Non-Canon flash unit at DVinfo.net

Chris Fangio · February 13th, 2003, 12:43 PM

Hi there,

I have an ten year old PHILIPS flash unit and no camera to use it for. So I looked at the flash unit, looked to my XM2, looked back to the flash unit and though "hey, let's give it a try"

But: could it do any damage to the XM2 or the flash unit? Does it have to be a Canon flash which is really expensive? It fits mechanically, but does it fit electronically also?

Don't wanna push the photo button before you tell me to do so <lol>. This acessory shoe is a mystery to me and any explanations are very welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

Scott Silverman · February 13th, 2003, 10:57 PM

I tried using my 10+ year old SunPak flash in my GL2 (I just tried it, didn't worry 'bout harming the cam...I guess I should have) with no success whatsoever. I don't think it will harm your cam at all, but I doubt it will work. I think Canon rigged it so you HAVE to buy one of their nice, expensive Speedlites. So if you are concerned about harming your cam, just don't try it because I can just about guarantee it wont work. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Don Palomaki · February 14th, 2003, 05:55 AM

Probably needs to be a flash that is fully Canon Speedlite compatible.. Not sure if there is such a beast. Check the photo shops for this. Maybe Subpak, Vivitar, or Metz offer one?

Adrian Douglas · February 15th, 2003, 01:02 AM

The only non-canon flashes that will work with the XL and I suppose the GL/XMs are third party flashes that are EOS dedicated. I have a StarBlitz DFC 300 that is EOS dedicated and worked with my XL1. If your Phillips flash is EOS dedicated then it should work, if not then I wouldn't bother. You won't do any damage to either, they just won't communicate.

Chris Fangio · February 15th, 2003, 02:02 AM

Thanks everyone for your comments. So I'll have to go for an EOS-compatible unit and give it a try. Perhaps I'll find one which is cheaper than an original Canon flash.

Chris

February 13th, 2003, 12:43 PM	#1
Chris Fangio Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Koblenz, Germany Posts: 70	Non-Canon flash unit Hi there, I have an ten year old PHILIPS flash unit and no camera to use it for. So I looked at the flash unit, looked to my XM2, looked back to the flash unit and though "hey, let's give it a try" But: could it do any damage to the XM2 or the flash unit? Does it have to be a Canon flash which is really expensive? It fits mechanically, but does it fit electronically also? Don't wanna push the photo button before you tell me to do so <lol>. This acessory shoe is a mystery to me and any explanations are very welcome. Thanks in advance, Chris

February 13th, 2003, 10:57 PM	#2
Scott Silverman Major Player Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cupertino, California, USA Posts: 301	I tried using my 10+ year old SunPak flash in my GL2 (I just tried it, didn't worry 'bout harming the cam...I guess I should have) with no success whatsoever. I don't think it will harm your cam at all, but I doubt it will work. I think Canon rigged it so you HAVE to buy one of their nice, expensive Speedlites. So if you are concerned about harming your cam, just don't try it because I can just about guarantee it wont work. Good luck with whatever you decide! __________________ Scott Silverman Shining Star Digital Video Productions Bay Area, CA

February 15th, 2003, 01:02 AM	#4
Adrian Douglas Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Chigasaki, Japan. Posts: 1,660	The only non-canon flashes that will work with the XL and I suppose the GL/XMs are third party flashes that are EOS dedicated. I have a StarBlitz DFC 300 that is EOS dedicated and worked with my XL1. If your Phillips flash is EOS dedicated then it should work, if not then I wouldn't bother. You won't do any damage to either, they just won't communicate. __________________ Adrian DVInfo.net Search for quick answers Where to buy? From the best in the business...DVInfo.net sponsors

February 14th, 2003, 05:55 AM	#3
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Probably needs to be a flash that is fully Canon Speedlite compatible.. Not sure if there is such a beast. Check the photo shops for this. Maybe Subpak, Vivitar, or Metz offer one?

February 15th, 2003, 02:02 AM	#5
Chris Fangio Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Koblenz, Germany Posts: 70	Thanks everyone for your comments. So I'll have to go for an EOS-compatible unit and give it a try. Perhaps I'll find one which is cheaper than an original Canon flash. Chris