jgcraft
Member
I have been looking for a small inexpensive flash to use on some of my vintage cameras. In particular I wanted something compact to use on my Minox 35GL. I found the flash I thought I wanted but doing a little more research after I bought it on e-bay, I discovered it uses a high voltage trigger.
My question is, can I use it on the Minox without damaging the electronics in the camera? I read on Matt Denton's site that it can produce as much as 200volts.
Thanks in advance,
George Craft
My question is, can I use it on the Minox without damaging the electronics in the camera? I read on Matt Denton's site that it can produce as much as 200volts.
Thanks in advance,
George Craft
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
I have a few Vivitar 283's (Japan) and they will trigger a 200 - 300 volt zap...I'm fine using them with the older cameras (Nikon FE, FM, F2, Pentax MX, ME amd Mamiya 645) but will not use them on any newer bodies (Nikon F4/F5)
If the camera in question has any fancy electronics I would not use it...you might want to double check the output voltage on the flash for yourself just to be sure...The Vivitar 283 Japanese version 200+ volts the Chinese/Tiawan version around 6 volts...
A multimeter set to DC Volts, place the leads on the two contacts on the flash shoe...just be careful you could get zapped...make sure the flash is up to full power to get a correct reading...doing this will not trigger the flash as long as you don't short out the meter leads...
If the camera in question has any fancy electronics I would not use it...you might want to double check the output voltage on the flash for yourself just to be sure...The Vivitar 283 Japanese version 200+ volts the Chinese/Tiawan version around 6 volts...
A multimeter set to DC Volts, place the leads on the two contacts on the flash shoe...just be careful you could get zapped...make sure the flash is up to full power to get a correct reading...doing this will not trigger the flash as long as you don't short out the meter leads...
jgcraft
Member
Thanks Sam for your help. I only read 43.6 volts so I don't know if the site I was looking at was incorrect or the meter is old or is a different vintage.
I also did some more research and on the old Minoxograpy site someone described using their Vivitar 283 for years with their GL with no ill affects. So off I go to test a roll with the new (to me) flash.
I also did some more research and on the old Minoxograpy site someone described using their Vivitar 283 for years with their GL with no ill affects. So off I go to test a roll with the new (to me) flash.
ZeissFan
Veteran
I don't think flash voltage was that much of an issue until cameras started to become completely controlled by electronics.