Easiest way to connect an older flash to newer Nikons, Sync cord or remote? If possible, I'd like to occasionally use the SB-80DX which I purchased with my first digital SLR 20 years...

Overthehill1

If possible, I'd like to occasionally use the SB-80DX which I purchased with my first digital SLR 20 years ago with my newer cameras, a D500 and D7000 via a longer sync cord. I'm a hobbyist and don't need anything too sophisticated for now. And I really don't use a flash that much. My current unit works on both hot shoes for most functions but don't seem to function with the SC-17 cord I have. I'd like to use it off-camera for fill and the times I'm the photographer at family functions. Since the flash is vintage, there is naturally no listing in either manual for compatibility, and not sure that would answer my question anyway. Can anyone recommend an information source that might help, or will my next purchase have to be some kind of remote system that I really don't need now. Thanks in advance.

Bill_de Loc: US

http://www.nikon-asia.com/kdb/EN/2005/1026/SB80DX.htm

If I am reading the compatibility chart correctly that flash isn't even compatible with the cameras directly.

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rfbeams Loc: Stanwood, Washington

In bygone days cameras came with an X setting for strobes (current flash units) and M for flashbulbs. By the way, cords can malfunction due to damage. If your current units have tilt functions, I'd suggest you set your tilt at 45-degrees and try some bounce flash. I use it and like the results. Experiment to find what you like. Even colored ceilings can be correct using software.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Overthehill1 wrote:

If possible, I'd like to occasionally use the SB-8... (show quote)

Have you checked your SC-17 for continuity? I find mine too short for most purposes, and use PC cords instead.

User ID

Bill_de wrote:

http://www.nikon-asia.com/kdb/EN/2005/1026/SB80DX.htm

If I am reading the compatibility chart correctly that flash isn't even compatible with the cameras directly.---

True. It’s made for primordial digital Nikons, barely 21st century. Should be out to pasture is you need automation. For manual use no problem :-)

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Overthehill1 wrote:

If possible, I'd like to occasionally use the SB-8... (show quote)

Wireless remote triggers give you the most flexibility. A basic remote trigger made by Yongnuo (603 II) for your camera will cost about $40, and will work fine for manual speedlight operation. No iTTL functionality is available with this flash. Use it set to Non TTL "A" mode.

Overthehill1

Gene51 wrote:

Wireless remote triggers give you the most flexibility. A basic remote trigger made by Yongnuo (603 II) for your camera will cost about $40, and will work fine for manual speedlight operation. No iTTL functionality is available with this flash. Use it set to Non TTL "A" mode.

You're the man! Thanks.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Overthehill1 wrote:

You're the man! Thanks.

Thanks!

wide2tele Loc: Australia

SB-80DX will work as a slave and can be triggered by pop-up flash.

BebuLamar

The SB-80DX won't fire with the SC-17 cord? I think it would fire although not supporting i-TTL.

Overthehill1

BebuLamar wrote:

The SB-80DX won't fire with the SC-17 cord? I think it would fire although not supporting i-TTL.

OK, I'm officially embarrassed. Don't know why I couldn't get the flash to fire previously, but seems to work with the SC-17 on both cameras now. minus the TTL of course. (Yes, the batteries were charged before.) Even works with a more ancient Nikon flash I have too. Thanks to all for their help and suggestions..

Pixljockey Loc: Southeast Pa.

Be careful, I was warned not to use my old vivitar 285 flash with my Olympus e-510 because of the trigger voltage being too high. I was told it could “fry” the circuitry in the camera. Since moving on to the NIkon D7200 I have purchased the NIkon SB700 speed lite. The base of the 285 was slightly cracked, so I’m not sure I would have trusted it to stay on camera or the grip I used to put it on. Remote sounds like a good idea though.

Overthehill1

Pixljockey wrote:

Be careful, I was warned not to use my old vivitar 285 flash with my Olympus e-510 because of the trigger voltage being too high. I was told it could “fry” the circuitry in the camera. Since moving on to the NIkon D7200 I have purchased the NIkon SB700 speed lite. The base of the 285 was slightly cracked, so I’m not sure I would have trusted it to stay on camera or the grip I used to put it on. Remote sounds like a good idea though.

Thanks for the warning. The immediate problem is solved but I probably will take Gene51's advice too. $40 or a GAS attack doesn't sound too bad.

Ourspolair

I use cheap wireless triggers. Can't be beat.