Gear Talk > Lighting

Tips for using Speedlite 199A

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Mt Spokane Photography:

--- Quote from: old-pr-pix on December 25, 2011, 09:29:22 PM ---Knowing how the 199A works should help you get it to play nice w/5D (or most other cameras).  199A is from analog era.  Setting the red/green/yellow/white switch on it sent an analog voltage to the camera to indicate what aperture to set the lens to on the camera.  For automatic operation, the sensor on the flash controlled when to cut-off the flash burst, the camera had no control over flash duration.  The camera just had to get the right lens opening, trigger the flash, and let the flash control the amount of light. 

Two ways to go and have semi-automatic function:  1) Buy (if you can find one) a "Syncro Cord A" which allows connection of 199A to the PC socket on camera.  Mount flash off camera. Set camera and flash to the same ISO.  Set R/G/Y/W switch to desired f-stop using the flash dial as indicator (easier to understand if you have the 199A in front of you).  Set camera on manual at shutter speed within its flash sync. range (1/60th as default) and set aperture to same as indicated by 199A R/G/Y/W switch setting.  Flash will now determine length of burst and shut itself off when sufficient light provided.

2)  Second method is similar to above, except assumes no "Syncro Cord A" is available and requires minimal understanding of electrical connections -- use at your own risk.  Tape off the two contacts on 199A that are side-by-side leaving only the central contact exposed.  (This blocks the aperture setting analog voltage connection to camera.)  Mount flash on camera hot shoe.  Follow steps above starting at "Set camera and flash to the same ISO"...

The 199A is still a very capable flash and should provide correct automatic exposure in most instances.  It's confused with highly reflective subjects or when the true subject is well off center (its sensor can only 'see' a fairly narrow angle).

These methods have worked well for me.  Anyone with a better approach please let me know as well.

--- End quote ---

Thats good information, I've made a copy for my files.  I come accross a older Canon flash occastionlly, so i'll try it.  I'll try it with some of the old Canon compatible TTL flashes as well. 

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