Flash shoe doesn't match that on flash unit

ped

ped

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Hi guys

Just after some quick advice before I introduce myself and get more involved.

I recently got a DSLR with a hot shoe mount. The seller gave me a Sunpak external flash as a bonus which was nice, but the attachment on the flash is different - the sort of thing you see on bicycle lights, with a little 'push' button to release the clamp.

I wondered if there is an adaptor that would suit, or do you need pictures etc? Is this sort of thing fairly common?

Cheers
ped
 
If you could add pictures, that would help...

I've got a Sunpak flash somewhere but its just got a standard hot shoe mount - can you tell us the model names/numbers of DSLR and flash?
 
Before trying to fit it to a DSLR, check the model number of the flash and look for the specifications. Some older units have a very high trigger and may fry your cameras flash circuit.

Edit... oh, welcome onboard :wave:
 
It may be better suited for use "off Camera" using a wireless or cabled remote switch ... do a search for 'strobist' on here or google, it should give you more information :)
 
The flashgun in the link is approx 10 years old and has a Minolta/Sony foot on it, so in order to use it on a camera with a normal "iso" fitment you'd need a ISO->Sony adapter, these can be had on Ebay for under a tenner.

Due to it's age however it could have a trigger voltage of anything up to 300 volts, whereas the safe limit for your camera is probably nearer 5 volts.

Flashguns don't come with "built-in diffusers" in th sense you are probably meaning, the most you'll get is a small flip down panel that spreads the light beam to make it more suitable for use with a wide angle lens.

If you have a look at my listing in the Advertisers' forum I currently have a flashgun there which may suit you. Please feel free to pm me if I can be of any further assistance :)
 
i had a friend with a 20D , he said he attached it a few times. so far so good. but i m abit scared to do it. cant afford to lose my camera to a cheap old flash.

anyway , is it ok if i use this flash using a wireless trigger ??
 
It won't damage the camera on a wireless trigger, but you probably should check what voltage the flash puts out and what the safe limit for your wirless system is.
If I'm honest it's old and not the right one for your camera, it'll probably be more trouble than it's wort to get it working properly.
 
It's extremely unlikely that your flash has a high trigger voltage (it's reported as <5V). Your Samsung is based on Pentax, which are known for not being zapped by high voltages. So, it boils down to inconvenience of needing the adapter and having a non-dedicated flash without manual settings. I'd sell it to a Sony/Minolta user, though I doubt a plain vanilla TTL flash is of any use on current cameras, other than in its Auto mode.
 
Cheers. I popped into Jessops today and because I was carrying a Samsung/pentax they almost told me to go screw myself (Pentax and Jessops fell out IIRC?) and Curry's was a joke this time of year. I'll probably go and look sometime in the new year!!

ped
 
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