JohnMWright Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 I have a 420ex flash and a ST-e2 transmitter. The only shoes I have to mount the flash are metal, and I am having a tough time finding a plastic shoe. My question is, when I use the flash wirelessly (you have to flip the switch to do so), are the pins on the shoe mount disabled? I am concerned that I will short the flash if I mount it on an all-metal shoe. I bought the flash used and don't have a manual, and have not found any mention of this anywhere. I hope it is a non-issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_philips Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 I've been using a slaved 420ex on metal shoe with no problems. I try to turn the flash on after mounting it in the shoe because I have had the flash short (no damage, it simply fired) when it was turned on prior to slipping it into the metal shoe. If you want to play it safe you could always tape the flash pins or fix a thin piece of cardboard to the shoe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m3rdpwr Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 I wouldn't recommend it. How about a couple layers of tape? I did that once and decided it was best to just use the stand that comes with the flash. The 580 flash stand does have threads on the bottom, I would hope the 420 is the same. It's a standard camera thread. (1/4 20? correct me if I'm wrong.) -Mario Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay a. frew Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 I use PVC electrical tape and have had no problems. I only use one piece of tape per shoe (i.e., not multiple layers). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_dunn2 Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 <cite>The 580 flash stand does have threads on the bottom, I would hope the 420 is the same.</cite> <p>Yes, the stand that ships with the 420EX also has a threaded base.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnMWright Posted November 29, 2006 Author Share Posted November 29, 2006 Thanks for the replies. I don't have the Canon stand, either. It would solve my problem. For now, I'll use electrical tape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poulbh Posted November 30, 2006 Share Posted November 30, 2006 Manfrotto, Kaiser, Hama sell plastic flash shoes. I've rounded off the edge to make it easier to mount the flash. With a straight edge there is resistance from the pins below the flash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnMWright Posted November 30, 2006 Author Share Posted November 30, 2006 Thanks Poul. Once I knew what to look for, I found the Hama model. B&H does not describe it as plastic or insulating, but they have the same model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnMWright Posted January 26, 2007 Author Share Posted January 26, 2007 For the record, I bought the Hama insulating shoe mount. It works very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now