Can Speedlite EL-5 be used via an OCF cord?

[photopro]

I use a bracket for weddings and events.  Can the flash be used with an OCF cord?  And not Canon cords, they szg!  If Canons trigger is needed to fire it I will just buy another Flashpoint .  R6 MK 2.

[deebatman316]

No you have to use Canon's off shoe cord with the EL-5. It doesn't use the normal 5 pins for flash. It uses the new digital hot shoe. Which requires a special off shoe cord.

[photopro]

a little incorrect... no problem with Flashpoint or even 600 models.  the new one has different hot shoe pins from what i understand, thats why i was asking...

[p4pictures]

You have two options using Canon kit...

1. Off camera cord OC-E4A

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/off-camera-shoe-cord-oc-e4a?color=Black&type=New 

2. Use a suitable trigger on the camera, a good choice is the Canon ST-E10

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/speedlite-transmitter-st-e10?color=Black&type=New

This trigger will have full compatibility with the camera and the EL-5 since it is all Canon kit, and is actually cheaper than the off-camera cable. The ST-E10 requires no batteries since it is powered from the camera itself. In my own experience with the ST-E10 I couldn't detect significant change in the battery life of my camera when using it.

I have yet to see any third party off-camera cords that are compatible with the EL-5 as the flash only has the 21-pins to connect to the multi-function accessory shoe.

Depending on the style of cold shoe on your flats bracket you may need a different shoe as the EL-5 foot is 25mm long where the older standard size speedlite foot is 21mm. 

[photopro]

Thank you so much for your prompt reply!  Neither of these is a good solution for me.  $180 for a cord is outrageous, and my experience is their cords aren't durable.   Adding more weight for the trigger for $120 isn't practical either.  Guess I will be sticking with my Flashpoint Li-on r2.  Their high speed sync mode overheats the flash if you're not careful.   Canons illumination is not as pleasing but hss is reliable.

Thanks again!

[p4pictures]

You might find that ST-E10 trigger is way lighter than you think.

I have the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10, so I put it on the scales and it weighs 48g / 1.6oz so that is all it adds to the camera as it needs no batteries. That makes it lighter than my old Canon OC-E3 off-camera cord.

[photopro]

Thanks good to know.  It's cost prohibitive.   So is the cord.  If there were no other options the cost of all 3 is high.  The Li-on R2 has no issues with cords, never had a misfire.  I was inquiring to use the Canon as the exp. compensation button was sticking on one but I found a work around.   Thanks again.