ISO 518:2006

Photography — Camera accessory shoes, with and without electrical contacts, for photoflash lamps and electronic photoflash units — Specification

ISO 518:2006 specifies the dimensions of camera accessory shoes, with and without electrical contacts, for photoflash lamps and electronic photoflash units. The dimensions given are basic for the solid shoe. When an accessory shoe is equipped with springs or other devices for holding the accessory foot tightly or maintaining good electrical contact, the dimensions of the shoe can be changed within the range in which their interchangeability and functions will not be affected

Photographie — Griffes pour accessoires d'appareils de prises de vue, avec et sans contacts électriques pour lampes à éclairs et équipements électroniques à éclairs — Spécifications

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 11-May-2006
• ICS: 37.040.10 - Photographic equipment. Projectors
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 42 - Photography
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 42 - Photography
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 05-Jun-2025
• Completion Date: 12-Feb-2026

Relations

• Revises: ISO 518:1977 - Photography — Camera accessory shoes, with and without electrical contacts, for photoflash lamps and electronic photoflash units
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008

Overview

ISO 518:2006 specifies the geometric and electrical requirements for camera accessory shoes - the interface used by photoflash lamps and electronic photoflash units. This International Standard defines the basic dimensions for solid shoes (with and without electrical contacts), required clearance areas, and key construction details to ensure mechanical interchangeability and reliable electrical connection between camera bodies and flash/accessory units.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Dimensional specification: Basic shoe dimensions are given in Figures 1 and 2 of the standard (values are expressed in millimetres). These dimensions form the baseline for solid accessory shoes.
• Allowance for retention devices: If springs or other retaining devices are used to hold an accessory foot or maintain electrical contact, shoe dimensions may vary within limits that do not affect interchangeability or function.
• Clearance areas (Figure 3):
  • Area A (rectangular): Extends 12.5 mm in front, 25.0 mm to the back, and 25.0 mm laterally from the shoe centre; must be free of obstructions higher than 2.0 mm above the shoe top surface.
  • Area B (circular): 30.0 mm diameter zone located as dimensioned; must be free of obstructions above the shoe top surface.
  • Area C (rectangular for foot insertion): Extends 25.0 mm from the back and is 20.0 mm wide; must be free of obstructions above the base surface plane.
• Electrical contact requirements (applies to shoes with contacts):
  • Contact surface: specified diameter (∅ 5 mm) must be flat with a rounded edge.
  • Insulation resistance: minimum 30 MΩ when tested at 0 °C to 40 °C and 40 % to 85 % relative humidity.
• Symmetry and tolerancing: Symbols and tolerances reference ISO 1101:2004 for geometrical product specifications.

Applications and Who Uses It

• Camera and flash manufacturers: ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility across bodies and accessories.
• Accessory designers (flash units, adapters, mounts): design accessory feet that fit standardized shoes and meet clearance/electrical requirements.
• Product engineers and QA teams: verify dimensions, contact integrity, and insulation resistance for compliance and interchangeability.
• Repair, refurbishment and aftermarket accessory suppliers: maintain compatibility with camera body shoes.
• Standards and compliance specialists: reference ISO 518:2006 when creating specifications, datasheets, or procurement requirements.

Related Standards

• ISO 1101:2004 - Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS): geometric tolerancing and form/orientation/location symbols, referenced by ISO 518 for symmetry and tolerancing.

Keywords: ISO 518:2006, camera accessory shoe, hot shoe, photoflash, electrical contacts, dimensions, interchangeability, clearance areas, insulation resistance.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 518
Second edition
2006-05-15
Photography — Camera accessory
shoes, with and without electrical
contacts, for photoflash lamps and
electronic photoflash units —
Specification
Photographie — Griffes pour accessoires d'appareils de prises de vue,
avec et sans contacts électriques pour lampes à éclairs et équipements
électroniques à éclairs — Spécifications

Reference number
©
ISO 2006
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Foreword
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(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
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Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 518 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 42, Photography.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 518:1977), of which Table 1 and Figure 1 have
been technically revised.
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