Flash Question

[anarchy]

Hi guys,
I have a quick question about flashes.
I have a Rebel XT and a old Vivitar 285 that I used on my old SLR.

I was doing some reading and I read that the 285 may actually fry my circuits on the XT because the voltage too high. Is this correct?

Should I not be using this and do I need to go purchase a 285HV?

[ex1z7]

I would purchase a recommended for your rebel flash, Sigma makes some cheaper flashes than Canon's - and it's worth it to get something that has a little more control than some of the old film stuff.

It isn't worth the risk, IMO.. 200 for a flash, 800 for a body..

Which would you like to replace first?

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Yes, older versions of the 285 (non-HV) had a high sync voltage that was fine for older cameras, but modern DSLR's are more sensitive and you can fry your hotshoe or the whole camera.

A 285HV will work just fine, if you want the e-TTL you'll need a Canon flash or a Sigma 500 DG for Canon.

Also keep in mind that your old 285 will make a fantastic off-camera flash!

[anarchy]

Originally posted by BerserkerCatSplat
Yes, older versions of the 285 (non-HV) had a high sync voltage that was fine for older cameras, but modern DSLR's are more sensitive and you can fry your hotshoe or the whole camera.

A 285HV will work just fine, if you want the e-TTL you'll need a Canon flash or a Sigma 500 DG for Canon.

Also keep in mind that your old 285 will make a fantastic off-camera flash!

That's a great point!
I never thought of that. I just need the cord for it to use as off-camera right?

Yeah I'll have to look into some of the flashes out there, I don't want to spend too much but it looks like i don't have much of a choice.

Thanks for your opinion guys, and great suggestion Berserker. I really appreciate it.
:thumbsup:

[lint]

You can find an older 420ex for around $150, and 430ex for around $250. I think the sigma 500 dg super can be had for around $200 as well. These are all used prices.

[anarchy]

Where would be a good place to find used flashes other than Ebay?

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally posted by anarchy


That's a great point!
I never thought of that. I just need the cord for it to use as off-camera right?


Actually, I meant wireless off-camera, using something like a Cactus trigger. Using the cord just extends your hotshoe, so you're still putting the voltage through it.

Check out www.strobist.com for lots of wireless off-camera flash ideas, they love the 285 on there.

[AccentAE86]

the 285 is a nice flash, but true about the high voltage. The PC sync ports are rated to withstand more voltage... in the 250V range I hear. But the rebel series doesn't have PC ports. Yeah, I'd use an ebay radio slave...

I have a 30 year old suntax 9000quick flash... I used it a few times on my 20D unknowingly until I found out that it triggers at OVER 300V! yikes. But it seems to have survived it fine and works perfectly, and doesn't falter at all. So I wouldn't worry too much if you have already used it a few times.

[frozenrice]

Great information in this thread. A flash will be one of the "to-get" items in the future. What are some good sources on finding out what's, what out there? I have an old flash from my Minolta that I'd love to use, but I know it's not a reality so I'll have to find something else.
My old flash is an Image (Astral Photo house brand) but it was manufactured by a reputable company that I cannot remember the name of. It'd be nice to be able to find out more information on it as the hot shoe adaptor is removable and supposedly interchangleable. It'd be nice if I can find the Canon adaptor for it if it'll even work.

[frozenrice]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/frozenrice/IMG_0243.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/frozenrice/IMG_0244.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/frozenrice/IMG_0245.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/frozenrice/IMG_0246.jpg

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by anarchy
Should I not be using this and do I need to go purchase a 285HV?

You can also look for a Wein Safe-sync adapter that makes old flashes safe to use on your DSLR, however for the price of one, you may as well just get a 285HV.


Originally posted by lint
You can find an older 420ex for around $150, and 430ex for around $250. I think the sigma 500 dg super can be had for around $200 as well. These are all used prices.

I've seen the Sigma 500 DG Super flashes typically go for about $140 used. I lucked out and snagged a pair for $220 shipped/pp'd! Haha! I used to think the 580ex was crappy build quality until I got these sigmas. Still, they're almost as good as the 580ex and make decent backups.


Originally posted by anarchy
Where would be a good place to find used flashes other than Ebay?

fredmiranda.com's always a great place to find used gear. Sometimes photo.net has some decent stuff.

If you're a Canon shooter, also check out photography-on-the.net.

[anarchy]

Is this worth it?
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Canon-430EX-Speedlite-Flash-Kit-for-Digital-5D-40D-30D_W0QQitemZ130193418243QQihZ003QQcategoryZ107931QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[anarchy]

Okay so I need some advice.

I've narrowed my flash choices down to the 430ex, 550ex and 580ex.

I'm leaning toward the 430ex as that seems to be the better choice over the 550ex, and I don't think I could use the 580 to it's full capabilities.

BHPhoto is selling the 430ex for $268 (shipping included) + tax adn possible duties. The Camera Store has it for $296.34 + tax. I tried looking on Ebay but that seems to be in the $250+ range as well.

Which is the best choice for a beginner/amateur like myself? I'm just looking to get into photography as a beginner and I don't see myself using a multi-flash system anytime soon.

A fellow member here offered to sell me the 580ex for $395 so is that worth the extra money?

I'm assuming if I go with teh 430ex, buying it locally brand new is probably the best choice.

[AccentAE86]

The 430 is a great flash. But so are the others. If you don't mind a huge flash, the 550 can be had for cheap used, and has more power than the 430.

If you are not using the full power anyways, then the main benefit I see between the 430 and 580 is the scroll wheel which makes adjustment quick, and the pullout white card which is also useful. But it is definitely larger and heavier.

The 430 is a great flash. Who offered their 580? I wouldn't mind having another one.