flash in macrophotography

[Reive Jack]

I have recently begun macrophotography using an Olympus c7070. The camera is superb but I have a problem with light. I wanted to use an old flash but I have been informed that if I connect an slr film camera flash to a digital hotshoe it can damage the camera. Does anyone have any knowledge of this?
What are the rules for buying a relatively inexpensive flash to support the onboard digital camera flash?
Thanks

[robski]

Hi Reive Jack & welcome to BF

This link relates to Canon and old flash guns - I am sure it relates to the general problem of putting an old Flashgun on a digital.

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Strobes is what americans call a flash gun.

The trigger voltage is the voltage on the contacts of the Flash hotshoe.
As you can see it can be several hundred volts - hence the term hot shoe.
Old cameras use a machanical electrical switch to fire the flash whereas modern cameras use a transistor as a switch which could be damaged by these high voltages. Newer flash guns tend to have a much lower trigger voltage ( 5 - 30 Volts ).

Another factor to consider with older guns is that modern cameras use some form of TLL metering and require a flashgun that is dedicated to the camera. Results from a non-dedicated flash can be very erratic and a waste of time.

I went through the same grief looking for a cheap flash for my 300D. I ended up buying a second hand Canon 380EX and have never looked back since. It's such a shame you have to pay high prices for these hi-tech flash gun if you only use occasionlly.

Robert

[Reive Jack]

Hi Reive Jack & welcome to BF

This link relates to Canon and old flash guns - I am sure it relates to the general problem of putting an old Flashgun on a digital.

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Strobes is what americans call a flash gun.

The trigger voltage is the voltage on the contacts of the Flash hotshoe.
As you can see it can be several hundred volts - hence the term hot shoe.
Old cameras use a machanical electrical switch to fire the flash whereas modern cameras use a transistor as a switch which could be damaged by these high voltages. Newer flash guns tend to have a much lower trigger voltage ( 5 - 30 Volts ).

Another factor to consider with older guns is that modern cameras use some form of TLL metering and require a flashgun that is dedicated to the camera. Results from a non-dedicated flash can be very erratic and a waste of time.

I went through the same grief looking for a cheap flash for my 300D. I ended up buying a second hand Canon 380EX and have never looked back since. It's such a shame you have to pay high prices for these hi-tech flash gun if you only use occasionlly.

Robert


Thanks Robert, that is most helpful. It looks as if I will have to look for an olympus digital compatible flash,
Alan