Can I fire a Godox X-series trigger from a generic hotshoe with only a center pin?
For example, if I have a Nikon compatible Godox X2 trigger mounted on a Pentax K1000 hot shoe, will the trigger still transmit and fire to X-series compatible Godox studio strobes (in non-TTL mode of course)?
Or will the absence of Nikon specific pins prevent the Nikon compatible X2 trigger from firing?
It will work. If it fits in the hotshoe and the hotshoe has a center pin it can fire.
The flash trigger may get confused if it gets signals from any other pin than the center pin. The X1T has a single pin mode to prevent it from getting confused by signals on other pins:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnrp6XnPMmg
The Xpro does not have a single pin mode, if there are other pins on the camera you may have to use Scotch tape to prevent signals from reaching the flash:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4357114
(See reaction from Kli)
This video shows how it can work on an old film camera:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyVVKu2RzNo
If I accept a broad definition of “trigger,” then the X series compatible Godox manual flashes (such as the TT600) can fit the requirement without work arounds. They are capable of operating in master mode.
The Godox X1T series triggers can be set to “single pin mode” using the custom function menu. The trigger will then ignore signals on the other proprietary pins. The Neewer N1T triggers are identical to the X1 and compatible with the Godox X series wireless system. The Flashpoint R2T series triggers are also the same.
In addition all the Godox X series triggers (X1, X-Pro, X2) can be fired by cable using PC, 2.5mm, 3.5mm ports respectively. Not quite the same as center pin, but broadens the possible systems to which the flashes can be connected. E.g film cameras with a pc socket.
Finally the Godox V850 is similar to the TT600 but has a Lithium Rechargeable Battery.
