off camera flash

wazzau · 06-06-2011, 03:48 AM

Hi
I have a Pentax Kx DSLR and a Toshiba flash unit.
The flash is about 30 years old and still works.I have read that older flash units may damage the circuits in the camera.
The flash uses a bracket to sit along side the camera and a pc cable connects to a hot shoe adaptor to allow the camera to fire the flash

I have tested the camera/flash a few times with no problems. How can I find out if the flash will damage the camera if I continue to use it?

Hope you can help

Thanks

Warren

**Ash** · 06-06-2011, 03:57 AM

Check the flash's trigger voltage rating.
The most comprehensive source for this information is here: Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

MPrince · 06-06-2011, 04:02 AM

If the site Ash pointed you to doesn't have your flash listed, buy a digital multimeter (they're pretty cheap, I bought one for around $7) and check the trigger voltage. It's fast and easy to do.

Actually, even if your flash is listed, it's not a bad idea to check your unit yourself.

krypticide · 06-06-2011, 10:37 PM - **1 Like**

If it's high voltage, you can consider using a wireless trigger. Something cheap like the Cactus V5 might be good enough if you always have your flash on a bracket.

wazzau · 06-11-2011, 06:05 PM

Thanks to all who have relied.

Having read the replies can anyone tell me what the trigger rating is for the Kx?
I have sent an email to Pentax but as yet no reply

Hopefully in the next day or so I will try to check the flash to see what is is

**Just1MoreDave** · 06-12-2011, 08:32 PM

Originally posted by wazzau

Thanks to all who have relied.

Having read the replies can anyone tell me what the trigger rating is for the Kx?
I have sent an email to Pentax but as yet no reply

Hopefully in the next day or so I will try to check the flash to see what is is

It is difficult to get Pentax to answer this question. I've read that all Pentax brand flashes are safe and they all have pretty low voltages.

In your case, you need a connector to go from the camera hotshoe to the PC cable you have. You can buy a connector that also keeps the voltage at the camera down to a safe level. That solves both problems.

DaveHolmes · 06-13-2011, 06:40 PM

get a safesync hotshoe adaptor or use cheap wireless triggers... sorted... safe...

06-06-2011, 03:48 AM	#1
wazzau New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 2	off camera flash Hi I have a Pentax Kx DSLR and a Toshiba flash unit. The flash is about 30 years old and still works.I have read that older flash units may damage the circuits in the camera. The flash uses a bracket to sit along side the camera and a pc cable connects to a hot shoe adaptor to allow the camera to fire the flash I have tested the camera/flash a few times with no problems. How can I find out if the flash will damage the camera if I continue to use it? Hope you can help Thanks Warren

06-11-2011, 06:05 PM	#5
wazzau New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 2 Original Poster	what is Kx flash trigger rating? Thanks to all who have relied. Having read the replies can anyone tell me what the trigger rating is for the Kx? I have sent an email to Pentax but as yet no reply Hopefully in the next day or so I will try to check the flash to see what is is

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06-06-2011, 03:57 AM	#2
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Check the flash's trigger voltage rating. The most comprehensive source for this information is here: Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

06-06-2011, 04:02 AM	#3
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	If the site Ash pointed you to doesn't have your flash listed, buy a digital multimeter (they're pretty cheap, I bought one for around $7) and check the trigger voltage. It's fast and easy to do. Actually, even if your flash is listed, it's not a bad idea to check your unit yourself.

06-06-2011, 10:37 PM - 1 Like	#4
krypticide Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,079	If it's high voltage, you can consider using a wireless trigger. Something cheap like the Cactus V5 might be good enough if you always have your flash on a bracket.

06-12-2011, 08:32 PM	#6
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,339	Originally posted by wazzau Thanks to all who have relied. Having read the replies can anyone tell me what the trigger rating is for the Kx? I have sent an email to Pentax but as yet no reply Hopefully in the next day or so I will try to check the flash to see what is is It is difficult to get Pentax to answer this question. I've read that all Pentax brand flashes are safe and they all have pretty low voltages. In your case, you need a connector to go from the camera hotshoe to the PC cable you have. You can buy a connector that also keeps the voltage at the camera down to a safe level. That solves both problems.

06-13-2011, 06:40 PM	#7
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	get a safesync hotshoe adaptor or use cheap wireless triggers... sorted... safe...

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