Pentax 645 flash sync voltage?

[steve_robb1]

Hi everyone,

 

I've searched back through past threads and can't seem to find an answer to

this. I have recently bought a Pentax 645 as my first MF camera (still

planning to run around with the 35mm, but come back with the 645 when I find

something extra special) and am eagerly awaiting it's arrival. I think my

wife's sick of hearing how excited I am every day!

 

I'm just wondering if anyone could tell me what the flash sync voltage is? I'm

wondering because one of my two favourite flashes is my old Vivitar 283, but

it's one of the earlier ones with the 200+ sync voltage, and I'd hate to spend

all this time in anticipation of a new piece of gear only to cook it with my

first test roll.

 

If anyone can tell me (or tell me where I overlooked it in the manual) I'd

really appreciate it.

 

Cheers,

[wil_ussery]

Steve, here's a website that has some testing on many different flashes.

 

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

 

Here's an excerpt from the Vivitar 283 section:

 

Older units have been reported as high as 600V!

Recent (post-'87) revised 283's ("Made in China") are safer with modern cameras, running around 9-10V. Bob Atkins reports some as low as 5V. Recently units marked "Made in Korea" have also appeared... measured at 8v by Andrew Cassino and Tony Bonanno.

Kevin Omura used a Quantum battery and got a hefty 261.4V out of his (sn3012330), while

Göran Samuelsson had two units with different voltages: 230V and 190V. Other reports have had similar variety, up to 270V.

[steve_robb1]

Hi Wil,

 

Thanks for the reply, but as I mentioned, I already know the voltages of my flash, I'm wondering what the P645 will sit happily with. I use my 283 on a bracket with my old Pentax ME Super all the time, but have to conciously remember not to attach it to my newer camera's (that can only handle 6v sync).

[danny_wong2]

I have used 283 and 285 (original, non HV) for decades with my 645 and 645n and they are still working. Not to mention Speedo, Dynalites, Norman and Profoto systems.

[steve_robb1]

Thanks Danny, that's somewhat comforting to know. You wouldn't happen to know what voltage your 283 is synching at would you?

[danny_wong2]

It was old so I am assuming over 200V so it does not go on any of my digital cameras. My 285 was the high 200V type.