
A dedicated E-TTL flash unit with tilt, swivel and power zoom for many older Canon EOS digital SLR cameras (see below)
- Dedicated AF flash unit
- Bounce and swivel head
- 24-105mm power zoom
(=16-70mm on APS-C) - With wide 20mm diffuser
- Guide numbers up to 42m
- E-TTL, E-TTL II dedicated
- Exposure compensation
- Power ratio control to 1/64
- AF illuminator for low light
- For Canon EOS DSLRs
(most older models only) - Includes copy instructions
- Includes 4x AA batteries
Sunpak is one of the top independent flash brands, and this is an excellent flash unit for many of the older Canon EOS digital SLR cameras (up to the EOS 1D/1DS III, 5D (original), 50D, 450D or 1000D, BUT NOT NEWER MODELS) – please see the Compatibility section of the full description for a comprehensive list. It has a tilt and swivel head, AF illuminator, LCD display and provides fully automatic dedicated E-TTL flash control. It's in good condition, and comes with a copy of the instructions and Alkaline batteries.
The flash head tilts up to 90 degrees and swivels up to 300 degrees for bounce flash, which gives much softer, more natural lighting than direct flash, and reduces the chance of redeye. The power zoom provides coverage for lenses down to 16mm on most DSLRs, and 24mm on full frame models, and adjusts automatically or manually. An extra wide angle diffuser is built in, and flips down to cover lenses down to 14mm (20mm on full frame).
The guide number varies with the zoom setting from 24m to 42m (78 to 136 feet) with ISO 100. This gives a theoretical maximum range of up to 17m (55 feet) with 50mm f/2 lens at ISO 100, and even more at higher ISO settings. As with all flashguns, actual range will depend on the conditions. Buttons on the rear provide flash exposure compensation of up to +/- 1.5 stops. Manual override is also available with a range of seven settings from full power down to 1/64th for Strobist operation. There's a large LCD panel with format, mode and auto OK indicators, exposure correction and power ratios, apertures and zoom settings, plus distances from 0.5m to 32m (1.6 to 105 feet).
E-TTL (Evaluative Through The Lens) II flash control system for extremely accurate exposures, compensating automatically for bounce flash, filters, extension tubes/bellows and other factors. Works automatically in all exposure modes, including program, setting the shutter speed and/or aperture automatically as appropriate, and an Auto Check light confirms correct exposure.
Works in the camera's autofocus mode, and has a large AF illuminator on the front to assist focusing in low light on selected cameras. This projects a coloured pattern onto the subject for the camera's AF system to lock onto even in complete darkness, and is switched on manually when required.
This Sunpak PZ42X flashgun measures only around 116x64x102mm (4.6x2.5x4 inches), and 250g (8.9oz) without batteries. Power is supplied by 4x standard AA batteries, and alkaline disposable (included) or rechargeable NiCd and NiMH types can be used. The battery compartment cover is captive, so it can't easily be dropped or lost. Standard hot shoe fitting, with locking collar for secure mounting.
An excellent flash unit for older Canon EOS digital SLR users.
Condition: Excellent++ (8/10)
The flash is in fully working order (checked on our EOS 50D digital camera) and good used condition. All controls and movements work positively, and all features work as expected. Cosmetically there are just the usual signs of use including some surface scratches and scrapes here and there in the plastic finish. The battery contacts are clean and work fine. The instructions are a copy of the relevant English pages from the manual, but quite legible.
No cracks or splits, and overall this is an excellent flash unit in good shape.
Includes instructions (copy) and 4x Alkaline AA batteries.
Pictures in this listing show the actual flash offered for sale.
Compatibility
This flash is suitable for many earlier EOS digital SLR cameras including the Canon EOS D30, D60, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 300D (Digital Rebel, Kiss Digital), 350D (Digital Rebel XT, Kiss Digital N), 400D (Digital Rebel XTi, Kiss Digital X), 450D (Digital Rebel XSi), 1000D (Rebel XS, Kiss F), 5D, 1D, 1D II, 1D III, 1DS, 1DS II, 1DS III, using E-TTL or E-TTL II dedicated auto flash control with ISO settings up to 6400. The flash has a low, safe trigger voltage of only around 4.9v (Canon recommends up to 6v for some models and 250v for others).
IMPORTANT NOTE: This CA-III model is NOT compatible with any later digital SLRs, the EOS M-series mirrorless models, or film cameras. It's possible that the firmware can be upgraded for compatibility with some newer digital SLRs, but this a chargeable service where available. It's definitely NOT usable on Canon cameras with no centre contact in the hot shoe including the EOS 250D (Rebel SL3, Kiss X10), 2000D (1500D, Rebel T7, Kiss X90) or 4000D (3000D, Rebel T100) or potential future models, as it won't fire.

