Flash Gun for M9

[MPWhite01]

I have a Vivitar Auto Thyristor 2800 flash, that I used for years, without problems; in conjunction with my M-4. Now that the M-4 is gone, should this unit still be good with my M-9?

It appears that it has both a cable connection, and it looks like a hot shoe connection; though I am not sure as I always used it with the cable, as the only means to connect it to the M-4.

 

[Godfrey]

I have a Vivitar Auto Thyristor 2800 flash, that I used for years, without problems; in conjunction with my M-4. Now that the M-4 is gone, should this unit still be good with my M-9?

It appears that it has both a cable connection, and it looks like a hot shoe connection; though I am not sure as I always used it with the cable, as the only means to connect it to the M-4.

It should be perfectly usable if the trigger voltage is not out of range. Many older flash units have 200-400V trigger voltage, which can cause damage to modern camera electronics. (Old cameras like the M4 just had a pair of plain electrical contacts on the shutter, modern cameras use electronic switching systems.)

To test the trigger voltage: use a Volt-Ohm-Meter.

- Set the meter to DC Volts
- Power up the flash (off the camera, of course)
- Put one probe on the center terminal and one on the side terminal in the hot shoe.
- Read the voltage (and ignore the sign)

If it's under 10V, it's safe to use with almost any camera. Over that, buy a Wein Safe Sync to go between the flash and the camera, to protect the camera from excess voltage.

You can also use it with a radio frequency (RF) flash trigger to get it off the camera for better lighting ... that's what I do with my flash units most of the time ... but you still need the Wein Safe Sync to protect the trigger receiver unit.

G

 

[MPWhite01]

Thank you for the quick reply. I will make sure it as you say. If it turns out to be too high, I will start checking for a newer unit, as my "piggy bank" is empty with the purchase of the M9.

 

[hepcat]

According to Leica, the M8 and M9 have no voltage restrictions. Fire away! I also have a 2800, and it's trigger voltage is less than 6v, so you need not worry with it and any electronic camera anyway, but again according to Leica, there is no problem using any flash on the M9 up to 600v.

I bought a couple of SMDV 512 hot shoe adapters for $9 each from Amazon last year for my M8 and M9 for the PC sync outlet connector to use with my ancient corded Norman studio lighting system. They're also safe-syncs. The Amazon price for them has apparently doubled, but at $17 each they're still not expensive.

They range in price from about $7 to $17 on Amazon, shipped, depending on what camera they're being advertised for, but they're all the same adapter... single middle pin to hotshoe/pc sync outlet, and my experience with them so far has been positive. I also use a Wein AC safe sync on my Norman studio light setup. It goes in between the AC sync cord outlet and the sync cord. I bought and installed it when I was shooting Olympus DSLRs because they needed a less-than-6v trigger voltage.

 

[jaapv]

It should be perfectly usable if the trigger voltage is not out of range. Many older flash units have 200-400V trigger voltage, which can cause damage to modern camera electronics. (Old cameras like the M4 just had a pair of plain electrical contacts on the shutter, modern cameras use electronic switching systems.)

To test the trigger voltage: use a Volt-Ohm-Meter.

- Set the meter to DC Volts
- Power up the flash (off the camera, of course)
- Put one probe on the center terminal and one on the side terminal in the hot shoe.
- Read the voltage (and ignore the sign)

If it's under 10V, it's safe to use with almost any camera. Over that, buy a Wein Safe Sync to go between the flash and the camera, to protect the camera from excess voltage.

You can also use it with a radio frequency (RF) flash trigger to get it off the camera for better lighting ... that's what I do with my flash units most of the time ... but you still need the Wein Safe Sync to protect the trigger receiver unit.

G

The maximum trigger voltage of the Leica M8/9/MM/M is 600 V (Official Leica specification)

 

[Godfrey]

The maximum trigger voltage of the Leica M8/9/MM/M is 600 V (Official Leica specification)

That's good to know. I'm still leery about putting flash units with such high voltages onto electronic bodies, and particularly on RF trigger units.

Call me conservative... 🙂

G

 

[icebear]

That's good to know. I'm still leery about putting flash units with such high voltages onto electronic bodies, and particularly on RF trigger units.

Call me conservative... 🙂

G

LOL, I'd be leery of putting a flash on a Leica RF at all 😀.

 

[MPWhite01]

According to Leica, the M8 and M9 have no voltage restrictions. Fire away! I also have a 2800, and it's trigger voltage is less than 6v, so you need not worry with it and any electronic camera anyway, but again according to Leica, there is no problem using any flash on the M9 up to 600v.
.

I gave my 2800 a test and got a number a bit higher than 6v but, from what is written of "600v" I am in the clear.

Thanks for the help. It is really appreciated.

 

[swoop]

Some flash options for Leica's

http://www.rangefinderworkshop.com/?p=346