Could I use this flash unit with a digital camera?
Aug 17, 2012 06:12:54 #
I have this old German made Unomat320TDC flash unit that can be adapted to various makes of camera; Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus etc. and that I used to use when I had film cameras.
Question: Could I use this with a modern digital camera or are the electronics totally different?
Question: Could I use this with a modern digital camera or are the electronics totally different?
Aug 17, 2012 06:31:33 #
FilmFanatic
Loc: Waikato, New Zealand
Trigger voltage is the issue, a lot of older flashes can destroy modern cameras. You could use it off camera easily enough via wireless trigger
Aug 17, 2012 06:34:22 #
Thanks FilmFanatic. Actually I have just found Unomat's website and have written to them asking the same question, but your idea is good.
Aug 17, 2012 06:36:16 #
FilmFanatic
Loc: Waikato, New Zealand
I found via google the voltage on that flash is 34V. Need to check if that is ok on your camera
Aug 17, 2012 06:43:28 #
You are a fount of knowlege FilmFanatic! I am using a Canon Powershot SX1 IS. Any idea what rhe voltage would be on that? Being singularly non geek, I have no idea where to look.
Oh, hold on, an Internet search seems to indicate 6 volts so I guess that it won't be suitable.
Oh, hold on, an Internet search seems to indicate 6 volts so I guess that it won't be suitable.
Aug 17, 2012 06:54:46 #
FilmFanatic
Loc: Waikato, New Zealand
The research I have done seems to indicate 6v is the maximum safe voltage on this camera. Chances are it is fine but I would not risk cooking if it was me. The further complication is because the flash will not support canons TTL you will have plenty of fun getting good exposures out of it
Aug 17, 2012 06:57:19 #
Aug 17, 2012 06:59:49 #
Aug 18, 2012 15:04:19 #
This is definately too high a voltage. Even if it was not too high then you would have to use the flash manually as no ETTL function. The off camera idea is good. Search Ebay for a cheap wireless trigger.
Aug 18, 2012 15:22:26 #
I just asked the same question of my fav camera guru. And found out the voltage can fry my camera. He did say I could use it as a slave, but it turns out it still is not the best device for the situation. You can likely pick up a used flash, designed for your camera, at a reasonable price.
Lou Ellen
Lou Ellen
GARGLEBLASTER wrote:
I have this old German made Unomat320TDC flash unit that can be adapted to various makes of camera; Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus etc. and that I used to use when I had film cameras.
Question: Could I use this with a modern digital camera or are the electronics totally different?
Question: Could I use this with a modern digital camera or are the electronics totally different?
Aug 18, 2012 16:00:32 #
Thanks for all the feedback. I'll buy a new unit.
Err......anyone want to buy a Unomat320TDC flash unit?!
Err......anyone want to buy a Unomat320TDC flash unit?!
Aug 19, 2012 02:25:38 #
A Wein Safe-Sync will enable you to reduce the trigger voltage of a flash from up to 400 volts to less than 6 volts. Six volts or less is safe for most cameras
Aug 19, 2012 12:22:02 #
Thank you LRothrantz, that is a very interesting solution and one that I may well try. I hope that this thread has been useful to others also. I see that it has had almost 600 visits.
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