Fried K-M?

Sasquatch · 02-10-2010, 08:01 AM

Will this setup result in a fried K-m?

I need better lighting but I don't want to fork up for a hotlight, radio trigger, or new flash just yet. This is how I did off-camera flash on my Ricoh KR5-SuperII(plastic K2000 knockoff) for dark concerts.

I'm not very electrically inclined, although I understand basics. Someone mentioned on here about using a safe PC cable or safe hotshoe adapter. Was hoping I already had a safe setup without knowing it.

Appreciate all feedback!!!!

Attached Images

Last edited by Sasquatch; 02-10-2010 at 08:42 AM.

Steinback · 02-10-2010, 09:25 AM

The best way to find out is to check the DC voltage between the trigger and ground pins of the flash with a digital multimeter (the side and centre contacts on the foot). There hasn't really been an official safe number released, but if it's under 24V DC you will probably be alright. Despite all the connectors and cables you have it looks like that setup still triggers the flash directly through the camera's hot shoe.

There are a number of other trigger voltage discussions in the Camera and Studio Accessories forum.

Ben_Edict · 02-10-2010, 09:36 AM

The K-m only has hot shoe, no PC connector. So, whatever cables you mix, finally the trigger voltage will go through the hot shoe. Anything above the 24V can damage the camera. Perhaps not instantly, but over time, the circuits can die.

You should add a Wein SafeSync if your flash trigger voltage is too high.

Ben

GerryL · 02-10-2010, 09:43 AM

Originally posted by Ben_Edict

The K-m only has hot shoe, no PC connector. So, whatever cables you mix, finally the trigger voltage will go through the hot shoe. Anything above the 24V can damage the camera. Perhaps not instantly, but over time, the circuits can die.

You should add a Wein SafeSync if your flash trigger voltage is too high.

Ben

..or just buy a compatible flash..that would be so much safer and cost effective.
If you buy the Wein safesync, you shell out $50 that you could have used on getting a dedicated flash or a safe compatible flash..or by just buying a compatible flash, you totally avoid damaging your $500+ camera..a very small investment to protect a very large investment (cost of camera).

Steinback · 02-10-2010, 06:10 PM

I took one look at a safe sync (~$100 CAD) at a local store and bought a second hand Vivitar 285 with a 5 volt sync and the matching off camera cord for $65 instead. The key to shopping for second hand flashes is to bring at least 4 AA batteries and a multimeter with you.

Ben_Edict · 02-11-2010, 02:54 AM

Originally posted by Steinback

I took one look at a safe sync (~$100 CAD) at a local store and bought a second hand Vivitar 285 with a 5 volt sync and the matching off camera cord for $65 instead. The key to shopping for second hand flashes is to bring at least 4 AA batteries and a multimeter with you.

The 285 is a nice flash, as would be the even cheaper 283. Really good quality units - but, as you wrote, you really have to meter the trigger voltage, as there have been some production lots with very high voltages.

Ben

GeneV · 02-11-2010, 10:52 AM

I haven't checked lately, but a CTR301p radio trigger might actually be cheaper than the Wein, and it would be more versatile.

02-10-2010, 08:01 AM	#1
Sasquatch Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 69	Fried K-M? Will this setup result in a fried K-m? I need better lighting but I don't want to fork up for a hotlight, radio trigger, or new flash just yet. This is how I did off-camera flash on my Ricoh KR5-SuperII(plastic K2000 knockoff) for dark concerts. I'm not very electrically inclined, although I understand basics. Someone mentioned on here about using a safe PC cable or safe hotshoe adapter. Was hoping I already had a safe setup without knowing it. Appreciate all feedback!!!! Attached Images Last edited by Sasquatch; 02-10-2010 at 08:42 AM.

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02-10-2010, 09:25 AM	#2
Steinback Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: GTA, ON, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,673	The best way to find out is to check the DC voltage between the trigger and ground pins of the flash with a digital multimeter (the side and centre contacts on the foot). There hasn't really been an official safe number released, but if it's under 24V DC you will probably be alright. Despite all the connectors and cables you have it looks like that setup still triggers the flash directly through the camera's hot shoe. There are a number of other trigger voltage discussions in the Camera and Studio Accessories forum.

02-10-2010, 09:36 AM	#3
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	The K-m only has hot shoe, no PC connector. So, whatever cables you mix, finally the trigger voltage will go through the hot shoe. Anything above the 24V can damage the camera. Perhaps not instantly, but over time, the circuits can die. You should add a Wein SafeSync if your flash trigger voltage is too high. Ben

02-10-2010, 09:43 AM	#4
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Originally posted by Ben_Edict The K-m only has hot shoe, no PC connector. So, whatever cables you mix, finally the trigger voltage will go through the hot shoe. Anything above the 24V can damage the camera. Perhaps not instantly, but over time, the circuits can die. You should add a Wein SafeSync if your flash trigger voltage is too high. Ben ..or just buy a compatible flash..that would be so much safer and cost effective. If you buy the Wein safesync, you shell out $50 that you could have used on getting a dedicated flash or a safe compatible flash..or by just buying a compatible flash, you totally avoid damaging your $500+ camera..a very small investment to protect a very large investment (cost of camera).

02-10-2010, 06:10 PM	#5
Steinback Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: GTA, ON, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,673	I took one look at a safe sync (~$100 CAD) at a local store and bought a second hand Vivitar 285 with a 5 volt sync and the matching off camera cord for $65 instead. The key to shopping for second hand flashes is to bring at least 4 AA batteries and a multimeter with you.

02-11-2010, 02:54 AM	#6
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	Originally posted by Steinback I took one look at a safe sync (~$100 CAD) at a local store and bought a second hand Vivitar 285 with a 5 volt sync and the matching off camera cord for $65 instead. The key to shopping for second hand flashes is to bring at least 4 AA batteries and a multimeter with you. The 285 is a nice flash, as would be the even cheaper 283. Really good quality units - but, as you wrote, you really have to meter the trigger voltage, as there have been some production lots with very high voltages. Ben

02-11-2010, 10:52 AM	#7
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	I haven't checked lately, but a CTR301p radio trigger might actually be cheaper than the Wein, and it would be more versatile.