Flash Compatibility (Again!)

I have a Jessops own brand flash gun (Centon FH95) with a dedicated Pentax module which I brought to use with my MZ 5n. On enquiring at my local branch whether I could use this with my *istDS, I was told 'no', and they tried to flog me an inferior 'digital' flash gun. I'm a little loth to use it on the DS in case it mucks up the electronics (I used a Minolta Dimage 7i before I brought the Pentax, and know you had to use special flashguns with that because of voltages etc).

I would like to go on using the Centon (a hammerhead gun, and quite powerful). Has anyone else had any experience, or able to offer advice?

I have been using the *istDS with studio flash with no problems, and also with various non-dedicated small flashguns as well. Why not phone the service dept at pentax to make sure if you're at all doubtful.

I think a lot of the worry over flash guns is down to their trigger voltages. The older Metz guns (45 CT-1, I think, but only older versions) had very high trigger voltages which would pop a modern camera (MZ-5 included).
As far as I am aware, all newer guns have low voltage triggering and so they are fine on new equipment (they would have to in order to conform to CE standards requirements).

Here's the link at Metz: http://www.metz.de/en/photo_electronics/faq/19/148/show.html
(They call it a high-voltage ignition circuit)

Personally, I have used the Pentax AF360FGZ on Z1, MZ5, MZ10, and *ist-D. I've also used a Cobra flash on MZ5. More recently I have an Interfit eFlash which works just fine on the *ist-D.

The Centon range should be just fine. If it worked with the MZ5 (especially in AF and TTL modes), then it should be ok on the *ist-DS. If you want to check, phone up the service dept for Centon and ask them the trigger voltage; or measure it yourself - between the centre pin and the edge of the hot shoe (as in the "old" style trigger pins).

Matt

Probably old news now, but the Centon FH-95 does work on an *istD without blowing up anything.

I too was worried at first about compatability but after reading many threads on here and following some good links posted by the more informed members I had a play last night and works very well.

Thanks Mike, I've got the original FH-80 - excellent for a budget priced gun!
I've used it on both my SXF and Z1-P and was 99.9% sure that it would be ok on my *istDL but haven't tried it yet, thanks to your reply the 0.1% doubt has now gone