Toshiba ES-36

[Michael Ross]

I recently bought a Toshiba ES-36 flash-gun from a charity shop. They asked for a pound so I gave them two! From the few references I can find to it on t'internet it appears to have been made in the late 1970's. Having fixed some broken cables the unit works well with my Panasonic GF-1 but I would like to know more about how to use the automatic functions as it appears to have a sensor on the head unit and also on the hot-shoe adaptor. My question, does anyone out there have an instruction book I could borrow? Long shot, I know.

Regards to all, Michael

 

[Hamish Gill]

Could I see a couple of photos of it ...

Usually with "auto" flash guns from that era you have to set the flash to auto then select the same aperture as what you are using on the camera.
Basically you cant use them in any mode with a floating aperture, so only manual or aperture priority will work!


Does that help?

 

[Larry Bolch]

If you have not croaked you GF-1, you are very lucky. Many old flash units have high enough trigger voltages to eventually kill digital cameras. Before using it further, check for its level of safety at

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

 

[Hamish Gill]

A very good point!
My recommendation is always the Nikon sb-20

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf4/flash/sb20/index.htm

Great compact flash that can be picked up for around £20

 

[Michael Ross]

Interesting point, thanks. I'll have to put a meter on it and see what it needs as it's not in that list.

If you have not croaked you GF-1, you are very lucky. Many old flash units have high enough trigger voltages to eventually kill digital cameras. Before using it further, check for its level of safety at

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

 

[Hamish Gill]

Judging by the other toshibas Micheal i would not risk it
Somthing like the Nikon i mentioned will be a lot more of a safe bet long term and will probably be better, smaller and more functional!
I used one with my gf1 with very satisfactory results!