I pulled out my Sunpak Auto 555 potato masher, since flash is so easy
to experiment with on a DSLR, which I haven't used in a few
years. I found that I had two modules - the CA-3D and the
CA-1AF. The CA-3D says "for Canon EOS series cameras" and the 1AF
says "for Canon EOS AF cameras" which seems a bit redundant. There
is however a stapled note in the manual that says the flash is
designed to "power the CA-1AF" module eliminating the need for the
"PA-1" power adapter. Does anyone happen to know what the difference
between these 2 modules is? The 1AF does have a 4-pin jack on one
side that I'm of sure of the function of (no manual). Maybe that PA-1
on other flashes. Of course I can also run the flash with just a
PC/household cable.
My flash theory is a bit rusty, but what I notice is that power
reduction works in Manual but not in Auto, and that in Auto mode the
flash sensor is actually doing a pretty good job of reducing flash
for closer distances, within limits, and that If I want to get really
close I have to use manual - the published auto distance ranges in
the 555 manual seem optimistic. In no mode does the flash set the
aperture on the camera like it used to do on my A-1, but I don't
*think* I should expect that with such a mismatch of technologies.
If anyone's familiar with these modules, does it sound like they're
functioning normally? I'm shooting a big school gala in a month or
so, I'm wondering if the increased flexibility and somewhat higher GN
(45 vs 42) than my 420EX would be worth the extra bulk,
Ken
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