I know that these flashes have a tendency to zap the camera with 250v, and bust up electronics, when it comes to electronic cameras. I'm curious if it's going to do damage to my Nikon FE though. Mostly afraid of killing the light meter. Should I worry?
I don't and haven't had a problem with the vintage Vivitar 285 I use. But if you want to be cautious get a Wein safe-sync device to put between the flash and the camera.
The damage that does occur in certain circumstances is damage to the flash synch portion of the shutter system. In newer, more recent cameras that circuitry is electronic - the flash "switch" is made of electronic components. In older cameras like your FE the flash "switch" is made of mechanical (electrical) components, which tend to be more robust in higher voltage circuits.
So the answer is: don't worry.
I don't and haven't had a problem with the vintage Vivitar 285 I use. But if you want to be cautious get a Wein safe-sync device to put between the flash and the camera.
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