Contax G flash compatibility?

[geirtbr]

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

 

[John Wiegerink]

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

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.

 

[John Wiegerink]

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

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.

 

[wiltw]

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)

 

[Patrick Robert James]

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

State specifically what you are looking for.