Canon F1 and 580ex

[jblake]

Hi all,

This is my first post on this great forum. I need some advice on using a flash with the old Canon F1. It doesn't have to be the 580ex but something someone knows is compatible and "trustworthy" on exposures. i used to use the metz 45CT1 many years ago but figure that there must be something a little more user friendly. Any suggestions and advice would be most appreciated.

Many thanks,

Jason

 

[bjorke]

The F-1 will only work with a 580EX in manual-flash-exposure mode.

The wireless will work too, but only in manual. So why pay $3-400?

Buy a Vivitar, Sunpak, or a used Nikon SB for cheap. The F1 isn't particularly sensitive to flash voltages, scrounge garage sales and pawn shops and the Salvation Army.

Or splurge & buy one of Frank Chen's Aikiphoto units off ebay. Heck, buy three.

 

[jblake]

Thanks Bjorke, i already own the 580ex so I guess I will have to work on the distance/metering manual flash. Many thanks

 

[Jeffrey S. Winn]

You may want to look into the Canon 299T Flash. This flash is designed for the older Canon cameras, and works very well. You don't have to think too hard to get great results, as you can use the program mode for flash. Additionally, you can choose from a number of different F-stops in the F. No. Set mode. There is also full manual and 1/16 power manual flash for additional uses.

The flash head zooms manually from 28-35-85, and you have full bounce and can be swung 90 right or 180 to the left. You also can use Slow sinc flash with your F-1 camera.

Overall this is a nice reliable flash that will work well with your F-1. They can be found for around 50-75 bucks used. I've used one for a number of years, and I've been very happy with the results.

Jeff

 

[jblake]

Many thanks Jeff. I will look one up.

Jason

 

[mawz]

The 580EX II is the way to go for someone who uses current E-TTL kit and also wants to use the flash on a F1. The 299T is a better choice for T-series bodies like the T90 where you get some automation, but the F-1 and F-1n have no flash automation (the New F1 has some automation, supporting the A series flashes and possibly the T series). The 580EX II offers Auto flash unlike the 580EX, which is a major boon on older bodies without TTL support.