Mamiya 7 w/ Vivitar Auto 215

[Brae Hunziker]

Hi there, I am wondering if anyone knows if it is safe to use a Vivitar Auto 215 flash on a Mamiya 7? I heard that old Vivitar flashes can fry the electronics on cameras sometimes. The manual to the flash is below. Thanks!

Flash Manual

 

[MattKing]

Welcome to Photrio.
This site warns that the Vivitar Auto 215 flash uses a very high trigger voltage, so I would be wary of using it.
http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

 

[Brae Hunziker]

Welcome to Photrio.
This site warns that the Vivitar Auto 215 flash uses a very high trigger voltage, so I would be wary of using it.
http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

I see, thank you very much!

 

[Brae Hunziker]

Welcome to Photrio.
This site warns that the Vivitar Auto 215 flash uses a very high trigger voltage, so I would be wary of using it.
http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

I have one more question (excuse my ignorance), does it matter whether I use the hot shoe or the flash cable? Will both pose the same threat to the camera's electronics?

 

[moto-uno]

There are devices that attach to the hot shoe on the Mamiya 7 that reduce the voltage to within safe limits , had one on mine .
Suffering from a brainfart right now and can't remember the name of the manufacturer . But they do exit and I used it with the
Vivitar 283 flashes I have . Peter

 

[MattKing]

Wein SafeSynch - but I don't know that they are still being made.

 

[moto-uno]

The device is made by the Wein company . Whew , glad to rid myself of that brainfart . Peter
I see you beat me to it !

 

[shutterlight]

Not to worry-- if something bad happens to your current Mamiya 7, you can just pick up another one for about $2,000.