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05-18-2011, 10:53 PM   #1
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Just got a Sunpak 433 D for on camera use and I love it!

Just got a Sunpack 433 D for $40 (plus tax) today at the local camera shop--was sold on consignment. It makes such a nice, affordable, on camera flash that is both automatic and manual:

1. 120 foot Guide Number.
2. Tilt
3. Swivel
4. 3 Auto Modes
5. A manual mode with FULL, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 settings.
6. Measured 3 volts trigger voltage on the shoe.
7. Ligther than a Vivitar 283 so it makes it easier to use on the camera. Vivitar 283 weighs 1lb 2oz and the Sunpak 433 D weighs 14.2 oz.

The only thing that is missing is zoom, but this is so strong @ 120GN it will reach pretty far. And I guess I can always make a DIY fresnal lens attachment for it if I wanted. Like for strobing distant birds or something.

I was going to get the Pentax AF280T for $50 off ebay but I decided this one was better: full manual control, more power.

This flash is really everything I needed (minus zoom) as I don't really care for TTL. The auto mode on the flash works well enough and is compatible with ALL slr cameras.. I can't stand how TTL is so proprietary and has undergone incompatible revisions within the same camera manufacturer.

Note: this Sunpak 433 D was made for Minolta bodies, meaning it is TTL capable; so I am going to disconnect those two pins by disconnecting two wires inside the unit--easy to do I believe: 4 screws. I read a posting somewhere on this forum where someone else was also recommending this flash and I see why. They also said to buy the one for canon, not nikon or minolta because of the TTL pinouts causing problems with the pentax (or potentially damaging it?) But this isn't a problem for me since I haven't yet put it directly into my camera (had a Cactus V5 inbetween) and I am going to disconnect those TTL pin wires inside the unit.

I'll reply more to this thread after I've played around with it more

BTW, I need to research and find out what the flash duration is on this wonderful flash, at full power. Hopefully 1/800 to 1/1000 of sec. (The Yongnuo YN-560 is a slow 1/200 at full power--on paper at least and have heard it actually is faster than that.)

UPDATE: best thumbscrew I've seen on any of the flashes I have (or have had: had a defective yn-560 for a day or two). It really tightens down well and the flash doesn't wiggle whatsoever in my k-x.


Last edited by geekette; 05-19-2011 at 06:01 AM.
05-19-2011, 12:59 AM   #2
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geekette,
congratulations on your purchase, you're really getting your money's worth.

BTW, the tested shutter speed at full power for the YN560 is 1/320, but it rises to 1/1300 for 1/2 power.
05-19-2011, 02:11 AM   #3
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I have the dedicated Pentax model and it also works quite nicely. Since it only has one data pin the only extra communication beyond a non-dedicated flash seems to be the flash telling the body when it is charged and ready to fire again. Even if the flash supported full Pentax TTL it still wouldn't be fully compatible with the recent Pentax digital bodies that only support P-TTL.

When using lenses that communicate with the camera body the AF280 does have some advantages when used in Sv mode, but with manual lenses the extra auto F-stops and manual settings on the Sunpak are more useful.

If you don't have it already the full manual is available on this page: Sunpak Auto zoom 933, Sunpak 444D, Sunpak auto 383 super, sunpak auto 36dx, Sunpak Auto 3075G, sunpak auto 511, Sunpak 611, 422D, Sunpak 433D, Sunpak 622, Sunpak DC3, Sunpak Interface Module,* Sunpak Super, 544,* Sunpak 411, Sunpak zoom 3600, flash u
05-19-2011, 06:38 AM   #4
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Thanks a bunch! I downloaded this pdf manual and uploaded it to my phone

05-19-2011, 11:55 AM   #5
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I've always had great luck with the Sunpak flashes, compact, simple, reliable.
01-08-2013, 08:37 AM   #6
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I just picked up one of these flashes for use on a K20d. Do I need to test the voltage before using or should it be fine? If I do need to test it, how do you do it?

thanks
01-08-2013, 08:46 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by joekelli Quote
I just picked up one of these flashes for use on a K20d. Do I need to test the voltage before using or should it be fine? If I do need to test it, how do you do it?

thanks
I have 4 sunpak 433d's and all have tested about 6V, but it never hurts to test the one you have: Measuring the Voltage on a Vivitar 285 Flash | Life is a Prayer.com

01-08-2013, 10:10 AM - 1 Like   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by geekette Quote
Note: this Sunpak 433 D was made for Minolta bodies, meaning it is TTL capable; so I am going to disconnect those two pins by disconnecting two wires inside the unit--easy to do I believe: 4 screws. I read a posting somewhere on this forum where someone else was also recommending this flash and I see why. They also said to buy the one for canon, not nikon or minolta because of the TTL pinouts causing problems with the pentax (or potentially damaging it?) But this isn't a problem for me since I haven't yet put it directly into my camera (had a Cactus V5 inbetween) and I am going to disconnect those TTL pin wires inside the unit.
No need to do anything to the data pins.

I've used all brands of flashes directly attached to my Pentax DSLRs without any problem, in particular Olympus, Ricoh, Yashica, Minolta, and Nikon. I'm still currently using a Nikon SB-25 and Metz 54MZ-3 with SCA 3402 (for Nikon) and SCA 3102 (for Canon).

The only thing you need to check is trigger voltage.

From what I know, Sunpak DX-8/12R, 422D, 433D, 444D, 30DX, 36DX, 120J, and 555 have low trigger voltage.
01-08-2013, 10:23 AM   #9
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Sunpak are nice but I recommend the Nikon SB-2X (24,25,26,28) series. They are a little bit more expensive than the Sunpak but they are excellent and do have zoom.
01-08-2013, 10:24 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by geekette Quote
The only thing that is missing is zoom, but this is so strong @ 120GN it will reach pretty far. And I guess I can always make a DIY fresnal lens attachment for it if I wanted. Like for strobing distant birds or something.
No need to make one. For tele I think the 433D can use this: TELE-FIL KIT TL-8 (it fits 444D).



Before I got the TELE-FIL KIT TL-8 for my 444D, I use a Vivitar Lens/Filter Adapter for Vivitar 283 attached to a Sto-Fen holder for the 444D.

For wide-angle, just use a Sto-Fen.
01-08-2013, 10:24 AM   #11
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Thanks guys. Once it arrives I will give it a quick test to be sure but it looks like it should be fine. Have you guys noticed any voltage differences when using different types or brands of batteries?
01-08-2013, 10:42 AM   #12
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SInce someone mentioned other flash brands, I think this post of mine is worth a read: linky.
01-08-2013, 10:58 AM   #13
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what about flashes that use a Sync cable? I have a Vivitar 2000 with a sync cable attached, will it be OK to use on the k20d?
01-08-2013, 11:03 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by joekelli Quote
what about flashes that use a Sync cable? I have a Vivitar 2000 with a sync cable attached, will it be OK to use on the k20d?
In terms of trigger voltage, there are conflicting reports as whether the PC port of Pentax DSLRs (I'm not sure the K20D has one) is protected from high trigger voltage.

To be on the safe side, I treat the PC port just like I do the hot shoe: trigger voltage can not exceed 20V. I pick "20V" because that's the number from Ricoh, the only camera manufacturer ever putting trigger voltage limit in a manual.
01-08-2013, 11:18 AM   #15
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i guess I better not use the Vivitar then!

2000 No 54.4, measured by Greg Speth, but
180V+ from Lou McLaughlin, who reports that Vivitar appears to have made completely different strobes with this same model number....
202V from Chuck Roake too
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