Will a Canon TTL module make a Promaster FTD 5600 work in TTL on a Canon EOS 600D/T3i?
Asked 1/23/2014
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I have a Promaster FTD 5600 flash with an interchangeable TTL module. It currently has a Nikon module, and on my Canon EOS 600D / Rebel T3i it only works in manual mode.
If I find a Canon module for this flash, is it likely to provide TTL on a modern Canon DSLR, or are these older dedicated modules often incompatible with newer digital EOS bodies?
Also, I’m having trouble finding modules specifically labeled for the FTD 5600. Are Promaster modules shared across similar models, or do I need one made specifically for the 5600? I’d also like to know if there are any safety concerns such as trigger voltage when mounting this flash on a DSLR.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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The dedicated foot may or may not work properly with a newer camera of the same brand. Your best bet would be to get a non-dedicated version, if available for your make and model, and then use that. There are a couple of caveats, though: one is, the flash unit must have its own eye, or it will only fire at full power. If the flash is completely TTL-dependent, it won't be usable in the manner I've suggested. The other caveat is trigger voltage: it has to be pretty low to keep from frying your camera.
You can look up trigger voltages on this site: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html.
I just checked and you Promaster 5600 is not listed, but several other promasters in the 5000 series are listed as having very low voltages, quite safe even for Canon, which is the pickiest.
I just tracked down a pic of the 5600 and it looks like it's TTL only, so it looks like you're out of luck. The module is still worth a try, it won't wreck anything, but it may or may not work as you would like it to.
Whatever you do, do NOT use a foot for a different brand of camera than your own.
Originally by user38702. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user38702
11y ago
0
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Probably not something you should count on. Older dedicated TTL modules often do not work correctly with newer cameras of the same brand, especially across the film-to-digital transition. So even if you find a Canon module that physically fits the FTD 5600, TTL compatibility with a Canon 600D/T3i is uncertain.
A non-dedicated option may be safer if available, but that only helps if the flash has its own sensor/auto-thyristor mode; otherwise it may only fire at full power outside dedicated TTL operation.
Also check trigger voltage before mounting it on the camera. That’s the main safety issue with older flashes. The FTD 5600 itself wasn’t listed in the cited trigger-voltage reference, but several other Promaster 5000-series flashes were reported as having low, generally camera-safe voltages. That suggests it may be safe, but it is not proof for your exact model.
So: a Canon module might fit and fire, but reliable TTL on a modern Canon DSLR is doubtful. Verify trigger voltage first, and expect manual or non-TTL auto use to be the more realistic outcome.
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