Can I safely use Vivitar 285HV with K-5 using Wein Safe Sync or Pentax PX cord?

Dnabors · 06-13-2012, 11:11 AM

I have a shoot today where I will need flash, and on yesterday's shoot my 360FGZ completely disintegrated! Nothing traumatic even happened to it, it just started coming apart at the hot shoe! I ididn't force it on/ off or anything like that, it just happened out of nowhere- anybody else experience this? Anyway, I don't have time to worry about that now for my shoot today, and I'm wondering if I can use my old Vivitar 285HV with my K-5. I have the Petax hotshoe adapter, but would that make it safe? I have a Wein safe sync that I bought when I got my K-10 back in the day, but never tried it out b/c it wouldn't fit the K-10's hot shoe. It's fitting the K-5, but I'm wary about trying this without getting some definite info first- I cannot afford to damage my K-5! Please let me know if anyone has used either of these combinations successfully!

ducdao · 06-13-2012, 11:21 AM

If it's a 285HV version then yes it's safe to use on your K-5 or any DSLR. The model 285 (without HV) is not safe though and will likely fry your DSLR's flash hotshoe.

gabriel_bc · 06-13-2012, 11:23 AM

I've used the Wein safe sync with my K5 and an old Vivitar 283 without problems. I use the PC connection from the safe sync.

Dnabors · 06-13-2012, 11:24 AM

It says "285HV Zoom Thyristor" on the front of the flash. Ugh, this is scary!

And thank you for the reply!

Dnabors · 06-13-2012, 11:26 AM

Ah, I guess I could combine the 2!

ihasa · 06-13-2012, 11:34 AM

Just do it and don't be scared! (The HV version is perfectly safe).

The 285 has a voltage of 350V.

The 285HV has a voltage of 12V.

Dnabors · 06-13-2012, 11:47 AM

Thank you so much! That is a load off my mind. Well, here goes!

Dnabors · 06-13-2012, 12:05 PM

MAan! Now I notice that the safe sync isn't working! Flash is b/c it fires eith it's test button and if triggered with peanut slave, but safe sync test button and on camera firing produces nothing! Is there any chance that I would be safe using just the PX cord?

06-13-2012, 11:11 AM	#1
Dnabors Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jackson, MS Photos: Gallery Posts: 25	Can I safely use Vivitar 285HV with K-5 using Wein Safe Sync or Pentax PX cord? I have a shoot today where I will need flash, and on yesterday's shoot my 360FGZ completely disintegrated! Nothing traumatic even happened to it, it just started coming apart at the hot shoe! I ididn't force it on/ off or anything like that, it just happened out of nowhere- anybody else experience this? Anyway, I don't have time to worry about that now for my shoot today, and I'm wondering if I can use my old Vivitar 285HV with my K-5. I have the Petax hotshoe adapter, but would that make it safe? I have a Wein safe sync that I bought when I got my K-10 back in the day, but never tried it out b/c it wouldn't fit the K-10's hot shoe. It's fitting the K-5, but I'm wary about trying this without getting some definite info first- I cannot afford to damage my K-5! Please let me know if anyone has used either of these combinations successfully!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Questions on Wein safe Sync....	magkelly	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	2	05-04-2012 07:41 AM
Anyone tried this alternative to Wein Safe-Sync?	noblepa	Pentax DSLR Discussion	7	03-07-2011 01:44 PM
K200D, Hanimex PZ4200 flash, Wein Safe Sync HSHS	jpramas	Pentax DSLR Discussion	3	09-10-2009 09:01 PM
For Sale - Sold: Wein Safe Sync Hot Shoe	Bob Tuttle	Sold Items	3	11-15-2008 10:23 AM

06-13-2012, 11:21 AM	#2
ducdao Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Montreal/Vermont Posts: 2,160	If it's a 285HV version then yes it's safe to use on your K-5 or any DSLR. The model 285 (without HV) is not safe though and will likely fry your DSLR's flash hotshoe.

06-13-2012, 11:23 AM	#3
gabriel_bc Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Langley, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 550	I've used the Wein safe sync with my K5 and an old Vivitar 283 without problems. I use the PC connection from the safe sync.

06-13-2012, 11:24 AM	#4
Dnabors Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jackson, MS Photos: Gallery Posts: 25 Original Poster	It says "285HV Zoom Thyristor" on the front of the flash. Ugh, this is scary! And thank you for the reply!

06-13-2012, 11:26 AM	#5
Dnabors Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jackson, MS Photos: Gallery Posts: 25 Original Poster	Ah, I guess I could combine the 2!

06-13-2012, 11:34 AM	#6
ihasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Midlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,066	Just do it and don't be scared! (The HV version is perfectly safe). The 285 has a voltage of 350V. The 285HV has a voltage of 12V.

06-13-2012, 11:47 AM	#7
Dnabors Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jackson, MS Photos: Gallery Posts: 25 Original Poster	Thank you so much! That is a load off my mind. Well, here goes!

06-13-2012, 12:05 PM	#8
Dnabors Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jackson, MS Photos: Gallery Posts: 25 Original Poster	MAan! Now I notice that the safe sync isn't working! Flash is b/c it fires eith it's test button and if triggered with peanut slave, but safe sync test button and on camera firing produces nothing! Is there any chance that I would be safe using just the PX cord?