New DSLR / Old Flash Question
Dec 14, 2015 03:46:13 #
kb6kgx
Loc: Simi Valley, CA
Just received a new for me, that is; actually a refurb Nikon D7100. I have an older Sunpak 555 flash unit that I used with my FE2. Is there any way any way at all that the Sunpak would work with the D7100? Ive received answers, in the past, anywhere from No, not at all to Yes, but
. So, what is the REAL answer? Will it work or should I just fuggedaboutit and just get a new one?
Dec 14, 2015 04:42:33 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
kb6kgx wrote:
Just received a new for me, that is; actually a refurb Nikon D7100. I have an older Sunpak 555 flash unit that I used with my FE2. Is there any way any way at all that the Sunpak would work with the D7100? Ive received answers, in the past, anywhere from No, not at all to Yes, but
. So, what is the REAL answer? Will it work or should I just fuggedaboutit and just get a new one?
The trigger voltage is 6 volts, so if you have a connecting cord you should be all right for manual and auto flash.
Dec 14, 2015 04:43:05 #
kb6kgx wrote:
Just received a new for me, that is; actually a refurb Nikon D7100. I have an older Sunpak 555 flash unit that I used with my FE2. Is there any way any way at all that the Sunpak would work with the D7100? Ive received answers, in the past, anywhere from No, not at all to Yes, but
. So, what is the REAL answer? Will it work or should I just fuggedaboutit and just get a new one?
I routinely use Auto 444D, 433AF, 383, etc all of which have trigger voltages between 3.74v and 11v- with D70s. D200, D300, D700, D800.
The Auto 555 has a trigger voltage of 4.1v to 6.9v - so it is generally in the range considered to be safe. This article says that Nikon speedlight circuits are rated to 12v. I would not hesitate to use it on a D7100.
http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html
If there is any question, do not use it on a hot shoe. The last place you want to put a speedlight is on the hot shoe anyway. Use a wireless trigger which has a lower trigger voltage anyway, and use the flash off camera for more creative lighting and better results.
Dec 14, 2015 04:47:30 #
kb6kgx wrote:
Just received a new for me, that is; actually a refurb Nikon D7100. I have an older Sunpak 555 flash unit that I used with my FE2. Is there any way any way at all that the Sunpak would work with the D7100? Ive received answers, in the past, anywhere from No, not at all to Yes, but
. So, what is the REAL answer? Will it work or should I just fuggedaboutit and just get a new one?
I have several old Sunpak flashes that I use with radio flash triggers that have pass through hot shoes. Although they work on camera with the trigger mounted between the camera and flash I use them mostly as remotes.
Unless you use multiple flashes its probably not worth spending the money for the triggers since there are flashes available for about the same cost.
There are safety devices that mount between the camera and flash that are supposed trigger the flash safely. Tried one and it didn't fire my Sunpaks.
Dec 14, 2015 05:15:13 #
Why not just use a radio wireless that can handle various voltages?
There are many. It's unlikely they would be automatic. Use the manual setting for whatever flash power you want and just fire it.
There are many. It's unlikely they would be automatic. Use the manual setting for whatever flash power you want and just fire it.
Dec 14, 2015 06:19:27 #
Always use a SYK flash "go between" if in doubt. The are under $20 and protect your camera. Some have flash delay to prevent triggering with camera red eye or focus flash.
Dec 14, 2015 08:52:31 #
You can also check the flash voltage with a multimeter. Having said that, I plan to use my old flashes as remotes with triggers I already own. Would hate to fry an expensive camera because I wasn't willing to spent a couple hundred.
Dec 14, 2015 10:17:38 #
You can get a PC cord that slide into your hot shoe. AS other have said make sure your camera can handle the voltage of the falsh you are using. - Dave
Dec 14, 2015 10:32:00 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
Wilsondl3 wrote:
You can get a PC cord that slide into your hot shoe. AS other have said make sure your camera can handle the voltage of the falsh you are using. - Dave
A PC cord will not slide into a hot shoe (or any other shoe!).
Dec 14, 2015 13:50:15 #
kb6kgx
Loc: Simi Valley, CA
Gene51 wrote:
If there is any question, do not use it on a hot shoe. The last place you want to put a speedlight is on the hot shoe anyway. Use a wireless trigger which has a lower trigger voltage anyway, and use the flash off camera for more creative lighting and better results.
The 555 is a handle-mount flash, or potato-masher for the old fogies in the group :). However, it uses a dedicated sensor device that DOES attach to the hot shoe. There is a synch cord that goes from the flash to the module, the only physical connection to the camera. There is a piece that attaches onto the sensor module that has a dial where you dial in the ASA. I presume that ISO is essentially the same thing?
It would seem that with this combination of Nikon dedicated attachments, that the flash should work. At the very least, Id like to know that it will work even in Manual mode, where Id set the aperture at, say, f4 or f5.6, then set the shutter synch to 1/250 and just shoot away. Can someone tell me if THAT will work?
Heres a photo of the dedicated module that fits onto the hot shoe:
Dec 14, 2015 16:56:41 #
Leitz wrote:
A PC cord will not slide into a hot shoe (or any other shoe!).
I have three. Looked "Hot shoe to flash PC cord" on Amazon and got a lot to pick from. Some protect your camera from high boltage some do not. Just a hint don't make statements like that unless you research it and know what you are talking about. - Dave
Dec 14, 2015 17:10:44 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
Wilsondl3 wrote:
I have three. Looked "Hot shoe to flash PC cord" on Amazon and got a lot to pick from. Some protect your camera from high boltage some do not. Just a hint don't make statements like that unless you research it and know what you are talking about. - Dave
A hot shoe adapter with PC cord is not the same as a PC cord. "PC" (Prontor/Compur) refers to the jack, male or female. Neither will slide onto a hot shoe. You're welcome to do your own research.
Dec 14, 2015 18:10:16 #
Leitz wrote:
A hot shoe adapter with PC cord is not the same as a PC cord. "PC" (Prontor/Compur) refers to the jack, male or female. Neither will slide onto a hot shoe. You're welcome to do your own research.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Dec 14, 2015 18:51:47 #
Leitz wrote:
A hot shoe adapter with PC cord is not the same as a PC cord. "PC" (Prontor/Compur) refers to the jack, male or female. Neither will slide onto a hot shoe. You're welcome to do your own research.
Sorry - You can get a PC adapter that slides into your hot shoe then you connect your PC cord to it. I will repent and do better in the future. I do have several PC cords with different connections. The old "potato masher" flashes had a household plug in. - Dave
Dec 14, 2015 19:43:22 #
Wilsondl3 wrote:
Sorry - You can get a PC adapter that slides into your hot shoe then you connect your PC cord to it. I will repent and do better in the future. I do have several PC cords with different connections. The old "potato masher" flashes had a household plug in. - Dave
LoL
They sure do make a bunch of kinds!
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