Older flash compatibility

cowasaki

cowasaki

TPer Emeritus
Suspended / Banned
Messages
19,708
Name
Darren
Edit My Images
Yes
Is this flash compatible with newer Nikons

flash-8.jpg


flash-1.jpg


flash-5.jpg


I do not know the specs of the flash unit other than it is a TTL flash.

Is it safe to attach this to a modern camera and use it ??

Is it likely to work ??

Can I get hold of a cheap adapter to make it work if it doesn't ??

Anybody got a cheap SB400/600 ??
 
Be really careful, there could be large voltage differences.

Personally I would not attach that to my D60!
 
As for the flash you'll need to check the trigger voltage to ensure that it wont fry the camera. Check the camera specs to see what the voltage tolerance on the pin is and then google around to find the trigger voltage or you could measure it yourself.

There is devices you can get which would make it safe to fire no matter what the voltage, that would be the absolute safest thing to do as it will drop the voltage to a safe voltage. Wein Safe Sync I think is the gadget ?

On my 20d I fire two old vivitars one of which has a trigger voltage of 110v but as the 20d is able to soak up to 250v most flashes will work on it without damage, the 10d's max trigger voltage was about 6v so I wouldnt of been able to use it on that without a safe sync.
 
Wein safe sync is about £50, I decided to sell the old vivitar flash I'd inherited and save up for a canon one to go with my camera. I read that the older flashes can slowly fry the electronics of the camera
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Here's a linky to a site which lists trigger voltages for older flashes
Click to expand...

Thanks thats a useful site but it does not list the Starblitz 200 DOX. Does anyone know how to check the trigger voltage? The above page states 12V is the Nikon limit (although someone from Nikon says over 200V!!) I think I would risk it if the measured voltage is under Nikon's listed amount!
 
voltmeter between the large central pin and the edge connector when its charged and ready to go.

If you look at the shoe connector of the flash from the side you'll see a metal bit in there. Thats the edge connector.
 
Just measured the voltage between the centre pin and EITHER of the outer pins at 11.1 volts. When I trigger the flash the voltage drops then jumps back to 11.1volts with new batteries
 
I seem to remember that there is some sort of standard that says 12v or so but many cameras are only good to 6v (standards, eh?), I think that a lot of canon stuff is 6v. My E-510 is 6v as well I think.

That result would imply to me that it will work OK, but I'd wait for someone with more knowledge to confirm before I put it on the camera.

(ie dont trust me!)
 
Hang on do you mean outer pins or side connectors? So far as I know the position of pins other than the central one is not standardised and different makers use them for differnt things - Im sure its the central pin to the side of the shoe connector thats important. Or from the camera point of view the central large connector and the metal flanges that grip the flash.
 
I think I might well ring Nikon tomorrow.
 
I still wouldn't risk it, most modern flashguns are only around 3-6v.You could fry £450 worth of camera just to save a few quid on a flashgun :thinking:
 
Nikon will advise you not to fit this. They do not give any compatibility advice regarding 3rd party items at all, but in this case I would be very surprised if they do not tell you to avoid using it.

As I said, be VERY careful regarding voltage here, as you really can fry your camera.
 
who? said:
Hang on do you mean outer pins or side connectors? So far as I know the position of pins other than the central one is not standardised and different makers use them for differnt things - Im sure its the central pin to the side of the show connector thats important
Click to expand...

If you look at the picture I posted. The voltage is 11.1V DC from the central pin to EITHER of the outer pins. To trigger the flash I shorted the two outer pins together. Just looking at my D200 it has a connector that matches the location of the central pin and one of the outer pins but not the other so I do not know if it could trigger the flash anyway! DOH
 
Flash In The Pan said:
I still wouldn't risk it, most modern flashguns are only around 3-6v.You could fry £450 worth of camera just to save a few quid on a flashgun :thinking:
Click to expand...

I know. I will see what they say and if they say "YES if the trigger voltage is under 12V then it is safe to use" I will otherwise I will leave it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top