Question of connecting flash to camera PC sync

Sorry for the knuckle head question, but I know that connecting an older high voltage flash to the hot shoe of the camera can damage the camera, but what about connecting it to the camera via the PC sync connector. Will that cause damage?

thanks, Randy

shooterman wrote in post #3710292
Sorry for the knuckle head question, but I know that connecting an older high voltage flash to the hot shoe of the camera can damage the camera, but what about connecting it to the camera via the PC sync connector. Will that cause damage?

thanks, Randy

Damage can occur if the flash has too high a trigger voltage whether you use the hot shoe or the PC terminal.

Yes; the PC sync port works the same way as the hot-shoe, it just shorts two wires. Either way, you end up getting a massive charge unloaded into your camera on that circuit, which modern electronic cameras just aren't up to. You'll need to either get a voltage limiter, or attach it to a PocketWizard (apparently, those things will take just about any sync voltage).

You need to know the trigger voltage of the strobe you plan on using.

The 30D will take a trigger voltage up to 250V. Page 108 in your manual...

Many, possibly most older flash units are at or below 250 Volts. But some are not.

But do not make a decision about using an older flash based on what it might or might not be.

Just measure the sync Voltage of the flash you are interested in and if it is at or below 250 Volts use it.

Measuring the sync Voltage is easy.

Once you measure it be sure to mark the value on the flash unit so the mystery will be over for the future.

Enjoy! Lon