Is this Flash unit safe

[MJ224]

I have occasionally used this flash on the EM1 ii as well as previous m43's cameras. But then I read that old Flash units might not be safe to use on modern electronic cameras.

This unit OLD, I must have bought it in the early 70's I would guess.

Its got quite some punch, so is useful occaisionally............

[MikeOxon]

Re: Is this Flash unit safe

I do not have this particular gun and one problem with an 'own brand' supplier such as Jessops, is that their items may not always be sourced from the same supplier and may, therefore, not all be identical.

I notice that there is one of these for sale by Heritage Cameras and they state "This is an excellent flash unit for most Canon EOS film cameras (but NOT the 300x or any digital models). It has a bounce, swivel and zoom head, twin flashes and has a low (safe) trigger voltage." which sounds encouraging.

If you know someone with a voltmeter, it is easy to check the voltage on the central (trigger) pin. If it is around 6v or less, the gun can be regarded as 'safe'.

I have an old Vivitar 283 flashgun and my particular example has a 'safe' trigger voltage but some models made under the same designation have more than 230v on the pin, which is far from safe! Sadly, there's no hard and fast rule, unless you can make your own measurement.

[Bikie John]

Re: Is this Flash unit safe

Or, if it's worth the bother, get the cheapest most basic radio triggers you can find. The transmitter should be safe to put on the camera, and if the flash does decide it wants to fry something it will only be the receiver that gets damaged.

John

[Walti]

Re: Is this Flash unit safe

The other thing you could do is to get a cable with a "cold shoe" and a plug for the "Legacy" connection on the front of the camera...

Cable

Cold Shoe

This assumes the flash has a cable socket of course, but there are cold shoes that accept the cable input!

[Ian]

Re: Is this Flash unit safe

I doubt that's 1970s as dedicated flash was a rarity then. Early 90s more like.

I'd be concerned if the extra contacts confused the camera or worse. You'd have to use it in manual or flash-sensed auto.

Ian

[alfbranch]

Re: Is this Flash unit safe

The problem is a change in voltage as I understand it. Modern cameras by some companies like canon are not compatable with older systems.

Some on here use old OM system flashguns and generic flashguns without issue. As you have not have issues keep using it I say,

Edit look here http://e-group.uk.net/forum/showthread.php?t=46361

[MJ224]

Re: Is this Flash unit safe

I doubt that's 1970s as dedicated flash was a rarity then. Early 90s more like.

I'd be concerned if the extra contacts confused the camera or worse. You'd have to use it in manual or flash-sensed auto.

Ian

You have me thinking there about its age. Cannot confirm that I bought it in the 70's. Just cannot remember now..........

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Is this Flash unit safe

Some "info" here:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/jessop-300-ttl.html

[Guest]

Re: Is this Flash unit safe

The other thing you could do is to get a cable with a "cold shoe" and a plug for the "Legacy" connection on the front of the camera...

Cable

Cold Shoe

This assumes the flash has a cable socket of course, but there are cold shoes that accept the cable input!

This will not protect the camera if the trigger voltage is too high - just fry it via a different route.

[MJ224]

Re: Is this Flash unit safe

Thanks Graham. Ian was right. I think I must have bought it when I bought my Pentax Ist in the late 90's from Jessops in Swansea..............

So I think it must be relatively "modern", but might try and check that voltage. I have used it with my EPL5 and EPL1 and the EM1 I with no obvious problems........

Thanks all for comments and help..