. (420Ez is mid pre '89, designed for Film EOS)

Contacted Canon about it and they didn't know. They agreed that they were not designed to be used together but were not sure if they would damage each other or not.

Side note; They do actually work together just not completely. E.g. manual mode works fine and produces the results im after, Fully Auto camera and A-TTL mode work although undesirable results anyway. I know why they aren't completely compatible and don't really care, just hoping they won't be damaged.

Kind regards,

Sai

Canon is secretive about the pin purposes and the signals passed on each pin. While some have reverse engineered the ETTL's EX pin function, it is not surprising that similar reverse-engineered documentation does not exist for EZ pin function.
It is somewhat suprising that Canon staffers can't tell you "it will/won't damage your camera" even if they don't have information about specific pin function!

The EZ flashes will usually fire at full power if you try to use automatic flash exposure.

Thanks for such a quick response Wilt,

Yeah i figured they probably wouldn't tell me, for whatever reason; thats why i just figured the answer lay with someone in a forum (like you by the sounds of it) who would just cut to the chase!

What would you think? It was hard getting a manual for it but i managed to locate it, but it doesn't mention anything about Power output or such. Just "Power Source: Four size-AA(LR6) alkaline or NI-Cd batteries. Carbon-zinc batteries may also be used" and i've four Ni-MH 2300mAh in her.

I don't know what the rules are for posting pdf manuals.

Sai

Some information about ETTL pins... http://eosdoc.com/manu​als/?q=EX-M-TTL

And more information about ETTL pins...http://billgrundmann.w​ordpress.com …g-canons-ettl-protocol-2/

more infomation about ETTL signals http://kzar.net/wiki/P​hoto/CanonE-TTLProtocol

Still nothing about EZ pins, though!