kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I have a Sunpak Auto 555 “potato masher” flash that I still have only because it wasn’t in my car when it got broken into and the bastard(s) stole my gear. Several point-and-shoots later, I’m ready to get a DSLR soon. I’m looking at the Nikon D7100. But this question applies to ANY current model DSLR.

Can I use the Sunpak on the new cameras? It’d be a shame to shell out hundreds of dollars if what I have will work fine.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

maybe, but check with an expert first. the big three have made it difficult to use any but their flash units.

FredB Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.

What was the Sunpak used for before? There is a problem using a flash designed and built for a FILM camera with most DSLRS, due to differences in the voltage used and such. Your best bet is to ask Nikon directly if it is compatible. If it is, you're fine, so long as it has the Nikon hotshoe - flashes made by third parties for Canon, Nikon, etc etc usually need to be specified specifically for the brand they're being mounted on, just like third-party lenses.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

KB, the problem becomes that many of the old flashes used a high trigger voltage that can cause harm to all the electronics in the new electronic intensive cameras.
If you look up Flash Trigger Voltage, somewhere there is a table on somebody's webste that has tested just about every flash known to exist. Don't quote me on this, but the voltage needs to be below something like 6, but by the time you find the table, you will know. Until that time, resist the temptation to even try it out. There are just TOO many electrical components in the new stuff. Check in the Resources Section, the website may have made it into the info stuff, and if not, it needs to be there as this is a frequent question. Maybe somebody has it bookmarked. Nikonian is the keeper of that section. Good luck. ;-)
SS

Jiminyclicket

I also have the same Sunpak 555 along with three other flash units. The Sunpak works with my Canon EOS40D and I can use it with a hotshoe adaptor on my Fuji HS50EXR bridge camera, but only in the manual mode and at a 1/250 shutter speed. If you're thinking of a Nikon and don't want to spend the big bucks for a Nikon flash I would recommend you stay with Sunpak and consider the PZ42X for the Nikon. It has a pretty good 138 guide number and can easily reach out 35 to 40 feet at night in the dark.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Two sources say the trigger voltage on the 555 is compatible with modern DSLR's. As to what automatic features may be possible, I have no idea.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I (rarely) use older flashes like the Metz CT45 (1990) and CT 60 (2003). The only thing you need is a sync plug or adapter. If your camera has a brand dedicated adapter (other than sync) you may want to check if they have one adapted to the newer stuff, who knows if you do not check.

In a nod to SharpShooter input, I did not have any issue so far, I may have one in the future, who knows. Current cameras used with these two flashes: Nikon D300 and Nikon D800e.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Good advice from all.

Yes, I have looked at the Sunpak that you mention. It looks good. Not quite the GN of 150 that the 555 is rated at, but close enough, and considerably less $$$ than the Nikon.

Budnjax Loc: NE Florida

Forget it.....I have one of these sitting around, too. They are worth about $20 on eBay and are very obsolete compared to the technology in your Nikon...they also have a high trigger voltage which would likely ruin your camera if not used with a rather expensive adapter....

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

It's amazing what a little "Googling" will throw up .......

http://www.shutterbug.com/content/using-older-electronic-flash-digital-cameras-what-works%E2%80%94what-doesn%E2%80%99t

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Here is a sit you can look http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html
The chart is for Conans and you 710 can take much more trigger voltage than Cannons - look in you manual I think it is over 200. That said I use a old Vivatar and it works great. I have to use it like I did on old film cameras no ttl but it's auto works great. - Dave

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

The "bozilla" link states the following for the Sunpak Auto 555:

Voltage demonstrated from 4.1v to 6.9v.

The person who posted the test results also stated:

"E-mail from Sunpak assured me that no cameras have ever been harmed by a 555."

Trust that?

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Be careful. I've read that the higher trigger voltages of some older flashes may damage a digital camera.

There are devices that fit between the flash and hot shoe that safe guard this.

Safe Converter is one such device. I use it with my old Sunpak flashes.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

What about what was quoted from that website?

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

If your flash is an old one designed for film cameras you may not be able to use it directly. Those used a high voltage to trigger themselves which could fry your circuits.

Check with an expert to see if this is a problem. If it is a problem you can buy a Whyne Safesync at a local camera store. That gadget sits on your hot shoe and the flash sits on top of that. It's designed to prevent any voltages from entering your camera.

I had a few old flashes from my film days and that's how I solved the problem of not being able to use them. So I can vouch for the gadget.

Be aware though that the camera has no control over the flash other than to trigger it when you press the shutter. You'll have to calculate your own exposures or, it the flash has a thyristor circuit, have the flash determine the exposure once you tell it the aperture you are using.

Personally too, I found this was only a stop gap solution. The modern flashes do all kinds of incredible things that are not possible with the old film flashes so it was only a matter of time before I bought my first modern flash and a few more later on too. That's not to say don't do it, it's simply to warn you that eventually you will probably get a modern flash too.

Good Luck!