Question about Sunpak Flash

jbarnes1114 · 12-26-2012, 10:46 PM

Moderator Contact Form Message

I couldn't find the site to ask my question. It did say I could ask a moderator.

I just purchased a K-01, so I could use my old K lenses.
I have a Sunpak Softlite 1600A flash attachment left over from my film camera days and someone told me that using it on the digital camera may mess up the camera electronics. Is there a quick answer, like use or don't use the flash?

Any help appreciated. I've basically been away from anything other than point and shoot for twenty years.

Jim

**Ash** · 12-26-2012, 11:01 PM

Moved to proper section.

**baro-nite** · 12-27-2012, 07:28 AM

It's a question of the flash's trigger voltage. For this info I like checking Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages. According to that page, the 1600A is NOT safe for modern cameras, having a trigger voltage of over 40v, about an order of magnitude beyond safe range.

Docrwm · 12-27-2012, 08:56 AM

Jim,

Welcome aboard. I was in your situation about 2 years ago. Questions like yours are ones that can easily be answered here. Jeff went and looked it up for you and gave the site as a future reference (thanks Jeff).

You can get some pretty nice new flashes for <$100 if you know what to look for and for less used.
Try looking through this section:
Flashes (Third-party) - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

I have the following flash and have been very happy with it:
Bell & Howell (TUMAX) Z680AF-P reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

Not a Number · 12-27-2012, 08:01 PM

Another good resource is the Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison site:
The Definitive Guide - Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison

12-26-2012, 10:46 PM	#1
jbarnes1114 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Columbia, TN Posts: 1	Question about Sunpak Flash Moderator Contact Form Message I couldn't find the site to ask my question. It did say I could ask a moderator. I just purchased a K-01, so I could use my old K lenses. I have a Sunpak Softlite 1600A flash attachment left over from my film camera days and someone told me that using it on the digital camera may mess up the camera electronics. Is there a quick answer, like use or don't use the flash? Any help appreciated. I've basically been away from anything other than point and shoot for twenty years. Jim

12-26-2012, 11:01 PM	#2
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Moved to proper section. Last edited by Tom S.; 12-27-2012 at 06:23 AM.

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12-27-2012, 07:28 AM	#3
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,295	It's a question of the flash's trigger voltage. For this info I like checking Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages. According to that page, the 1600A is NOT safe for modern cameras, having a trigger voltage of over 40v, about an order of magnitude beyond safe range.

12-27-2012, 08:56 AM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Jim, Welcome aboard. I was in your situation about 2 years ago. Questions like yours are ones that can easily be answered here. Jeff went and looked it up for you and gave the site as a future reference (thanks Jeff). You can get some pretty nice new flashes for <$100 if you know what to look for and for less used. Try looking through this section: Flashes (Third-party) - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database I have the following flash and have been very happy with it: Bell & Howell (TUMAX) Z680AF-P reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

12-27-2012, 08:01 PM	#5
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Another good resource is the Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison site: The Definitive Guide - Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison