Speedlight or Sunpak for Nikon FG

[craig_wissler]

Hello,

 

I recently purchased a Nikon FG and am in the process of acquiring

accessories to go with it. I have been looking at both the Nikon

Speedlight SB-15 and the Sunpak 433d. Both are supposed to support

TTL metering on the FG. The GN of the SB-15 is about 80, and the GN

of the Sunpak is about 120. I have heard that Nikons can be damaged

by high trigger voltages. The SB-15 is less than 5 volts and the 433d

is less than 8 volts. Would I run any risk to the camera circuitry

with the Sunpak and is it always better to go with the higher GN?

Which flash would be better for the hobby/enthusiast?

 

Thank you

[richard_cochran]

The manual focus Nikons (and at least some, maybe all? of the

AF ones) are rated to handle 250 Volts. That little 8 volt

Sunpak won't damage the camera.

<p>

The SB-15 is a well made unit that's well matched to your

camera, but the Sunpak has more power, three

non-TTL auto apertures versus only two for the SB-15,

and manual power controllability

in one stop increments from full down to 1/16th power.

<p>

Either should do fine, and either will fully support TTL

on your FG, but I'd say the Sunpak is a better value.

[dj_soroka3]

The Vivatar 730AF at B & H for $65 is another option.

 

This is a TTL flash that does not offer automatic modes.

 

It does have a manually adjustable zoom head for 28mm, 35 mm, 50 mm and 85 mm settings. It runs on 4 AA batteries.

 

A very realistic solution for shooting in TTL mode.

[paul_blum]

Craig - I've used a FG and the Sunpak 433D for more than 15 years, they're an excellent combination. The TTL works perfectly, and it actually saved my butt a few times - the flash tells the camera when it's on, and automatically sets the shutter for you. The flash has three non-TTL settings which work well on my other cameras too.

[gordon_checknita]

The SB-15 is much more compact than the Sunpak 433D...but you can get an Omnibounce Diffuser for the Sunpak and the Sunpak has a higher flash guide number. I vote for the Sunpak.