Trigger voltage

[Kev R]

Not sure if this should be here or in "Talk equipment" anyhow...

I have a Jessops 360AFDP flash unit, bought it for off camera stuff so I knew it was for Pentax and wouldn't auto with my Nikon D90. I was however going to use it in manual but triggered by the hot shoe, I have since read that this can kill your camera because of the different trigger voltages used!

Does anyone know if I can use this unit on my D90 without causing any damage? I just want to be able to mount it and fire it I will work out all the settings etc. in manual mode.

Would give my right arm for a speedlight but just can't afford it at present.

Cheers....Kevin

 

[Flash In The Pan]

It's not the trigger voltage that would cause problems using the Pentax-dedicated flash on your D90, but rather the ttl connections. In theory you could tape over the pins on the flash, so that just the centre, trigger one makes contact and that should do the job.

That's basically what I've done to allow me to use a Nikon flash with my Canon G10, although in that case what I've done is snipped the ttl cables in one of the clone SC-28 cables, so that only the trigger signal gets through.

 

[david1701]

how comes flash wouldn't a cheap trigger or pc cord be less hassle?

also why would pins matter if its for off camera

 

[Kev R]

It's not the trigger voltage that would cause problems using the Pentax-dedicated flash on your D90, but rather the ttl connections. In theory you could tape over the pins on the flash, so that just the centre, trigger one makes contact and that should do the job.

That's basically what I've done to allow me to use a Nikon flash with my Canon G10, although in that case what I've done is snipped the ttl cables in one of the clone SC-28 cables, so that only the trigger signal gets through.

Thanks Graham

You know its the one I got from you...its been great off camera but I just want it to throw more distance into some stuff I hope to do on holiday, the built in flash wouldn't give me the power I need.

So the trigger volts will be OK? why would the TTL signaling do damage? I just thought it wouldn't perform any control and that would be it...

how comes flash wouldn't a cheap trigger or pc cord be less hassle?

also why would pins matter if its for off camera

It doesn't when I use it off camera, as explianed above I want the camera to fire the flash on the hotshoe.

Thanks for the responses guys...

Cheers
Kevin

 

[david1701]

right gotya, the 360AFD syncs at 6v

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Thanks Graham

You know its the one I got from you...its been great off camera but I just want it to throw more distance into some stuff I hope to do on holiday, the built in flash wouldn't give me the power I need.

So the trigger volts will be OK? why would the TTL signaling do damage? I just thought it wouldn't perform any control and that would be it...

In all honesty, I don't know, but for the sake of 20 quid, I wouldn't risk my camera to find out....

 

[david1701]

you could blow the flash by shorting its ttl pins

I don't think you could blow the camera as the pins are recessed and don't mind solid metal shoes, though certainty is tricky and is it worth your cam

workaround? what about a hotshoe - pc adapter with the flash on the top shoe of the adapter - last one I saw had a male shoe bottom female top and pc port on the side

 

[Flash In The Pan]

you could blow the flash by shorting its ttl pins

I don't think you could blow the camera as the pins are recessed and don't mind solid metal shoes, though certainty is tricky and is it worth your cam

workaround? what about a hotshoe - pc adapter with the flash on the top shoe of the adapter - last one I saw had a male shoe bottom female top and pc port on the side

The cable is the easiest way, just a couple of snips and you're done, bit like circumcision really

 

[classcams]

It's not the trigger voltage that would cause problems using the Pentax-dedicated flash on your D90, but rather the ttl connections. In theory you could tape over the pins on the flash, so that just the centre, trigger one makes contact and that should do the job.

That's basically what I've done to allow me to use a Nikon flash with my Canon G10, although in that case what I've done is snipped the ttl cables in one of the clone SC-28 cables, so that only the trigger signal gets through.

It is the centre pin that carries the high voltage (check any old flashgun)The other pins carry the logic info. :bonk:

 

[Kev R]

Thanks guys

I think sense prevails...it is not worth the risk

I have an old SB19 that might well be man enough for what I want! I am sure that wont present any voltage or other problems, will it...?

 

[classcams]

Thanks guys

I think sense prevails...it is not worth the risk

I have an old SB19 that might well be man enough for what I want! I am sure that wont present any voltage or other problems, will it...?

Suck it and see. Didi I say suck ?