For Sale FS: SUNPAK Auto 611 Thyristor

[Jon Goodman]

I got this years ago from a professional photographer who had decided to retire and concentrate all his time on other activities. If you're a wedding photographer, architectural photographer, design photographer, fine arts photographer, portrait photographer, photographer of retail merchandising, specialty sports photographer or if you just want a really serious and versatile flash, I would encourage you to consider this one. You'll get correct flash exposure from about 18 inches out to 40 feet or so. This is a very interesting flash in that it can be used with either 4 alkaline "C" cells, rechargeable "C" cells, the SUNPAK rechargeable ni-cad battery cluster or A/C power (if you have the A/C adapter). The battery cluster for this one is dead, however this cluster could be rebuilt with new ni-cad cells. Personally I think I'd just invest in rechargeable (ni-cad) "C" cells. They'll work fine as the requirement for this flash is only 1.2 v per battery, and they're going to be less expensive. It also comes with the correct (matched) hotshoe connector and hotshoe cord and the connector bracket. This flash always worked fine for me, and testing it with 4 "C" cells this morning tells me it is still working as it should. Being a thyristor circuit, it powers up and recovers quickly. The front window is clear and not cracked, and the unit overall shows what I'd call average use. As I said before, if you are serious about film photography and you need a super flash unit, please don't overlook this. Mike Butkus has the owner's manual on his site (please remember to send him a donation). If questions, please send a PM.

$40 plus actual cost of postage.

PayPal ok for international buyers but check/cash/money order for domestic please.

Jon

 

[Gerry M]

Hi Jon,
A couple of questions on the SunPak flash. Will it work on a body w/o a hotshoe, only a PC socket (Rolleiflex)? If so, what would shipping be to 97365?
Thanks,
Gerry

 

[CollinB]

I've also got 2 611s to get rid of. But instead of using the NiCd packs, I went with 4 C NiMh batteries. Very fast recycle time.
With a 160 GN there is plenty of power for medium format or 4x5. (10 ft @ f32 @ iso 400)

For connecting to a pc connector, cables are readily available. The connector is compatible with a household slave as well.

 

[Jon Goodman]

Hi Gerry,
Yes, but you have to use a synchrocord. There is a plug for this right beside the hotshoe mount. Unfortunately I didn't get the synchrocord when I acquired the flash. I'm happy to include a cord that might possibly work, but please understand I never tried it. As for shipping to 97365, I would say due to the weight and size of the flash the USPS medium sized flat rate priority box ($11.35) will be the best option by far.
Jon

 

[cowanw]

you will need something like this
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/89982-REG/Hama_HA_6952_Hot_Shoe_Adapter_2.html
or any of the sp series here
http://www.paramountcords.com/products.asp?cat=27

 

[Jon Goodman]

I've had a request for information about trigger voltage (and the possibility of using this flash on a digital camera). I don't have data, but I'll bet large that the trigger voltage of this unit exceeds 100v and may easily be as high as 200v. So, the answer is please do not hook this up to your digital camera. If you are buying this to use with such a camera, please consider using it with a peanut slave (or one of the safe flash connections that reduces trigger voltage to something like 5~10 volts). Flash units with trigger voltages this high were designed for use with real men's cameras. Not to say your digital camera isn't a real man's camera, but trigger voltage like this could make it look like a fly caught in a bug zapper.
Jon

 

[lxdude]

The basic PC sychro cord is the flat two-prong "household" type. The Sunpak cord has a PC male at one end, and two-prong plus round safety prong at the other. The catalog number I have is 651-753. I have no idea if that is still the number, or if they still offer the cord. Any flat two-prong "household" type by PC male cord will work.

Looking in the manual, which you can find on Butkus.org, it's in the Major Accessories section, page 34, item 6. Also pictured on page 3, item 19.

EDIT: KEH has at least two of the correct cords, 651-753, and cheap. They also have several of the genuine Sunpak optical slaves, also cheap. Look under Sunpak Flash, then flash accessories.

 

[cowanw]

Quite right but only for manual operation.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Great flash. I have one and have used with my Hassy 500CM, Rollieflexes (TLRs and SL66) and SLR bodies such as Contax RTSII and my Nikon FM2 and F3. Big and a bit heavy but great handling and packs terrific power and punch. Got half a mind to grab this one for cheap $40 just to have if my other goes on me. Might just do that if still available in a couple days...

 

[Jon Goodman]

Thanks...KEH does have them...I think I'd get the optical slave unit and then you could rig this up to get a picture of Santa coming down the chimney. Or a picture of mommy kissing Santa. Or a picture of daddy kissing Santa in case Santa shows up looking like this: http://www.costumes4less.com/Miss-Santa-Costume_BC118_Prod.aspx

However first you need to buy the flash unit. (costume and "Santa" not included)
Jon

 

[Jon Goodman]

Well Christmas came and went and you sort of missed your opportunity to use the SUNPAK 611 to take a picture of Santa coming down the chimney. But that's ok...there's still plenty of things to take pictures of, aren't there? Of course. New Year's Eve is upon us, after all. Let's make it easy for you to have this professional flash unit in your hands. $45 total...domestic shipping included in that price or a reduction in international shipping by $6.
Jon

 

[craigclu]

I was just checking on the flash trigger voltage at:

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

It seems that the older versions were 190v and newer examples had been throttled back to 4v. This is also true of old Vivitar 283's that were produced over a long period of time and requirements. It could be that this one is just fine for all duties but thought that if you're considering this aspect, the information may be helpful.

A couple of friends owned these over the years and they swear by them as they perform consistently and have been rock-solid reliable. They also have been using them with new-wave film and digital slr's, too.

 

[Jon Goodman]

Thanks Craig,
I got tired of wondering so I pulled out the voltmeter and tested it. Trigger voltage = 189.8 and it works like a champ using just C cells. So if you're planning on using it on a digital device, you will need a peanut slave or a "safe hotshoe" adapter similar to the one marketed by Wein and others. Personally given the cost of the Wein device, I'd go with a peanut slave.
Jon

 

[Jon Goodman]

Bump.
Jon

 

[Jon Goodman]

$30 shipped in the USA or if international knock $8 off of the actual postage.
If questions, please ask.
Jon

 

[Marc B.]

PM'd, commit to purchase.

 

[Jon Goodman]

Done and done. Thanks again my friends.
Jon