Can older vintage flash heads be used with modern DSLRs?

5 years 6 months ago #605718 by Zorka
Completely random question.  I'm on ebay looking around at what deals I can find.  I know you can use older glass on our DSLRs, but can you use older flash heads? 


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5 years 6 months ago #605737 by Shadowfixer1
Older flashes use a higher trigger voltage that can fry a modern camera. It depends is the only answer without naming the specific products
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5 years 6 months ago #605754 by effron
Agree with Randy, I wouldn't risk it myself.

Why so serious?
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5 years 6 months ago #605755 by Screamin Scott
Ones with single pin shoes can potentially damage your camera. Newer units with dedicated feet are less likely to do any damage. That said, it's best to measure the "trigger voltage" with a multimeter or use a Wein "Safe Sync" (lowers the voltage to safe levels) if the flash is connected to the camera. Using triggers, then there are no issues. Here is a link listing some older flash trigger voltages but even if a unit is listed, It's still a good idea to test it.

www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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