Vivitar 283 Triggering Current

[peter_j_harvey]

Is the triggering current of a Vivitar 283 Flash of sufficient value to damage the shutter contacts on a Leicaflex SL? Porter have a limiting device in their catalogue, which I assume is generic! Is a specific Leica Device on the market? Thank you in advance for your input. Pete Harvey

[jay_.]

The voltage output of the Vivitar 283/285 was changed during its long

production. It's hard to tell, except that for the past 4-5 years

they have "CHINA" embossed on the base, just in front of the flash

foot, whereas before that it said "JAPAN". For sure, all the "CHINA"

ones are lower voltage. That said, the voltage problem is between HV

flash units fired through the *hot shoe* (direct or via PC adaptor)of

modern cameras with dedicated/TTL circuitry. Firing a HV flash

through the PC socket isn't going to harm any camera unless the

instructions specifically say it will, since they're made for studio

use. Lastly, at the time the SL was made pretty much all the

electronic flashes were HV so it's unlikely there ever was a problem

with the SL in that regard.

[john_collier5]

The short answer is no. Limiting devices are used to reduce the

trigger voltage of older flash units and some studio flash units.

The trigger voltage of these flashes can sometimes be over 200

volts which will damage cameras that use an electronic switch to

fire the flash. Your SL uses a mechanical switch which will have

no problems with the high voltage. The mechanical switche can

oxidise and require cleaning; but, then the high voltage is a plus

as it will fire even with a less than perfect connection.

 

<p>

 

It is easy to test your trigger voltage. Turn the flash on and allow it

to charge the capacitor fully (20s to a minute after the ready light

comes on). Then measure across the sync cord or shoe

contacts with a volt meter. If I remember a PopPhoto article on

this subject correctly, the electronic cameras like under 10 volts

but I am no a 100 % sure so check your camera manual or

manufacturer.

 

<p>

 

Cheers

[doug herr]

My old 283 hasn't caused any problems with my SL or SL2.