500D + flashgun advice (updated!!!)

learningtofly

learningtofly

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Name
Tony
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This morning, I stumbled across my old Sunpak 4205G flashgun - guide number of 42, hammerhead/bounce, diffusers, off-camera bracket, etc. It's a brilliant piece of kit and I want to use it on my 500D but I just want to be sure I'm not going to cause any damage.

The Sunpak's voltage ranges from 3.75-8 volts; from what I can ascertain, the sync trigger voltage for anything newer than the 350D is 250 volts. Looks like I should be fine, but is anyone else able to advise/confirm?

I'm planning to use it with a hot shoe adapter and PC cord, by the way, although I have no idea of that makes any difference to anything.
 
Last edited:
Did you use it on a Canon before. I'd be very wary about frying the cameras electrics !
 
There are certainly others using the 4205G's on Canon DSLRs....this link shows one hooked up (via sync cord) to a 30D

Bob
 
You can try to measure the trigger voltage yourself with a multimeter?
 
It should be fine.
You could always use and optica slave to be safe. But you will need to be in full manual mode there will be no ttl.
If you want to get rid of it that kind of flash is ideal for the cave / mine photography I do :)
 
Thanks all. Well, a very fast response from Sunpak in Japan that appears to be fairly definitive:

Dear Sir,

Thank you very much for a long use of Sunpak 4205G.
This flash is designed in low voltage so that you can use it with EOS 500D without damage.

Best Regards
Tatsuhiko Toh
***************************************
SEA AND SEA SUNPAK CO., LTD
3-2-20 Saiwaicho, Kawaguchi-shi
Saitama 332-0016, Japan
Sales Dept.
Tel No. +81-48-255-2951
Fax No. +81-48-256-2276
Mr. Tatsuhiko Toh
e-mail : t-tou@ss-sp.com
http:.//www.sunpak.jp
***************************************



From: Me
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 10:13 AM
To: qa@ss-sp.com
Subject: Sunpak 4205G with Canon EOS 500D?

Hi - I have a Sunpak 4205G with a host of accessories that I used with a Bronica ETRS/Canon EOS 1 for weddings etc for many years. I now simply take photographs as a hobby, and having recently purchased an EOS 500D would like to use the flashgun with that camera.

I believe that the Sunpak's voltage is between 3.75 and 8v, and further understand that the trigger voltage on the 500D is in the order of 250v. However, can you please confirm that it will be safe to use the two pieces of equipment together?

Many thanks,
 
Here it is then - the DEFINITIVE answer:

from canonsupport@teleperformance.de
reply-to canonsupport@teleperformance.de
to me
date 25 August 2010 15:15
subject Canon Helpdesk 000000001214382
mailed-by teleperformance.de

Dear Tony,

Thank you for your patience in awaiting my response.

I can confirm that it is safe to use a trigger voltage of up to 250V with the EOS 500D through the hotshoe.

I trust this resolves your query, please do not hesitate to come back to me should you require any further assistance.

To reply to this mail please use this link https://remedy.twenty4help.com/Canon/Pe ... 883&lid=EN or alternatively call our support helpdesk on 08443690100 Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 5:30 stating this Incident number 000000001214382.

We aim to answer queries as soon as possible. Responses on average take 1 to 2 business days (or the next working day if submitting on a weekend or public holiday).

Yours sincerely,

Lauren Dicker

Canon Support Centre
 
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