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Category: Photographic Field Techniques

Photography Question 

Linda Bukovac
 

Using a Pentax Flash on a Canon Camera


I would like to know if I can use a Pentax AF-360FGZ flash on a 20D camera? Thanks.


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February 24, 2008

 
- Gregory LaGrange

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  If it fits the hot shoe and the contacts line up, then it doesn't have to be in a dedicated mode. If it has manual or simple auto functions, you can.


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February 24, 2008

 

W.
  Hi Linda,
what Greg says is right: it CAN work. But it's a pain! The 20D is a good camera, and it deserves a matching flashgun. Why don't you have a look at Ebay for an affordable Canon Speedlite? Have fun!


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February 25, 2008

 

Jon Close
  I concur. Just get a Canon-compatible speedlight. Still, the AF 360FGZ will work in its manual output (1/1, 1/2 ...) or non-TTL AUTO mode. Set the 20D for Av or M mode so that you can manually coordinate the ISO and aperture setting with the AF-360FGZ. Flash exposure compensation is possible by varying the ISO and aperture from the camera's settings. You'll have to set the speedlight's zoom manually to match your lens. Other features such as AF assist light, high speed flash sync, 2nd curtain sync, etc., will not be enabled.


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February 25, 2008

 

Brad Wiederholt
  You know, I just read this thread in the SnapShot newsletter, and agree that you might want to check into a Canon EX over the Pentax.

However I have to say that learning how to control the M mode on the flash is an important skill for the growing photographer. Relying solely on ETTL can be more limiting that it is freeing.

As your photography progresses, one should take the time to learn how to use third-party flashes, or use off-camera flash controlled by a PC-sync cord. This opens you up to all the possibilities of using pentax, canon, vivitar, studio lights, etc. It also opens up the possibility of more creative pictures.

The ETTL stuff is nice (I have a couple of 580's) but there are more times than not where I use them off camera and mix them up with other brands/types of lighting.

(On a side note, be careful about hooking up older equipment directly to the hotshoe. Some older equipment and flashes use higher voltages and could wreak havoc on the electronics in your camera.)


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February 26, 2008

 
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