Sync danger?

Hello out there.

A Canon representative told me I should get a "safe sync" device to use with my 20D. I use some strobes and he told me that the "safe sync" device will protect the camera if the strobes use more than 6 volts.

Does anyone have knowledge about this? If I really need one, where do I get one and how much do they cost?

Thanks.

dioptic

Safe Sync Adapter

This The Manual states that the 20D is good for 250V, either polarity on the PC connector. It was true(6V maximum) with the 10D,D30,D60 but now, the 20D doesn't need one with any modern flash. I have one but don't use it anymore. It is made by Wein and costs about $50.

Interesting information, Westfalcon. I did not know that.

On the other hand ... would I bet my camera on it? Maybe not

Best regards,
Andy

Andythaler wrote:
On the other hand ... would I bet my camera on it? Maybe not

That's exactly the reason why they sell these "safe" attachment at $50 when the passive component inside it is worth 50cts...

Just to add.. If the flash requires a safe sync adaptor, then it most likely isn't E-TTL compatible..

This means the flash will always fire full power, leaving you to manually compensate for it. The flash will never be metered automatically..

I think you're confusing the hotshoe voltage with the PC terminal voltage. The 20D would still have the same "safe" voltage requirement on the hot shoe as the 10D and the other EOD digital cameras. The 250V max is for the PC terminal, not the hot shoe.

The Safe-Sync is for the hot shoe. The PC synch connection on the 20D is expected to be used with professional lighting systems. I suggest using Canon flash on the hot shoe or 6V safe flash there. There is enough to go around. However, on a similar thread on another forum, a repair technician was laughing because he had seen few or no repairs due to over-voltage flashes. On the third hand, damage is cumulative since it stresses part of the camera's electronic circuitry and is not necessarily immediately apparent.

The PC terminal and the Hotshoe are linked together as far as voltage trigger is concern.

Unless you have studio lights that are from mid-80s and older, you won't have to worry about 250+ volts.

I use a Wein Safe Sync on the hot shoe of my 300D, when using studio flash, a Metz 45 and a Vivitar 283, it reduces the trigger voltage to around 3 volts. I purchased mine from The Flash Centre.

Quadphoto
Welcome to the forum.

The person was speaking about the hot shoe. The hot shoe will only support 6 volts but the pc can handle up to 250Vols. Old units can burn it out but the newer ones operate around 8 to 20 volts and using the pc connection it will not be effected.

You can also use remote triggering devise, they will not harm the Camera.

I was told last week by Canon support in Irvine that the 1 series bodies were good to 250V and that the smaller DSLRS are not. They are good to only 6V. He specifically stated that both PC and Hotshoe are good on the EOS-1's but did not specifically mention the PC on the 20D.If you really need to be sure however, you can call them yourself at 1 (800) 828-4040.

If you check your manual,page 98for the 20D it tells you not to connect any unit with 250 volts or more. that means you can connect below 250 volts. Some old units work at a much higher voltage and then you have to use a surpressor.

If you check mfg spec for flash units you will find that most of hte new systems operate below that range substantially.

Do not confuse flash voltage with triggering voltage, it is 2 different things. The 6 volts is ment for the hot shoe and if an agent told you that he does not know what he is talking about.


I work with Excalibur light and my voltage is around 8 volts and I have been using it withg my EOS Elan for five years with no problems. When I found out about it I bought Weins voltage shoe mount surpressor. If I use the hot shoe I put that on other wise I hook to my pc scoket.

All you have to do is check with the mfg of your flash units what the triggering volts are.

You asked and we answered with what we know, if you do not beleivee us go with the agent.