A flash charge related signal which indicates that there is inadequate flash energy to fire an electronic flash device is provided during flash-charging, until the elapse of a predetermined fraction of the last-measured full charge time for the flash device. The predetermined fraction determines a lesser charge time sufficient to ensure adequate (not full) flash energy for the next flash firing. Thus, the charging time perceived by the photographer always appears shortened to the lesser time, even though the flash device is not fired until it is fully charged. Moreover, the waiting time to fire the flash device can be shortened by relying on the lesser time.