Check out The Dynamics of Photographic Lighting section of our forum.
Vintage Sears camera flash info needed
Mar 4, 2019 20:44:33 #
Hey all. I found an old Sears auto flash model 330.80170. I am wanting to use it for a remote flash for a project but I don't know what the trigger voltage is. I can't seem to find a manual or any other information on the flash in general. Does anyone know what the trigger voltage is and whether or not it would be ok to use on a t1i? The triggers I am using are the npt-04 and they say that they need a trigger voltage of 12v or less.
Mar 4, 2019 20:59:30 #
Mar 4, 2019 21:01:14 #
Check out The Dynamics of Photographic Lighting section of our forum.
Mar 4, 2019 21:07:39 #
kd5jbk wrote:
i do. I know nothing of off camera flashes. Where would I measure the from?
Across the two contacts on the flash shoe (DC voltage), which may or may not trigger the flash.
Mar 4, 2019 21:11:32 #
Mar 4, 2019 21:28:51 #
kd5jbk wrote:
Thank you. Just in case anyone is interested I measured 195 VDC across the terminals.
Well, you have your answer!
Btw, is your screen name your call letters?
Mar 4, 2019 21:31:49 #
TriX wrote:
Well, you have your answer!
Btw, is your screen name your call letters?
Btw, is your screen name your call letters?
Yes they are as a matter of fact.
Mar 4, 2019 21:33:04 #
kd5jbk wrote:
Yes they are as a matter of fact.
Excellent, there are a number of us on UHH - welcome!
73 de K4CKB
Mar 4, 2019 22:09:01 #
kd5jbk wrote:
Hey all. I found an old Sears auto flash model 330.80170. I am wanting to use it for a remote flash for a project but I don't know what the trigger voltage is. I can't seem to find a manual or any other information on the flash in general. Does anyone know what the trigger voltage is and whether or not it would be ok to use on a t1i? The triggers I am using are the npt-04 and they say that they need a trigger voltage of 12v or less.
TriX hit the nail on the head. Even if you had found documenation,
it would be unwise to rely on it for the flash voltage. Many flash
models were manufactured with different voltages over the years.
If you decide to measure it, be careful not to zap yourself.
It could as high as 400 V, and DC is more dangerous than AC.
A post on the Pentax forum says the trigger voltage is too high for the
Ricoh Pentax K1 digital camera:
Pentax Forum wrote:
I have an absurd Sears auto flash that runs on a single AA and works a treat on my MX
(apart from vignetting at wider than 28mm). It is about as tall as a MX shutter button and
as wide as the MX body between the lens and the edge of the camera.
It is model 330.80170 and suggests f4 with ISO 100 at 10ft...
The only downside is a trigger voltage too high for the K1...
I have an absurd Sears auto flash that runs on a single AA and works a treat on my MX
(apart from vignetting at wider than 28mm). It is about as tall as a MX shutter button and
as wide as the MX body between the lens and the edge of the camera.
It is model 330.80170 and suggests f4 with ISO 100 at 10ft...
The only downside is a trigger voltage too high for the K1...
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/125-flashes-lighting-studio/351096-compact-flash-pentax-mx.html
Unfotunately, I couldn't find out what the maximum flash voltage of the K1 is.
Another bit of information: if you happen to have a Nikon camera,
Nikon publishes that its cameras can handle 250 V. But check the manual.
If it turns out your camera can't handle the voltage this flash puts out,
you can always use it with a Wein Safe Sync adapter (regulates the voltage
to less than 6 V). I've used one for years.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/245292-REG/Wein_W990560_Safe_Sync_Hot_Shoe_to.html
BTW, I found a photo of the same model Sears flash on-line:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sears-Auto-Flash-Model-330-80170-Camera-Film-Retro/233153561125?hash=item3649090225:g:T8kAAOSwvcFcO1qT:rk:3:pf:1
That unit says "Made in Hong Kong" on the back. I thought maybe I'd
recognize it as a rebranded model from another manufactuer, but I don't.
Mar 5, 2019 01:50:27 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
If it is being used as a remote flash, it doesn't matter what the voltage is if you use a wireless trigger to activate it.
Mar 5, 2019 09:44:43 #
Check out Street Photography section of our forum.
Mar 5, 2019 09:49:41 #
Mar 5, 2019 10:27:46 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
TriX wrote:
Excellent, there are a number of us on UHH - welcome!
73 de K4CKB
73 de K4CKB
73 de kg4gdk. Welcome aboard.
Mar 5, 2019 10:28:06 #
jdubu wrote:
If it is being used as a remote flash, it doesn't matter what the voltage is if you use a wireless trigger to activate it.
The OP said his remote trigger has voltage limit to 12V. I couldn't find the manual to verify that.
Mar 5, 2019 10:46:27 #
turn the flash on , measure the voltage between the center pin and the base , on a old flash it will shoe 100 volts or so , so not safe on modern camera .a basic voltmeter is around $ 6 , and will work fine .
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Check out Drone Video and Photography Forum section of our forum.