Compatible Flash Units

You may download a copy of the manual from here. It's for the Pentax version of the flash, but I don't see anything in it that's Pentax-specific except for the mention that's it's Pentax-specific.

Unfortunately, the manual for this model is no longer available online (even on the Sigma website). Try searching torrent sites and ebay as a last resort.

this flash is not compatible with the d200. i had one and sent it back to sigma, they upgraded the software in the flash for free. now it works in all modes, it needs to be iTTL to work on the nikon d200 the NAd version is not iTTL.

This Sigma flash is not Ittl compatible. The D300 and D200 Nikon must have Ittl compatible flash to operate in any of the Automatic modes. It is a great flash but will not work on those two cameras.

with the flash on, I would think most pictures would be bright white. Try turning the flash off, use a different setting than P.

John, there is a difference in sync times between film and digital flash. It's taken the third party manufactures a little time to catch up so there is a lot of "film" flash units out there. I'm understanding that the Sigma flash doesn't fire at all which is pretty amazing I would have thought it would fire just not at the correct time. This flash isn't a total loss because it can be used wireless with a slave unit for fill or even a main light triggered from a mini transmitter on the camera hot shoe. Here is a link to an e-Bay auction to see what I'm saying.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Wireless-Flash-Trigger-Transmitter-Receiver-4-Canon-/230537528202?pt=Camera_Flash_Accessories&hash=item35ad1b838a

I use this type of system for a location shoot, there are no wires and I can set up and balance my lighting to each set with no more dark backgrounds hope this was a help

I have a sigma EF 500 ST flash guns which I bought with nikon F75 some years ago. Would this flash work with canon 500d
raji

IS the flash being used on a compatible model camera? If I understand the numbers that is for a Pentax camera and is incompatible with other brands of cameras.

Double check the flash to see which cameras it is dedicated to and check to see that the flash contacts are clean on the cmaera and flash. Otherwse it will need to be sent to Sigma for repair.

If u used to have a Pentax camera, i would recommend you buying a Pentax DSLR, because Pentax film lenses still works on Pentax DSLR. I still use some of my prime lenses on my K10D.

A: For Sigma issue:

The Sigma EF-500 flashes have very small chromed contacts for the batteries. Even though they may not look corroded, they may not power up or conduct enough power to fully cycle up. Use a polishing tip in a dremel or an ink eraser tip to clean the internal wire contacts and the flat contacts on the door. I use dielectric grease on a q-tip to apply a coat to all contacts and cleaned battery terminals to minimise future issues.