Will a Sunpak Auto 555 fry my N80?

Self portrait.

A
Self portrait.

  • 1
  • 1
  • 27
There there

A
There there

  • 4
  • 0
  • 67
Camel Rock

A
Camel Rock

  • 7
  • 0
  • 167
Wattle Creek Station

A
Wattle Creek Station

  • 9
  • 3
  • 159

Forum statistics

Threads
198,963
Messages
2,783,850
Members
99,758
Latest member
Ryanearlek
Recent bookmarks
0

snegron

Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2005
Messages
806
Location
Hot, Muggy,
Format
35mm
I am curious to know if my Sunpak Auto 555 handle-mount flash will fry the electronics of my N80? I plan to connect the flash to an inexpensive hotshoe adapter with a built-in PC Sync terminal. I have read different opinions on the possible damage this flash can cause to my camera. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
 

Phormula

Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2009
Messages
59
Location
Italy
Format
35mm
I cannot speak for your combination, but back in 1997 I was there and I did that. I had an old Metz flash and I attached it to my brand new F70 (N70). The flash still works (I gave it to a friend) but the high voltage fried the electronics of the F70, which became useless and was sold as scrap.
 
OP
OP

snegron

Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2005
Messages
806
Location
Hot, Muggy,
Format
35mm
I cannot speak for your combination, but back in 1997 I was there and I did that. I had an old Metz flash and I attached it to my brand new F70 (N70). The flash still works (I gave it to a friend) but the high voltage fried the electronics of the F70, which became useless and was sold as scrap.

That is exactly what I am afraid of! I have read suggestions about getting a Wein safe sync voltage regulator to prevent the flash from sending too many volts to the camera. I am not sure how it works, but I will be doing some more reasearch before trying the 555 on my N80. If the Wein works well I would like to also use my Vivitar 285HV as well.
 

dynachrome

Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2006
Messages
1,759
Format
35mm
I would like to try a 555 with one of my Minolta X-700s. I have three 280PX and one 360PX but the 555 has some nice accessories and should be stronger than the 360PX.
 

resummerfield

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Messages
1,467
Location
Alaska
Format
Multi Format
Check this site. But regardless of what other people say, I would use a Safe-sync or a Pocket Wizard.
 

Toffle

Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2007
Messages
1,930
Location
Point Pelee,
Format
Multi Format
I don't know the tolerance of the N80 (I should... I own one) but the 555 is on the lower end of the spectrum of trigger voltages.

I used this chart when I bought my 383 Super.

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

[edit] resummerfield beat me to it.
Cheers,
 

archphoto

Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Messages
960
Location
Holland and
Format
4x5 Format
I fully agree !

What a safe sync does is bringing the sync voltage down to about 6V, safe for all camera's.

Peter
 

randerson07

Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2008
Messages
34
Location
Pingree Grov
Format
35mm
I just got a Metz 45 CT-1 for use on my RB67, and in all the excitement decided to try it on my DSLR. It worked and the results were good, but I quickly remembered older flashes can cause damage. I did some looking and found that site you listed up there, says the Metz I have puts out like 600V OUCH!!!!

Well the 10D is still working but I wonder if I caused any damage? I sent an email to Canon to see what they say about it as well as my Elan 7E.
 

Ralph Javins

Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2008
Messages
830
Location
Latte Land,
Format
Multi Format
Good morning;

An interesting topic. In looking at the chart accessed through the link provided, I have some electronic strobe flash units that are not mentioned in that chart. Time to get out the DVM and measure the flash trigger circuit voltages for the samples in my stable.
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom