questions about wien safe-sync and super dangerous flashes

[etan_lightstone]

I recently bought an OLD (very old) vivitar 283 for my Digital Rebel.

This Vivitar was of the generation that was made in Japan.

 

Since I read about how this would certainly fry my camera, I just

bought a decently overpriced wein safe-sync hotshoe adapter. I tried

it in the store at it seemed to work fine with my flash and their

Digital Rebel.

 

But... the safe-sync specs indicate that it handles up to 400v, and

I've heard that some Vivitar 283's can have a trigger voltage as high

as 600v. Will the safe sync still work? Is my camera in danger in this

case? or the safe-sync itself is what will fail at a voltage that

high? if the safe-sync fries I don't care, if my camera does I'll be

a little upset.

[hugh_crawford1]

my 283 didn't kill my Wein, and and I think the design of the Wein is such that even if it failed it would not harm the camera.

But don't take my word for it, call Wein.

[david_haynes]

Etan,

 

I have a very old (purchased new 1974) 283 and have used with the

safe-sync with no problems on my 10D. But mostly when I use the flash with that

camera I have used the sync cord and plugged into the side of the camera. If you don't

have a PC cord already with the flash, you'll have to buy one with the Vivitar-type end

to connect to the flash.

 

I also use this method with studio strobe equipment and have used up to 3200 WS

Balcar Pack without damage to camera when plugged into the PC terminal, which I

understand can take more trigger juice than the hot shoe.

 

I'm not sure if the D-Rebel has a PC terminal though since I do not own one.

 

Also, you may want to send an e-mail to Canon tech support to ask the above

question. From my experience, it will take them a few days to get back with you, but

with me they always have eventually. However, my guess is that they'll use the "if it's

not Canon equipment all bets are off" cop out.

 

Good luck.

 

P.S. - That Safe-Sync really is an overpriced, poorly constructed piece of crap, IMO.

The first one I had came apart the first time I pulled the sync cord out of it and it was

held together with some kind of foil tape. Really for $45 I'd expect a lot more.

[el_fang]

Why even worry about it - just return the safe-sync and ebay the old Vivitar, then use the money you get back and buy a brand new 283... or better yet the Sunpak 383 which is a more user-friendly design.

[godfrey]

Measure the actual trigger voltage of your specific flash unit, it's very easy. Just charge up the

flash (off the camera) and use a Volt-Ohm-Meter on the side and center terminals in the foot,

read off the voltage.

 

Godfrey

[digitmstr]

All WEIN stuff is overpriced...and poorly made. Photo stuff is really a "side" biz for them...