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01/01/2009 11:47:06 PM · #1 |
Is there danger of damage when using an older flash unit, off-camera, triggered through the sync socket - not the hotshoe? I am particularly interested in Sunpak 544, 522 and vivitar 283, 285s with canon 20D, 50D, nikon D70, D200.
Edit: Oops...the D70 doesn't have a sync socket, does it?
Message edited by author 2009-01-01 23:48:45. |
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01/01/2009 11:52:44 PM · #2 |
| I was going to reply, but then I realised that I misunderstood your question, and I actually don't have a clue. :) |
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01/01/2009 11:53:17 PM · #3 |
| Look in the manuals for the different cameras you list. There will be a maximum flash sync voltage listed. I have a Sunpak 544 and it's sync voltage is close to 240 volts DC. That is just within the limits of my D200 but it's getting kinda high. Most modern D series Nikon cameras only see 5 volts DC. I've used my 544 with the D200 with no problems... but.... not all units have the same sync voltage. I'd advise measuring it before using it. The voltage limitations are the same on the hotshoe as on the sync terminals. YMMV and I make absolutely no warranties! I use the poverty wizzards to trigger all my flashes now and don't have to worry about the high sync voltage on the 544 anymore. |
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01/02/2009 12:01:46 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by fir3bird:
Look in the manuals for the different cameras you list. There will be a maximum flash sync voltage listed. I have a Sunpak 544 and it's sync voltage is close to 240 volts DC. That is just within the limits of my D200 but it's getting kinda high. Most modern D series Nikon cameras only see 5 volts DC. I've used my 544 with the D200 with no problems... but.... not all units have the same sync voltage. I'd advise measuring it before using it. The voltage limitations are the same on the hotshoe as on the sync terminals. YMMV and I make absolutely no warranties! I use the poverty wizzards to trigger all my flashes now and don't have to worry about the high sync voltage on the 544 anymore. |
I found this site that listed the 544 at 4.6 - 6.75. I also seem to recall that there are indeed different safe trigger voltages for the hotshoe and sync sockets, though I haven't found much of any info yet.
What are the "poverty wizzards" you refer to? |
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01/02/2009 11:34:39 AM · #5 |
The "Poverty Wizzards" are inexpensive versions of Pocket Wizards. A radio remote control to replace the cumbersome wires.
You should also borrow a meter and measure the actually voltage on the sync terminal on the flash. There can be a wide variance as my 544 is at least 10 years old and it measures 240 volts DC or so. The electrical switching device in the poverty wizzards will handle up to 450 volts DC.
Opps, also forgot to mention, 240 volts DC can KILL YOU DEAD. Be careful.
Message edited by author 2009-01-02 11:36:00. |
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01/03/2009 06:51:03 AM · #6 |
I see you already found the site I was going to post with various voltages. Couple things to note: The general consensus on the web is that Nikon's are safe at voltages higher than Canon's, and that Fuji's may be safe at even higher (as is noted on the listing of voltages, though I found this info elsewhere as well). I have personally used a Vivitar 2500 with zero issues (admittedly, it wasn't for prolonged use (neither in one session or over time)). Also, the D300 is rated for 250V via hotshoe, per the manual.
If you intend to measure the voltage yourself, there are some things you need to be careful of: For reasons I can't explain myself (but that are available on other sites), you should get a digital meter, not an analog.
I also read an article about how somebody's meter wasn't registering the peak voltage for whatever reason (the reason for this is, again, beyond my memory or understanding). You can also look into the Wein voltage regulators, which will safeguard your setup (and in the case of the D70, provide you with a voltage regulated PC sync as well).
Paramount voltage protection cords are another option (only useful if you have PC).
There is conflicting info on whether or not PC sync's can receive higher voltage than hot shoes. The Canon 20D, for instance, is noted as handling 250V via PC, but not likewise for the hotshoe (pg 98 of 20D Manual).
Consult the manuals for the cameras in question.
ETA Several things:
The 50D can handle 250V through PC sync, and, like the 20D, also cautions against attaching "a high-voltage flash unit" to the hotshoe. You decide what "a high-voltage flash unit" means. pg 114 of manual.
The D200 supports up to 250V via hotshoe, per manual, pg 177 D200 Manual
The D70 supports up to 250V via hotshoe, per manual pg186 D70 Manual
The comment that 240V is enough to kill you is rather misleading. It depends upon the amperage and largely the resistance of the body where the current contacts. Static shocks, for instance, are routinely 1,000+ volts and cause no permanent damage.
Message edited by author 2009-01-03 07:43:09. |
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03/20/2009 01:11:04 PM · #7 |
| How much will the Cactus Triggers take out of curiosity? |
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