Reverse Polarity of a Flash

[darek___]

I was given an older flash unit, non-dedicated. While testing its triggering voltage I noticed that it has reversed polarity comparing to my Canon flash. The voltage is 6V=OK, but is the reversed polarity a problem when using the flash directly on hot shoe?

I have Canon EOS Elan II.

Thanks in advance.

[hiroshi_shigematsu3]

If your flash unit is non-dedicated to your camera, I wouldn't use

it. Period. I don't want to risk my expensive camera with such

thing ;-)

[brad_hutcheson]

The reversed polarity shouldn't be a problem, but I wouldn't take the

chance. A couple of questions though. are you sure you used the

same leads on the same contacts with both flashes? Did you use a

digital voltmeter? I would assume the answer to both of these is

yes, but I like to make sure. If you are not sure, recheck, and pay

attention to which lead you put where. Also, I have been told that

you can't use analog meters to measure trigger voltage. I don't have

an analog meter, so I can't confirm this though. As long as the

trigger voltage is in the 6V range any flash should be safe. I still

wouldn't risk it if the polarity is reversed, but the X-sync contacts

just complete a circuit, so it really shouldn't matter.

 

<p>

 

The usual disclaimers:

Don't try it.

Go ahead, but you are on your own.

Buy a Wein Safe Sync HS and quit worrying.