chapin in utah Loc: Utah

Hi everybody,

I got me this cheap vivitar 1800 flash at a thrift store, since the built in flash of my Olympus E510 is less than adequate for low light situations, specially after a few feet away.

My problem is that the built in flash still wants to pop out, even when I turn it off to try to focus, and with the vivitar on the hot shoe I can't access the camera's flash menu.

Another issue is that all the pictures a waaaaay overexposed in automatic mode, and they look too cold in aperture mode.

Is there any hope for my cheap flash?
or is a waste of time and 3 bucks? :D

please help!

1/30 F3.5 built in flash


1/3 F13 Vivitar 1800 flash


1/15 F3.5 vivitar 1800 flash

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Lobotomize it as the cat seems to have been...

You probably should read the manual before thought, usually it is an user error.

_Rex

For $3...he didn't get the manual.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Love the cat thought...

chapin in utah Loc: Utah

I love the kitty too.

But you guys are right. He either does have brain death, or he is blind

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Kitty jokes aside...

To test your flash, take picture with the same ISO/Aperture/Speed.

If the results are consistent (over or under NOT both) Adjust and take notes. Do not compare with your camera yet.

Once you determine that you know more or less how the flash exposes, use your camera flash with the same settings. Compare.

If flash is under/over compared to the camera's adjust again so that you have a match.

From there, using your self-made grid use the flash with caution at first then when more at ease do whatever.

In any case, for 3 bucks you have filled your day with an activity that is both frustrating and interesting but most importantly you will have learned about flashes and their use.

If you are like, after a few flashes you will have thrown the whole testing idea to the garbage as it does mo good to your eyes.

BACK TO THE CAT....

What on earth was it doing in the last picture???? Weird eyes and all...

chapin in utah Loc: Utah

Thank you rongnongno, you gave a great idea about writing down in my photography notebook different adjustments. After a few different settings all got mixed.
About the cat.
He only gets up from his spot when he is hungry, or when he wants to go outside.pretty standar lazy cat, but we love him.
And the picture looks weird cause he is actually looking to the side but his hear looks like a big eye.

Hilarious all the conmotion about him. He got his 15 min of fame

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

My question is this flash safe for your camera? Older flashes have a high firing voltage and most new cameras use very low firing voltage. This high voltage can destroy modern cameras. Your manual will tell you. If safe to use and still blown out try manual and reduce output or bouncer the flash. Good luck

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

I would also be very careful or not use it directly on the camera...the 1900 is 90V, the 1800 isn't listed but for me...3 bucks isn't worth frying my camera over.

As for your exposure; does the 1800 adjust?

You need to do two things...dial down the flash power and point it somewhere else rather than directly at your subject.

I'd shoot the camera on manual for this; ISO 200, f/4 to f/8, shutter speed about 1/125 to -1/200


Then i'd dial down the flash power until i got a good exposure.

No idea about the settings to keep the onboard flash from popping up.

chapin in utah Loc: Utah

Well, I think I better don't risk my camera over an experiment.
I think it will go to the drawer of my other useless bunch of cables and so.
Or maybe I can use it with my vintage Olympus trip35. That thing is a tank!
Thanks to all of you guys for your great ideas.
This forum is the best!