D40X and Vivitar 285HV or Metz 60CT-1

I have a D40x and an older Vivitar 285hv. Can someone explain to me what I need

to use these two together? In other words, what is the safest way I can use the

285HV on my D40X. I also have a Metz 60CT-1 that I would like to use. Any

advice as in off camera as well as using a Wizard or something similar set up.

Thank you in advance.

Check this link and measure the sync voltage. You'll hear a lot of horror story on this. I think the problem is called electrical over stress induced via latch up. IMO, if you make sure the sync voltage is below 50V or so (200v bellow 250V spec and amble room for over/under shoot) your probability of frying your camera is may be about the same as getting run over by a truck. I use two 283 this way.

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Lnbr

I use the Wein Safe Sync ( model HSHSB ). It goes into the hot shoe and you plug the flash pc cord into it or use as a hot shoe. Since I use the the flash on a bracket with Sto-Fen diffuser, I use the pc cord.

 

Set the camera to use manual mode, any speed up to sync speed, set the lens to what is called for on the flash auto dial or do manually.

 

I like 1/15 to pick up ambient light and perhaps 5.6 on auto. Could not ask for more with on camera flash.

 

You may need higher ISO`s so use them. Fix with NeatImage.com

 

Sure you can measure voltage etc, but for $50, why take a chance.

 

My studio connects the same way.

 

Previously with a P&S Cannon that had no shoe or flash contact, I used the camera flash to trigger a slave connected to the 285. Same settings. Got the same nice pics.

 

I recycle old gear. The slave is 40 years old. i just refuse to pay for a Nikon flash that will do no better and probably worse lighting wise.

Most Vivitar 285HV flashes (at least the ones made from the late 1980's forward) probably measure under 10 VDC sync voltage (I had one from that era that measured ~6V). However, the ONLY way to know for sure is to actually measure a fully charged flash across the ground and sync terminal with a voltmeter. That's very easy to do if you have access to a multimeter.

 

I sincerely doubt you will harm your D40x by mounting a 285HV directly in the hotshoe. Nikon DSLR's are very tolerant of high sync voltages (i.e. 250V as above), much more so than the competition. However, caveat emptor, and you do so at your own risk. As per Nikon's warning in the "Accessories" section of the D40x manual, any damage caused by non-Nikon units will not be covered under warranty.

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice and knowledge. I'll give it all a try.

I e-mailed Metz regarding the same question and they promptly replied that it was safe for me to use the flash with d40x.I tried, and have had no problems.

It looks as though both the 285HV and Metz 60CT-1 worked just fine either connected to a safe sync or wireless. Here's an image done recently of a local band using the Metz with a flash card.