I know this is off topic since this forum is about Digital Photography, but my concern is not of the digital kind, sorry bout that =b

Anyway, i just had my Canon EOS 630 (1981) reconditioned at Hidalgo. i wanted to know more about the camera but due to the limited resource on the net for the 630 (it was discontinued for some time now) with the digital boom and all.. i just wanted to ask you people to enlighten me =b

I know that i can only use EF lenses being a full frame camera and all, but it seems that the choices on strobes are quite limited since the camera is not digital. I've read somewhere that a 540EZ was the top of the line for non-digital EOS/Elan models. Can i still use a digital flash with E-TTL?

Any knowledge with regards to this camera and its accessories is greatly appreciated! =) Thanks in advance! =)

Hi Tok,

Even if you are using Film, it still becomes digital after post-production work at Photoshop CS2 and after you burn it to CD. At any rate, you cannot use the new EX Series of flash to your film-based camera. Just buy a manual flash either a Vivitar or Panasonic at Hidalgo which will only cost you around Php 800-1,250.00. Use your digital flash for your digital camera to prolong its life and maximize its new features. Happy Shooting.

So should i be looking for a TTL flash rather than a E-TTL? =)

Hi Tok,

The flash models I mentioned does not even have the TTL Function. You have to learn the basics of lighting by using manual mode in your settings. The price of a 540EZ flash is almost similar to that of a 550 or 580 EX Speedlite. The price difference is very minimal. Based on my experience, it is more expensive shooting film nowadays. Just use your film-based SLR as back-up to your digital camera.

Yikes, not much learning curve there since i can't see my results instantly...

i guess i'll have to bone up on my lighting first, sayang yung film kung puro over exposed yung shots, hehehe =) i'll try shooting with it muna photojourn style =b

Thanks for the advise Eric! very much appreciated =)

Hi Tok,

You're welcome. Learning lighting from film will indeed turn out to be expensive if you are experimenting. You can buy films from Fuji Film that are expiring in 6 months or have expired already. Just make sure you put the films in the ref and use it within 6 months from the date of expiration. I think they still have buy one take one Fuji Films at SM Megamall. Try calling them first. Happy Shooting.

Tok,

A check of the flash manual will tell you whether it can be used for non-digital cameras. Try googling for 550 ex or 420 ex flash manual. Your other alternative is to use auto-flash like Vivitars and Sunpacks which can be found in abundance in Quiapo (at least in my last visit).

Hey Tok, I have a working Canon Macro Ring Lite ML-3 that I'm not using anymore since it won't work on a digital camera. Please let me know if you might be interested, Though I think it won't be used as a general use flash. Anyway just let me know. Thanks!

Im leaning towards the Vivitars and the Sunpacks since they cost less, hehehe =b

like Eric said, sayang yung digital flash ko kung film based yun cam, not to mention theyre more expensive! =b hehehe =)

thanks so much for the inputs! well appreciated! =)