XA, A11 Flash Question

[dazedgonebye]

I've got a broken XA and an A11 flash.
I'm trying to figure out if the flash is working.

Is there any way of charging/firing the flash without a working camera?

Thanks,

[wpb]

IIRC you can put a penny on the contacts. There is a little plunger type thing you need to push in to get it to charge up- it is right by the contacts. That is how I tested one in a camera store sans my XA.

[drewbarb]

Yes- all you need is a paper clip. On the edge of the flash where it mounts to the camera there's a round pin at the top inside a collar- this is the activation switch- and a lug at the bottom with two pins; this is the firing circuit. Push the switch in with the clip and it should turn the flash on and start it charging. Now bend the paper clip into a "U" shape. Once the light comes on, touch each of the contacts on the bottom lug with the bent pin to complete the circiut. Hey presto.

[dazedgonebye]

Thanks,

It works!