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Celtic Radio Community > Photography > Flash Unit Warning


Posted by: j Padraig moore 21-Aug-2007, 10:30 AM
I accidently learned something disturbing yesterday. I found out that the flash unit I have been using for years on my film camera has the potential to fry the circuits of my digital camera. I have used a Vivitar 283 flash for years. Come to find out the amount of power it puts out is too much for the circuitry of my Canon Rebel Xti (400D). One statement I saw regarding this said one would be playing russian roulette with their expensive cameras by using the 283 on a digital camera.
So, I ordered a new flash today...a vivitar 285hv

http://www.trainweb.org/vermande/5/703.html

this one explains the voltage issue...
http://www.popphoto.com/lighting/3983/vivitar-285hv-review.html

Posted by: haynes9 21-Aug-2007, 10:35 AM
Thanks for the info, JP. I'm not much of a photographer, but this information is great to know!

Posted by: Rindy 21-Aug-2007, 09:09 PM
Thanks for the information jpmoore. Glad you ordered a new flash. Let us know how you like the new one..

Slainte

Posted by: CelticRose 19-Oct-2007, 08:08 PM
JP, great to see you got a new flash. I was a bit concerned as I had heard never to use old flash with digital cameras for all the reasons you stated. Looks like a great flash you got there. I played it safe with my Canon camera and stayed with Canon digital flash and got the 430 EX. I love it, but still trying to learn all that it can do. rolleyes.gif Have fun!

Posted by: Avonlea22 20-Nov-2007, 05:44 PM
I too had wondered about flash compatibility. I had an older Vivitar flash, but never bothered to try it on my Rebel xti. Glad I didn't. I'm hoping for a new Canon Speedlite 580ex for Christmas. smile.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 21-Nov-2007, 10:27 PM
Hello Brian! If I may be so bold to say. If you have a d-slr camera, you definitely want to have a compatible flash that goes with it. check with your local camera dealer. Believe me, it makes a huge difference and will save your camera life as well!

Hope this helps. smile.gif

Posted by: Avonlea22 23-Nov-2007, 07:37 AM
Oh, I know I need a compatible flash, I just hadn't really thought about it before I read jp's post. Back in 35mm days, the flash compatibility wasn't so important. I wasn't even planning on trying my old Vivitar on my DSLR camera....in fact I recently sold it (the flash).

Keeping my fingers crossed for the Canon Speedlite, and only using the built-in flash until then. smile.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 27-Nov-2007, 12:50 AM
QUOTE (Avonlea22 @ 23-Nov-2007, 08:37 AM)
Oh, I know I need a compatible flash, I just hadn't really thought about it before I read jp's post. Back in 35mm days, the flash compatibility wasn't so important. I wasn't even planning on trying my old Vivitar on my DSLR camera....in fact I recently sold it (the flash).

Keeping my fingers crossed for the Canon Speedlite, and only using the built-in flash until then. smile.gif

Ok, here I go again sounding like a know it all and I am far from that. But may I make another suggestion?

The Canon Speedlite is not going to be any better than the internal flash on your camera. Would be worth your while to spend the extra money to get either the Canon 430EX or 550EX. You'll have a whole lot more to work with for your money.

Just a suggestion. wink.gif


Posted by: Avonlea22 27-Nov-2007, 07:27 AM
the 550EX IS a Speedlite. I'm looking at the 580EX as mentioned in my first post. smile.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 27-Nov-2007, 06:05 PM
Oops! Sorry about that! You did write 580EX. I keep getting it mixed up with the other. I really oughta wear my glasses more often. I might be able to read better! bag.gif smile.gif Hope you get yours for Christmas! Yay! thumbs_up.gif

I have asked for a monopod. I need one of those badly! rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Avonlea22 27-Nov-2007, 06:56 PM
smile.gif

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