robklurfield
eclipse
I rediscovered a 20+ year old Achiever 260T flash from the mid-1980's in a closet. I can't find an instruction or spec sheet anywhere.
I've done some research that suggests it puts out about 220 to 250 volts. Is this enough to fry anything if used on an M8? I suspect it is. Anyone have knowledge on this? Thanks!
I've done some research that suggests it puts out about 220 to 250 volts. Is this enough to fry anything if used on an M8? I suspect it is. Anyone have knowledge on this? Thanks!
Ronald M
Veteran
That would fry bacon. Modern cameras are 6 volts or so. Wein makes a hot shoe device that isolates the flash. About $50.
Wein Safe Sync.
Wein Safe Sync.
phototektour
Established
Olsen
Well-known
Dont worry, be happy
Dont worry, be happy
It is absolutely safe to use on a M8! the M8, along with all modern cameras of today, have a built in restrictor that prevents any high voltages to reach the electronics of the camera. I regularly use my M8 with two 30 years old Vivitar 285, and several cheaper and smaller flashes of the same age. It works fine.
(Has anyone heard of a M8 - or any other modern camera, being 'fried' be an old flash?)
Dont worry, be happy
It is absolutely safe to use on a M8! the M8, along with all modern cameras of today, have a built in restrictor that prevents any high voltages to reach the electronics of the camera. I regularly use my M8 with two 30 years old Vivitar 285, and several cheaper and smaller flashes of the same age. It works fine.
(Has anyone heard of a M8 - or any other modern camera, being 'fried' be an old flash?)
Photon42
burn the box
Nice modern used flashes are available for US$ 50 as well. They come with a great level of peace of mind and some automatic apertures, take the Nikon SB27 for example. My advice is to get one of those. The potential benefit of using your old one if US$ 50, the potential loss could be much more.
One other thing you could try is getting a confirmation from Leica. I doubt strongly they'll do it, though.
Cheers
Ivo
One other thing you could try is getting a confirmation from Leica. I doubt strongly they'll do it, though.
Cheers
Ivo
Spoks
Well-known
Ivo,
They are totally uneccessary. Olsen is right. don't worry, be happy. Use any old flash directly on Leica M8 (MP, M7, M6 etc etc.)
They are totally uneccessary. Olsen is right. don't worry, be happy. Use any old flash directly on Leica M8 (MP, M7, M6 etc etc.)
robklurfield
eclipse
this is far from unanimous. thanks everyone for the opinions. it seems this is far from a settled issue.
is anyone currently using a high voltage flash on an M8 or M9 and, if so, can you post some images?
phototektour, thanks for the link. that's one of the places I visiting to research the trigger voltage on this flash.
is anyone currently using a high voltage flash on an M8 or M9 and, if so, can you post some images?
phototektour, thanks for the link. that's one of the places I visiting to research the trigger voltage on this flash.
phototektour
Established
You know what this means? Someone has to go the first step! Let us know, how your M8 thinks about it 
PS
ICE, you have the number from CS Solms?
PS
ICE, you have the number from CS Solms?
robklurfield
eclipse
:bang: any volunteers from our studio audience???You know what this means? Someone has to go the first step! Let us know, how your M8 thinks about it
PS
ICE, you have the number from CS Solms?
phototektour
Established
No volunteers till today???
So, if you are still interested, read this #22 + #23. Maybe its helpful.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
I don't have a Vivitar to fry the guts of my camera, but I just tested my Nikon SB-26 (greatest flash ever made IMO) and not only will it automatically set the camera for flash in A mode, but at speeds slower than 1/250 it will set the 2nd curtain automatically if I've selected it in-camera. That's usually a function that I set on the flash itself though, so it's not a big deal.
The big deal is that it works in my flash's A mode and so Guide Number operation is in effect.
I still have to use the flash on-camera or use a Nikon TTL extension cord (which I'm going to glue a cold shoe to the top of) to get GN set.
I normally don't use flash at all, but knowing that the SB-26 works better on the M8 than on a new Nikon digital is kind of pleasing.
Phil Forrest
The big deal is that it works in my flash's A mode and so Guide Number operation is in effect.
I still have to use the flash on-camera or use a Nikon TTL extension cord (which I'm going to glue a cold shoe to the top of) to get GN set.
I normally don't use flash at all, but knowing that the SB-26 works better on the M8 than on a new Nikon digital is kind of pleasing.
Phil Forrest
robklurfield
eclipse
thanks for that link. interesting reading. my achiever kicks out 250V, so I'm still a little wary.
rlouzan
Well-known
Jack Conrad
Well-known
Thanks folks, for all the Voltage info. I have two flashes, both Vivitars that are "no go." Fortunately, I also have a little Pentax that should be fine.
A Vivitar 283 I have actually burnt a circuit in my Yashica Electro GSN. I can't afford to take the chance with my more expensive modern digital cameras and they're nowhere near as expensive as an M8.
A Vivitar 283 I have actually burnt a circuit in my Yashica Electro GSN. I can't afford to take the chance with my more expensive modern digital cameras and they're nowhere near as expensive as an M8.
