Nikon SB-28 or Canon 420EX on S5-IS?

Hi all,

This question is for my father who is looking to purchase the Canon S5 IS... He would also like to add a flash. He already has a Nikon SB-28 from a previous Nikon N70 film SLR (yes, he is converting ). Can someone tell me if the SB-28 will work on the S5 IS? If not, will a Canon 420EX work?

He is looking for basic automatic TTL functionality.

Thanks in advance.

I don't believe they are wired the same...and that it could actually be a hazard to the canon camera to use the nikon flash. (I'm not sure about the 420 ex, hopefully someone else will chime in on that).

The SB-28 will work on the S5 IS in manual and "traditional" automaic mode. No ETTL/iTTL control.

Since you already have the SB-28 give it a test drive. If you find it lacking then consider another flash.

Enjoy! Lon

could you clarify then (someone told a friend of mine not to use the SB 26 on his M2 or 40D, I can't remember which he was playing with...that it would harm it)...is there a difference then btw. those and the S5? or was the person completely incorrect?

FlashZebra wrote in post #6139976
The SB-28 will work on the S5 IS in manual and "traditional" automaic mode. No ETTL/iTTL control.

Since you already have the SB-28 give it a test drive. If you find it lacking then consider another flash.

Enjoy! Lon

Can you please explain what you meant by "traditional" automatic mode?

TIA

aridan wrote in post #6146030
Can you please explain what you meant by "traditional" automatic mode?

TIA

Long before ETTL or iTTL, flash units had automatic function using a light sensor based in the flash unit itself. The Nikon flash units (including the SB- 28) have retained this flash mode, in addition to integrating newer methodologies.

To use this method you set the ISO on the flash and a select a mode (there are typically a few modes). This mode then recommends a aperture setting for the camera. You the transfer the suggest aperture and selected ISO manually to the camera.

With the exception of the Canon 580EX II, the Canon flash unit of about the last 20 years or so abandoned this very utilitarian mode. But in general the Nikon units have retained this functionality.

Enjoy! Lon

Doesn't sound like he wants to fool around with setting ISO, shutter speed and aperture.

The 420EX will work very well on a S5. To get "basic automatic TTL functionality" it will have to be a Canon EX flash or any one of the 3rd party ETTL flashes.

msowsun wrote in post #6146827
...or any one of the 3rd party ETTL flashes.

Doesn't the SB-28 fall into this category?

No, they are an older series of flash. They are dedicated to Nikon only and secondly they don't even do TTL on Nikon's.

They do have a manual or "Auto" mode that can be used with any camera, but you must set everything manually.

Great, thanks!