Flash for Canon A1

Hi All,
I just purchased used Canon A1 35mm film camera and am looking now for a flash. I’ve narrowed my search to a Canon 299T speedlite or a Sunpak 433D both in the $40 - $50 range. While I’m not looking for something that’s super automated like today’s offerings, some automation is welcomed. Tilt and swivel capability are a must.

Does anyone have experience with either one? I’d like something that has a reputation for quality and reliability and a possibility to be used with my Canon Rebel 300D.

Thank you.

Louis solomon wrote in post #15519637
possibility to be used with my Canon Rebel 300D.

Either one of those units will get the job done. You will have to manually set your aperture/ISO to match the flash.

Also look for a vivitar 283 or 285.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15520138
Also look for a vivitar 283 or 285.

Ummm.... OP said swivel is a MUST. That rules out the 285.

inkista wrote in post #15520775
Ummm.... OP said swivel is a MUST. That rules out the 285.

283 as well. I missed that.

Louis solomon wrote in post #15519637
Hi All,
I just purchased used Canon A1 35mm film camera and am looking now for a flash. I’ve narrowed my search to a Canon 299T speedlite or a Sunpak 433D both in the $40 - $50 range. While I’m not looking for something that’s super automated like today’s offerings, some automation is welcomed. Tilt and swivel capability are a must.

Does anyone have experience with either one? I’d like something that has a reputation for quality and reliability and a possibility to be used with my Canon Rebel 300D.

Thank you.

Louis,

The Flash you're looking for is mostly likely the. Canon 199A. I also have a A1 film Camera. I purchased the 199A at the same time I got the camera back in the day. I found a backup 199A on Craigslist for 60 bucks .

You can Bounce the flash and it has a flash confirmation light letting you know that light hit your subject etc etc.....

I also have a 300D in my gear box along with other Canon Cameras. I'll test if the flash will work with the 300D. IF it does I'm sure it can only be used in Manual Mode. PM and I will give you the results...

don_danapoint wrote in post #15520798
I'll test if the flash will work with the 300D. IF it does I'm sure it can only be used in Manual Mode.

Incorrect. Old-fashioned automatic (thyristor) flash units work in auto mode just as well with digital cameras as they did with film cameras. Keep in mind, these things regulate their own light.

You set your camera's aperture and ISO to match the flash (just like you did with film), set your shutter speed at X-sync or slower, and you're good to go. Then, in place of FEC, you just make slight adjustments to the aperture or ISO to get the exposure you want.

Curtis N wrote in post #15520842
Incorrect. Old-fashioned automatic (thyristor) flash units work in auto mode just as well with digital cameras as they did with film cameras. Keep in mind, these things regulate their own light.

You set your camera's aperture and ISO to match the flash (just like you did with film), set your shutter speed at X-sync or slower, and you're good to go. Then, in place of FEC, you just make slight adjustments to the aperture or ISO to get the exposure you want.

Curtis,

Thanks for the correction, You are a wealth of information and knowledge, it helps when someone with your expertise jumps in helps out with corrections to posts!

I tried a Canon 199a with my 7D and was surprised to find that the shutter speed would max out at 1/250 and that the "Flash Ready" icon would appear in the viewfinder.

I have the 299T, I used it with my AT-1 over 20 years ago and I am sure it will work great with your A1
I still use it with my 60D before I bought my 430EX II, it has 4 mode of operation, if I remember correctly:
Program, which I believe only works with some camera like canon T series and A series
F No Set, this I use the most because it is so easy, you just match the setting of aperture, and ISO on your flash to your camera
Manual, manual with full power
Manual 1/16, as the name implies, 1/16th power manual
Not only tilt and swivel, this flash also has a zoom function (manually operated) to three position 28, 35, 85

You can download a manual for the Canon 299T here: http://www.cameramanua​ls.org …/canon_speedlit​e_299t.pdf

The 580 EX II turned out to be compatible with my T90, but I'm not sure if compatibility goes another ten years back in time.

apersson850 wrote in post #15523236
The 580 EX II turned out to be compatible with my T90, but I'm not sure if compatibility goes another ten years back in time.

Well, the 580EX II has an old-fashioned auto mode (not so with the original 580EX). So it would work fine in that mode on any camera with a hotshoe.

Auto mode on the 580EX II is adjustable in 1/3 stop increments over a pretty big range, which would make it a lot more versatile than vintage flash units. However, most users report that it's terribly miscalibrated and you'll need to compensate by a couple stops to get good exposure.

No, I'm talking about the TTL mode the 580 EX II supports. That's compatible with the T90, still metering inside the camera.

Yes, the 580EX II and 600EX are both very multi-talented flashes that do:

1) Manual Flash for film or digital
2) External Metering: Manual for film or digital
3) External Metering: Auto for film or digital
4) A-TTL for film
5) E-TTL for digital