ISO Speed Film Flash Gun mounted on DSLR

[jamesdavidboro]

I've just bought a Minolta 2800 AF Flash Gun(£4 off ebay!). Obviously i'm intending to use in manual mode. The problem is the back panel is missing which (i didn't realise when i bought it) is where the ISO slider is. I have no idea what the ISO is set to, so my question is will i still be able to use it effectively? Will i just be able to alter the exposure to match the flash? The maximum ISO for the flash is 1000 so if i have to set the ISO to about 800 it wouldn't really matter, right?

P.S i can't test it yet as i don't have a hot shoe converter. I'm trying to find out if its worth buying one.

 

[Big Mike]

The good thing about digital is that you can shoot and then immediately check your exposure (use the histogram, not just the image). When in manual, the precise settings on the flash don't have to match up with those on the camera, you can alter either the flash or the camera settings if that gets you what you want.

 

[jamesdavidboro]

Thanks Mike. Just had another thought. The flash is Auto only. Does this mean that when i use it even though the camera is set to manual the flash will be trying to meter the light and speak to the camera, or will it just fire the same amount of light everytime? Maybe i should just buy a sony dedicated flash

 

[Big Mike]

It depends on the flash.

Some flashes have their own built-in auto metering. The Vivitar Auto-Thyristor for example. It senses the reflected light and shuts off the flash when it gets enough for the settings on the flash. It's up to you to match those settings on the camera.

Others might 'talk' with the camera for a more automatic experience.

I'm not sure about yours, maybe you could google up an owner's manual.

 

[jamesdavidboro]

I've got the manual but it assumes you're useing the flash with a Minolta Maxxum Camera. Its says in M Mode the flash duration is controlled by the camera but obviously with mine it won't be as the Camera won't speak to the Flash. Will the flash then fire if its not getting any info about exposure from the Camera?

Oh well i've ordered a converter and if it doesn't work then i've got the converter there for a different flash.