Flash Compatibility - DPChallenge Forums

01/22/2008 10:43:18 AM · #1

Probably a crazy question I really don't know!!
I have a Canon EOS 400D and am wondering is OK to use a "Suntax 328DTZ Thyristor" flash with it. Its a flash I got years ago so am not sure if it would be ok to use or would it damage my camera.
I guess what I'm asking is "are all flashes ok to use with all dSLR's?"

Would appreciate any help/advice. Thanks.
Sinead

01/22/2008 10:46:19 AM · #2

Originally posted by hicks:

"are all flashes ok to use with all dSLR's?"

No, they're not. The voltage on an older flash can fry your camera. There's a voltage regulator you can put between the flash and camera, but it costs a substantial fraction of a new flash, and you'd be working without all the TTL automation of newer flash units anyway.

01/22/2008 10:50:31 AM · #3

Thanks for this scalvert, much appreciated. Sorry for bugging, but how would I find out if this flash is compatible? I don't have any of the lit that came with it. Thanks.
Sinead

01/22/2008 10:56:03 AM · #4

Originally posted by hicks:

how would I find out if this flash is compatible?

Ask the manufacturer. Even if it works, you'd probably be limited to manual settings.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

01/22/2008 10:59:11 AM · #5

Originally posted by scalvert:

Ask the manufacturer.

If I'd a brain I'd be dangerous!!
Thanks Scalvert.

pix-al

Canon EOS-5D

01/22/2008 11:10:55 AM · #6

If you google hard enough, you'll find a really useful page that advised of the voltage dumped by almost all flash units around. I can't recall the page name and I know i didn't bookmark it!

I found it very comforting to check before attaching the old Nikon SB units I had on Ebay to my 350d!

pix-al

Canon EOS-5D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

01/22/2008 11:13:58 AM · #7

Found it...

Advised of trigger voltages actually recorded by technical people/users!
Can't actually see "Suntax" listed though, sure it isn't a "Sunpak"?

You'd need to double check the safe voltage for the 400D...

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

01/22/2008 03:38:34 PM · #8

pix-al thant you for that link and info. I found this discussion if anyone else is interested.

Suntax Flash compatability

Probably should invest in a flash designed for a dSLR at some stage. Anyone any suggestions on a decent (not too expensive) flash?

Cheers
Sinead

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

01/22/2008 03:40:45 PM · #9

If you have a multimeter you can charge the flash up and hit both contacts and get a reading. Im trying to remember but i think it discharges when u do this. I had an old old old little Sears AUTO flash powered by a AA battery and its output voltage was i think 331 volts?

_eug

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

01/22/2008 03:43:49 PM · #10

Originally posted by hicks:

Since you are new to the world of off camera flash, I'd suggest the reading over at //strobist.com before you start thinking about flash suggestions. They have a few feature recommendations.

Message edited by author 2008-01-22 15:44:21.

01/22/2008 03:50:09 PM · #11

RainMotorSports and _eug, thank you both for your suggestions. Much appreciated. I have ALOT to learn.

Sinead

01/22/2008 04:24:07 PM · #12

Your best bet is a new flash. This Sigma would work well for $189. B&H also has a used 430ex flash for $199. Both are about twice as powerful as your Suntax.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

01/23/2008 05:20:33 AM · #13

scalvert thanks AGAIN! for this info. Final questions (sorrrryyy).....

â�¢ can these flashes be used off camera, from what I read I don't think so, but not 100% sure?

â�¢ if not would I be better off getting a flash that can be used off camera, for later on whe I become more failiar with the process (if ever!!! cough cough!) Don't want to have to re-invest again later on. (gee I'm so optimistic!!)

Cheers
Sinead

johst582

Nikon D80

01/23/2008 05:25:00 AM · #14

Seriously, can old flashes fry new cameras? I've been using an old sunpak on my Nikon D80, and it seems to be working fine (manual exposure of course). The camera still works with a modern SB600 flash, so the old one did not fry anything... yet?

taterbug

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

01/23/2008 05:31:45 AM · #15

Yes they can, if the voltage is too high.

dsmil

Olympus E-510

01/23/2008 05:40:50 AM · #16

Use a Wein safe sync. You can probably get this on Ebay or Amazon.

If fits in your camera's hot shoe and allows you to use any flash and will reduce its voltage to 6V which is safe for all DSLR's.

You can put the flash in its hotshoe or attached it via pc sync cord.

I have used a Sunpak Thyristor flash that is 220V and the "safe sync" prevents any damage to my camera.

01/23/2008 05:54:40 AM · #17

Originally posted by johst582:

Hi johst582, pix-al post a link above where you can check if your flash is compatible. I have done a bit of general reading on this and discovered they might not damage (fry!) your camera immediately but over time it can do if the voltage on the flash is too high for the camera.