Old Sunpak flash and a newish DSLR
Discussion
What can go wrong? I started to look for some info in this Sunpak Auto 30DX and saw a few mentions that this thyrister device could muller a new DSLR but then again might not.
I have a 7D MKI BTW. Something to do with trigger voltages I am told but cannot find any references to what they are and what the 7D can take.
Just found a copy of the flash manual online but need to read through again and cannot find a mention in the 7D manual.
I appreciate this will need to be used in the manual setting.
I have a 7D MKI BTW. Something to do with trigger voltages I am told but cannot find any references to what they are and what the 7D can take.
Just found a copy of the flash manual online but need to read through again and cannot find a mention in the 7D manual.
I appreciate this will need to be used in the manual setting.
It was given to me very kindly by a relative so not going to sell and if it would function safely, saves me some loot to boot. However in the kit was also a remote doohickey (clip on flash light detector) so it could function as a fill in away from the camera I suppose 
Not thought of that. Time to play later today (avoiding attaching it to my camera that is....)
Not thought of that. Time to play later today (avoiding attaching it to my camera that is....)
Edited by jmorgan on Friday 20th November 11:49
Used to be able to get safety adapter that fitted to the camera hotshoe and then the flash mounted on top. (Wein Hotshoe to Hotshoe Safe Sync)
It depends how old the flash unit is. When I was looking into this some years ago there were a couple of web sites that had largely useful information for every well known flash unit.
Off camera work should be fine - although if using wireless triggers I suppose they may be vulnerable.
I have an old '70s Metz hammerhead unit that is well out of safety spec. for plugging directly into the body. However I have used it several times with my Elinchrom Skyport triggers (late '00s specs) without any known problems.
It depends how old the flash unit is. When I was looking into this some years ago there were a couple of web sites that had largely useful information for every well known flash unit.
Off camera work should be fine - although if using wireless triggers I suppose they may be vulnerable.
I have an old '70s Metz hammerhead unit that is well out of safety spec. for plugging directly into the body. However I have used it several times with my Elinchrom Skyport triggers (late '00s specs) without any known problems.
jmorgan said:
It was given to me very kindly by a relative so not going to sell and if it would function safely, saves me some loot to boot. However in the kit was also a remote doohickey (clip on flash light detector) so it could function as a fill in away from the camera I suppose
Not thought of that. Time to play later today (avoiding attaching it to my camera that is....)
It could work manually off-camera/as a slave, but you'd need a trigger, either IR, radio or the built-in flash. I understand the sentiment - I have a load of my father's old photo kit which I'd never part with - but you'll be making life difficult for yourself.Not thought of that. Time to play later today (avoiding attaching it to my camera that is....)
http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/cords__offcamera_con...
I think I paid somewhat less than that at the time.
Realistically for on camera use with studio flash of unknown provenance it might make sense. For an on camera strobe .... probably better to buy a newer (Chinese) flash unit at the lower end of the price range for about the same money.
Here's the original voltage assessment list. Pick your model and see what it suggests.
http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html
I think I paid somewhat less than that at the time.
Realistically for on camera use with studio flash of unknown provenance it might make sense. For an on camera strobe .... probably better to buy a newer (Chinese) flash unit at the lower end of the price range for about the same money.
Here's the original voltage assessment list. Pick your model and see what it suggests.
http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html
If it works and you be sure its safe enough for your needs then play with it.
My oldest Metz is a real dinosaur being late '70s.
Things improved a lot through the 80s. Realistically a lot of stuff from the 70s will have disappeared by now. The referenced site was was a "bible" 10 years ago. The potential problems, from old strobes that have survived this long in working order, is surely greatly reduced. There have to be fewer of them around.
My oldest Metz is a real dinosaur being late '70s.
Things improved a lot through the 80s. Realistically a lot of stuff from the 70s will have disappeared by now. The referenced site was was a "bible" 10 years ago. The potential problems, from old strobes that have survived this long in working order, is surely greatly reduced. There have to be fewer of them around.
Yeah its the trigger voltage that can kill things, some old flashes had a 500v trigger.
TBH there are so many good 3rd party flashes that are cheap, yongnuo even have canon radio wireless compatible 600ex knockoffs for a good price, or manual ones with heaps of features ( built in rf603's etc) for not much
TBH there are so many good 3rd party flashes that are cheap, yongnuo even have canon radio wireless compatible 600ex knockoffs for a good price, or manual ones with heaps of features ( built in rf603's etc) for not much
Well, it was a thought. Not used an external flash since my Minolta in the 80's.
The remote sensor (slave?) I had been given with this does work, tried it this afternoon. I was also given a Chinon, tested with that. Sort of hoping the slave will work with the Sunpak, must find out before I try and I damage something.
Next I need to find a use for them.......
The remote sensor (slave?) I had been given with this does work, tried it this afternoon. I was also given a Chinon, tested with that. Sort of hoping the slave will work with the Sunpak, must find out before I try and I damage something.
Next I need to find a use for them.......
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