Off brand flash + safe sync?

[audreylynn3]

I am in the process of purchasing a Canon 30D, and I have a 3rd party flash (Bower SFD829 ) I have read that if I want to use a flash like this, I should have a Safe Sync. Will this protect my camera? I'd hate to harm it after all the money I've invested in it, but I just can't afford a Canon flash right now.

Thanks in advance!

[OsmosisStudios]

Check the trigger voltage on the flash and that on the camera. If the flash is higher, you'll need something like Wein's Safe Sync to go between. If the flash is lower, then you're safe.

[NaturalWoman]

Originally Posted by audreylynn3

I am in the process of purchasing a Canon 30D, and I have a 3rd party flash (Bower SFD829 ) I have read that if I want to use a flash like this, I should have a Safe Sync. Will this protect my camera? I'd hate to harm it after all the money I've invested in it, but I just can't afford a Canon flash right now.

Thanks in advance!

hmm, i wonder how old that model is that you have. i purchased the bower 9260 last month and it is FREAKING awesome on my olympus e520. freaking awesome. anyhoo, i thought newer flashes had to be voltage compliant with the standard digital voltage of 6.

anybody?

if it's an old flash, i would say check, but if it's one of the newer ones, i don't think it should be a problem, but better safe than sorry.

[sybren]

Fully charge the flash, and measure the voltage on the sync cable/contacts. That should give you a proper indication.

[NaturalWoman]

measure the voltage on the sync cable/contacts

how? voltage meter?

i need to find out the voltage on my novatron 240 power pack. it's way over 10 years old. maybe 15.

will this cheap thing work?

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Volt-M.../dp/B0011Z5ESQ

[sybren]

Originally Posted by NaturalWoman

how? voltage meter?

You can also use your tongue, but it's not as accurate. And probably not recommendable when it does turn out to churn out 300 volts.

will this cheap thing work?

Sure! That is, if my understanding of flashes is correct. DISCLAIMER: I'm not an electric engineer. My Speedlites are supposed to be safe, and I measure them as safe. I must say I've never actually measured a high-sync-voltage flash.