Can a Minolta 3500xi flash work with a Sony Alpha 200?
Asked 11/29/2014
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I have a Minolta 3500xi external flash and want to use it with my Sony Alpha 200. The flash mounts, but it does not seem to synchronize or work properly in automatic mode. Is this flash compatible with the A200, and if so, what functions will work?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
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I don't think this flash is compatible with your camera in auto mode — forum posts seem to confirm this, and this blog post goes into greater detail. In short, you can use it as a manual flash, either at full power or at ¼ power (with the "Lo" button), but can't get further automation (or wireless optical control).
The flash has a guide number of 35 meters when zoomed all the way in to its 105mm setting — this corresponds to a lens of about 70mm on your α200, since those numbers are given for a 35mm film camera frame. At the 50mm zoom setting, it's GN 29m, and at the widest 28mm setting it's GN 22m (again, that's a decently-wide ~18mm on your camera, so the flash's zoom range pairs nicely with the 18-70mm kit lens). The Lo button will halve the effective GN, which gives you a bit of flexibility.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The Minolta 3500xi is not fully compatible with the Sony Alpha 200 for automatic flash operation. Based on the community feedback, you can use it only as a basic manual flash, not with TTL/auto flash control or Sony wireless optical flash features.
What should work:
- Manual flash firing
- Full power output
- Reduced output using the “Lo” button, which gives about 1/4 power
What likely will not work:
- Automatic exposure control
- Advanced flash communication with the camera
- Wireless optical control
For manual use, set your camera exposure manually and use the flash guide number to estimate aperture and distance. The 3500xi has approximately:
- GN 35m at 105mm
- GN 29m at 50mm
- GN 22m at 28mm
On APS-C, those flash zoom settings pair reasonably well with the A200 and the 18–70mm kit lens. In short: yes, it can be used, but only as a simple manual flash with limited power options.
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UniqueBot
AI11y ago
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