Contax G flash compatibility?

Are the Contax automatic rangefinders flash compatible with other than the Contax G models? The contacts seems similar to the Yashica/Contax SLR system.

geirtbr said:

Are the Contax automatic rangefinders flash compatible with other than the Contax G models? The contacts seems similar to the Yashica/Contax SLR system.

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I'll check mine later today and get back to you. I think they are not, but have never tried them on any other camera besides my G1.

geirtbr said:

Are the Contax automatic rangefinders flash compatible with other than the Contax G models? The contacts seems similar to the Yashica/Contax SLR system.

Click to expand...

I put my Contax G flash on my little old Ricoh FF-1 pocket camera and it works just fine with that camera. I did notice that it was a pretty tight fit, but manageable. I have not tried any other flash units on my Cantax G1 for fear of possibly frying the electronics, so I can't comment on a reverse swap.

I just looked at a photo of the hotshoe of the Contax camera...there are THREE contacts, and only the center one is 'universal' in function, it is the Trigger tarycontact. The other two contacts are proprietary in position and function. With only the center contact functioning, the flash will only be a full power flash unless the flash has a photosensor positioned in the body of the flash and the flash has an Auto capability, so the flash can determine when there is sufficient power IF it also knows what ISO sensitivity via a setting on the flash. If the flash gets ISO value communicated via one of the two other contacts on the body, it has no other way to get ISO value and cannot be an Auto flash on any non-Contax camera. The thrid contact of the hotshoe serves some other function, such as flash-ready and/or flash confirmation light on the camera, and/or to shift the camera into flash-compatible mode 9shutter speed or aperture set into flash-range value)

There are better flashes than the G system flashes if you are looking for a universal flash.

State specifically what you are looking for.

I use the 3 pin versions interchangeably on G bodies and my Contax slr's. Contax and Metz SCA flash rigs (also a Braun w/SCA). If I recall correctly, all of the ttl functions and viewfinder indicators function properly.

craigclu said:

I use the 3 pin versions interchangeably on G bodies and my Contax slr's. Contax and Metz SCA flash rigs (also a Braun w/SCA). If I recall correctly, all of the ttl functions and viewfinder indicators function properly.

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That's good to know. I just didn't want to blow my G1 up by using some different flash on it. Years ago I had a lovely Rollei E (electronic) that I tried to use with the older style Rollei potato masher handle flash. The minute I turned the flash on there was a load zap, smoke and smell. That was the end of my Rollei E 35mm camera and I have been very cautious ever since then,

John Wiegerink said:

The minute I turned the flash on there was a load zap, smoke and smell. That was the end of my Rollei E 35mm camera and I have been very cautious ever since then,

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One issue with flash usage is that older flash units made to work with cameras using a mechanical flash circuit internal contacts often had high Voltage in the circuit that was not ompatible with newer cameras using an electronic switch for flash circuit, and a flash with 100V in its flash circuit could fry the contacts in the electronic camera because they would only tolerate low Voltage 6-12V. Later generations of electronic circuits (starting about 2004) could tolerate higher Voltage flash units.

wiltw said:

One issue with flash usage is that older flash units made to work with cameras using a mechanical flash circuit internal contacts often had high Voltage in the circuit that was not ompatible with newer cameras using an electronic switch for flash circuit, and a flash with 100V in its flash circuit could fry the contacts in the electronic camera because they would only tolerate low Voltage 6-12V. Later generations of electronic circuits (starting about 2004) could tolerate higher Voltage flash units.

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es, I found that out after it was to late. I then went to Sunk 555 and 622 flashes for my weddings and for 35mm I switched to Vivitar 285HV flashes and new er again had a problem. Live and learn the hard way I guess.

Yeah, the industry screwed up big time, when electronic trigger circuits were adopted in the cameras...as if existing flash units would not be used by photographers.