If you own a Sony Alpha DSLR, you've probably already learned you'll need an adapter to attach an external flash to the proprietary Minolta Maxxum flash mount on your camera.

A few short taps on the keyboard will tell you that you need a Minolta FS-1100 hot shoe adapter or equivalent.

Please allow me to jump in here and say, as of this writing, you should probably strike out the words "or equivalent".\

So far, I've tried 2 FS-1100 clone devices from eBay vendors, and I've written to 4 vendors from whom I did not buy product. The 2 I bought, and apparently the 4 others (which appear to represent only 2 unique products) have only 2 of the 4 circuits wired on the adapter. Oh sure, they all have 4 pins on the bottom, and 3 + ground plate on top, but only the flash trigger circuit is wired. Don't ask me why!

One other variant listed on eBay doesn't even have 4 pins on the bottom ... just 2. Oh yes, skip that one, too.

Here's why this matters: The other 2 circuits perform TTL ( through the lens ) metering and transmit a "flash ready" signal to the camera ... And your Alpha won't take a good picture with an external flash unless it sees these circuits ... ( Oh, okay, you can force the issue using manual settings, but get a life )

If you get a genuine Minolta FS-1100 adapter, no problem .. Works fine! I lurked around several auctions and finally bought one for about $28 including shipping. I've seen them go for less.

Good hunting!