'Exclusive Slave Unit?": I may be asking a stupid question but this inexpensive strobe is advertised for certain cameras. Won't it work equally as well as an independent slave with...

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

I may be asking a stupid question but this inexpensive strobe is advertised for certain cameras. Won't it work equally as well as an independent slave with i.e. studio strobes, or is it dedicated strictly for Sony's somehow?
Vivitar Digital Slave Flash for Sony Alpha A100 A200 A230 A290 A300 A330 A380 A390...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Papa Joe wrote:

I may be asking a stupid question but this inexpensive strobe is advertised for certain cameras. Won't it work equally as well as an independent slave with i.e. studio strobes, or is it dedicated strictly for Sony's somehow?
Vivitar Digital Slave Flash for Sony Alpha A100 A200 A230 A290 A300 A330 A380 A390...

Although I'm not familiar with that flash, I have a couple of these that work as slaves.

http://www.amazon.com/NEEWER%C2%AE-Digital-Bracket-Cameras-Without/dp/B002X3VBFK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1361020001&sr=8-3&keywords=neewer+flash

This Cowboy Studios unit works well, too.

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-NPT-04-Speelights-extra-receiver/dp/B005IQRMN4/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1361020106&sr=1-3&keywords=cowboy+studios+flash

DavidT Loc: Maryland

Papa Joe wrote:

I may be asking a stupid question but this inexpensive strobe is advertised for certain cameras. Won't it work equally as well as an independent slave with i.e. studio strobes, or is it dedicated strictly for Sony's somehow?
Vivitar Digital Slave Flash for Sony Alpha A100 A200 A230 A290 A300 A330 A380 A390...

Certain strobes may be used as slaves as they have a built-in sensor, but need light from an on-camera flash to trigger it. Some on-camera flashes emit a pre-flash first and the slave flash knows to ignore it; some don't. I'm not familiar with the particular flash you're referring to. But, it will be compatible with other flashes depending on whether it is triggered by the pre-flash or the second flash.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

DavidT wrote:

But, it will be compatible with other flashes depending on whether it is triggered by the pre-flash or the second flash.

Some units have a switch to fire either way or "learn" to ignore the pre-flash.

This one gets terrible reviews:
http://www.vivitar.com/products/9/flashes-and-accessories/328/sf-3000

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Thanks Jerry, David, Goofy and all who replied. I hoped it would work with studio lights, but wondered why it was mentioned specifically for Sony. I guess they mean ON or connected to Sony. Appreciate your input,
Joe