8700 and Vivitar 283 external flash

[ilayish]

Hello all,

I've just started using my manual Vivitar 283 with my Coolpix 8700 and have really been impressed with the results. Especially when used as a fill light.

My concern is now having read a couple of posts regarding the fact that older units of the 283 (mine is just 3 years old) being potentially harmful to the coolpix's circuitry as their voltage on release can go up to 300V (!). In another thread I read that a Vivitar sales person E-Mailed one of the guys here saying that the more recent models have a trigger voltage of only 9V. The 8700 is supposed to be safe to 250V according to the manual.
So I guess I have two questions -

1) If I get the wein safe synch can I then put my mind to rest on the isuue of "Am I gonna fry my Nikon by mistake and look like the worlds biggest buffoon"?

2) On the newer units of the 283 do I even need the Safe Synch? how can I check the trigger voltage?

Thanks for any help on this,

Isaac

 

[jcuknz]

I found the trigger voltage of my flash units by placing the probes of my digital voltmeter across the trigger terminals ... only when your hand slips and you short the contacts does the flash fire. It doesn't have to be an expensive voltmeter [not battery tester] ... mine was less than $10 from my equivalent of Radio Shack.

My reference says no to older 283 models and "your call" for the modern versions. http://www.botzilla.comphoto/strobeVolts.html
will find an up to date list.

I think it rather unwise to use a non-Nikon flash without checking it out ..glad you have got away with it so far but I'd suggest do not push your luck.

how can I check the trigger voltage?

Thanks for any help on this,

Isaac

 

[jcuknz]

Try http; www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

 

[jcuknz]

Try http; www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Try http; www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

 

[jcuknz]

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

Try http; www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Try http; www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

 

[ilayish]

Thanks for that!

Like you suggested I think I'll lay off the 283 until I get the Wein safe sync. My unit is the recent "Made in China" version, bought 3 years ago, so should be between 6-10V. I'll follow up on your advice and check it with the voltometer. Just to see if there's any chance I've done some damage...

Cheers,

Isaac

Try http; www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Try http; www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

 

[Al Dugan]

Al Dugan wrote:

It is a good flash, but my 20 year old unit measured at 260 volts! I bought something else. Try measuring yours. Careful not to touch the volt meter probes with your fingers and start with a range that can handle 300VDC.

Al Dugan

Hello all,

I've just started using my manual Vivitar 283 with my Coolpix 8700
and have really been impressed with the results. Especially when
used as a fill light.
My concern is now having read a couple of posts regarding the fact
that older units of the 283 (mine is just 3 years old) being
potentially harmful to the coolpix's circuitry as their voltage on
release can go up to 300V (!). In another thread I read that a
Vivitar sales person E-Mailed one of the guys here saying that the
more recent models have a trigger voltage of only 9V. The 8700 is
supposed to be safe to 250V according to the manual.
So I guess I have two questions -
1) If I get the wein safe synch can I then put my mind to rest on
the isuue of "Am I gonna fry my Nikon by mistake and look like the
worlds biggest buffoon"?
2) On the newer units of the 283 do I even need the Safe Synch? how
can I check the trigger voltage?

Thanks for any help on this,

Isaac