novice, using a external flash

I am a total novice and have a Nikon D5000. I have never used a flash besides the one built into the camera until today. I am borrowing a flash from a friend to use. Of course it was handed to me with no instructions so I am trying to find help on how to set my camera up to use it properly. It is a Bower SFD829 Twin Digital Autofocus Flash. Is it as simple as just connecting it to the hot shoe and using it, or could I mess something up if I dont set things up right?

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Originally Posted by trizzypballr

I am a total novice and have a Nikon D5000. I have never used a flash besides the one built into the camera until today. I am borrowing a flash from a friend to use. Of course it was handed to me with no instructions so I am trying to find help on how to set my camera up to use it properly. It is a Bower SFD829 Twin Digital Autofocus Flash. Is it as simple as just connecting it to the hot shoe and using it, or could I mess something up if I dont set things up right?

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Unless you know the trigger voltage of the flash and what the tolerance level of the camera is I wouldn't let them come close to each other. If the trigger voltage from the flash is higher than the camera can handle you can fry your camera, Jeff

Doing some searching online I cant seem to find the trigger voltage anywhere, just that it says its for use with a SLR or DSLR. Here is a link to a site selling one that has some info about it if it helps at all. http://www.buyersedge.com/flashes/bo...in-flash-15256