Elan 7 with an old Vivitar 283

[scott_milso]

I've been wanting to get a 420 ex, but a friend gave me an old

Vivitar 283. I read on another thread somwehere that the older

Vivitars can cause a damaging surge on EOS bodies, is there any

truth to this?

Also any links or hints on how to use? (I'm not a newbie, been

shootin for years, just ambient and reflected light)

Thanks

[chip l.]

Voltages on the "old" 283 flashes can cause damage to the newer cameras. Weins offered at one point an adapter I believe that made the voltage differences compatible.

[mark u]

A 1 series body (EOS 1,1N, 1V) will withstand 250 volts. Most other bodies are only supposed to cope with 6V. Check the voltage of the 283 by putting a voltmeter across the centre terminal and the edge when it is charged. Use a voltage isolator if the voltage is too high - e.g. Wien Safe Sync.

[robert_roaldi1]

Somewhere on this page:

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/G1strobe.html

is a link to another page with trigger voltage details on many flashes and whether or not they are safe with EOS cameras.

[james_castagno]

I believe only the EOS-1v and the EOS-1D have the 250 volt capacity. I have an EOS-1 and was told that it is a 6 volt camera. If I am wrong I am sure someone will correct me.

[jimstrutz]

Check this out: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

[eshifri]

Originally Vivitar 283 was introduced wit ~300V trigger voltage (I have one), but later the trigger voltage was reduced to something more acceptable for modern cameras. The only way to find out - is to measure. You do not need a very fency voltmeter to do that - anything will work. Even if the measurement is not accurate, you will see a difference between 6 and 300.