Can I use a 420ex flash on a holga?

Question

or do I need a special cable. I also have a lubitel. would it work with this as well?

Answer 1

You can use the Canon flash on the Holga and the Lubitel, just check that >>ONLY << the big pin on the camera contacts the central pin of the flash.

The Canon 420 EX is a dedicated flash, it uses the central pin to close the circuit that fires the flash. The other pins are used to communicate flash with the metering system on camera to adjust flash exposure.

You have to use the Canon flash on manual mode, i.e. you has to adjust the power (full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8...). By the way, Canon 420EX has a guide number value of 42 (in meters).

The guide number formula relates aperture and distance:

aperture=(guide number)/distance

As Holgas only has f/8 and f/11 aperture settings, you have to play with distance and flash power.

I think it would be better to use an adjustable automatic flash, because they have a little exposure sensor. Simply set your flash to f/8 and shoot.

NOTE:
"A Holga always triggers a flash twice. Once when you depress the shutter and once when you release the shutter. It is important to pause before releasing the shutter. This prevents damage to the flash or strobe pack."

Holga manual, page 4

Answer 2

When you say 420ex I think Canon flash - is this correct? If that is the case then I don't believe that you can use it, but I won't swear to it. Flash has always been my weak point in photography.

Look at the pins at the bottom of the flash - are there pin-connections on the shoe of your Holga to match?

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That is and example of what some pins look like from the bottom of the flash/top of camera flash shoe - if they connect correctly you just may be able to work it. Some cameras just have a single pin instead of several.

If you can, go to your local camera shop - having the camera and flash in question in hand can really help the diagnosis.

Good luck!