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axl · 03-12-2009, 02:03 AM

Hi,

I asked this Q in other thread but didn't get answer.
It's simple:
Is trigger voltage of all Pentax flashes the same? Or rephrased: Is it safe to use old automatic flashes on new bodies?

THX

Peter

gowerray · 03-12-2009, 02:51 AM

Here's a link to relevant info. There's a half dozen Pentax flashes listed. The 'your call' and 'No' relates to the C***n Eos which has a very low fry point. After reading somewhere that my K100D Super was safe with anything below 12 volts, I use that as a base point. Rightly or wrongly

Flash triggers
Hope the info is what you're after. Ray

Paul Hunt · 03-12-2009, 05:30 AM

Originally posted by axl

Is trigger voltage of all Pentax flashes the same? Or rephrased: Is it safe to use old automatic flashes on new bodies?

I would recommend that you actually measure the trigger voltage on the flash, rather than rely on published data. A maximum trigger voltage of 12V seems to be regarded as safe for Pentax DSLRs, as far as I can determine.

If in doubt, get an overvoltage protection hotshoe adapter like a Wein Safesync.

Paul

axl · 03-12-2009, 08:34 AM

How doI measure trigger voltage on flashgun?
I don't have any special equipment to do so nor am I planning to purchase some...

alohadave · 03-12-2009, 09:56 AM

Originally posted by axl

How doI measure trigger voltage on flashgun?
I don't have any special equipment to do so nor am I planning to purchase some...

You'll need a voltmeter. Put one lead on the center pin on the bottom of the foot, and the other lead on the metal contact on the side of the foot, just above the lip that slides into the hot shoe.

Press the test button on the flash and read the voltage. You'll want it on DC Volts.

Paul Hunt · 03-12-2009, 02:54 PM

Originally posted by alohadave

You'll need a voltmeter. Put one lead on the center pin on the bottom of the foot, and the other lead on the metal contact on the side of the foot, just above the lip that slides into the hot shoe.

Press the test button on the flash and read the voltage. You'll want it on DC Volts.

Just 2 points:

1 - I don't think you need to press the flash test button. That will discharge the flash. In normal operation, the camera triggers the flash by grounding the trigger circuit. You want to measure the flash in the charged and ready-to-fire state.

2 - Most electronic _hobbyist_ stores (ie where you buy resistors and capacitors and the like) will have a suitable meter behind the counter. I'm sure that one of the store assistants would be happy to take the measurement for you.

Paul

stevebrot · 03-12-2009, 03:52 PM

Originally posted by axl

How doI measure trigger voltage on flashgun?
I don't have any special equipment to do so nor am I planning to purchase some...

You need a DIGITAL voltmeter. Analog (needle dial) meters are not sufficiently accurate for this application. Measure the potential (voltage) between the pin on the end and the contact on the side in the mounting groove. Take your reading with the flash turned on. No need to discharge the flash.

You can get a voltmeter at Radio Shack or any home improvement or good hardware store. They are cheap and amazingly useful once you have one. I use mine at least once a month around the house and car.

Steve

03-12-2009, 02:03 AM	#1
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	trigger voltage Hi, I asked this Q in other thread but didn't get answer. It's simple: Is trigger voltage of all Pentax flashes the same? Or rephrased: Is it safe to use old automatic flashes on new bodies? THX Peter

03-12-2009, 02:51 AM	#2
gowerray Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Wales UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 48	Flash voltages Here's a link to relevant info. There's a half dozen Pentax flashes listed. The 'your call' and 'No' relates to the C**n Eos which has a very low fry point. After reading somewhere that my K100D Super was safe with anything below 12 volts, I use that as a base point. Rightly or wrongly Flash triggers Hope the info is what you're after. Ray*

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03-12-2009, 05:30 AM	#3
Paul Hunt Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 81	Originally posted by axl Is trigger voltage of all Pentax flashes the same? Or rephrased: Is it safe to use old automatic flashes on new bodies? I would recommend that you actually measure the trigger voltage on the flash, rather than rely on published data. A maximum trigger voltage of 12V seems to be regarded as safe for Pentax DSLRs, as far as I can determine. If in doubt, get an overvoltage protection hotshoe adapter like a Wein Safesync. Paul

03-12-2009, 08:34 AM	#4
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183 Original Poster	How doI measure trigger voltage on flashgun? I don't have any special equipment to do so nor am I planning to purchase some...

03-12-2009, 09:56 AM	#5
alohadave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Quincy, MA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,024	Originally posted by axl How doI measure trigger voltage on flashgun? I don't have any special equipment to do so nor am I planning to purchase some... You'll need a voltmeter. Put one lead on the center pin on the bottom of the foot, and the other lead on the metal contact on the side of the foot, just above the lip that slides into the hot shoe. Press the test button on the flash and read the voltage. You'll want it on DC Volts.

03-12-2009, 02:54 PM	#6
Paul Hunt Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 81	Originally posted by alohadave You'll need a voltmeter. Put one lead on the center pin on the bottom of the foot, and the other lead on the metal contact on the side of the foot, just above the lip that slides into the hot shoe. Press the test button on the flash and read the voltage. You'll want it on DC Volts. Just 2 points: 1 - I don't think you need to press the flash test button. That will discharge the flash. In normal operation, the camera triggers the flash by grounding the trigger circuit. You want to measure the flash in the charged and ready-to-fire state. 2 - Most electronic _hobbyist_ stores (ie where you buy resistors and capacitors and the like) will have a suitable meter behind the counter. I'm sure that one of the store assistants would be happy to take the measurement for you. Paul

03-12-2009, 03:52 PM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by axl How doI measure trigger voltage on flashgun? I don't have any special equipment to do so nor am I planning to purchase some... You need a DIGITAL voltmeter. Analog (needle dial) meters are not sufficiently accurate for this application. Measure the potential (voltage) between the pin on the end and the contact on the side in the mounting groove. Take your reading with the flash turned on. No need to discharge the flash. You can get a voltmeter at Radio Shack or any home improvement or good hardware store. They are cheap and amazingly useful once you have one. I use mine at least once a month around the house and car. Steve