Sunpak 383 Questions

[driverdave]

i just ordered a sunpak 383 for my rebel xti.

if i set the custom function on the rebel to "2nd curtain sync", will the 383 fire at the end of the exposure?

also, is it possible to go with a 2 or 3 second exposure and fire the 383 by hand? i'm thinking have the camera on a tripod and hand hold the 383.

[Titus213]

I'd have to look up the answer to the first question and I'm lazy today.

Second one is a yes, as long as you get the flash fired with the shutter open it will work. I've seen (and done) some light painting at night with even longer shutter speeds - 2 - 3 minutes and manually trip the flash at various locations around the frame.

What are you trying to accomplish?

[FlashZebra]

You will not be able to get second curtain sync with a 383.

The only way to get second curtain sync is with a Canon EX compatible flash on camera, or using a flash cord that connects all 6 contacts on the EX flash foot.

You can mimic second curtain sync with a delay feature on some of the more expensive models of the pocket wizard (I think the multimax).

Enjoy! Lon

[driverdave]

thanks for the replies!

What are you trying to accomplish?nothing in particular, just wondering what the 383 can do. i've never worked with a flash before. i figure the 383 is a cheap way to explore. combined with some cheap ebay radio triggers, should be fun.

[Curtis N]

No bells & whistles with the Sunpak 383 or other non-dedicated flash. In fact, the camera won't even know it's there. You will have no indicator in the viewfinder. No AF assist light, no 2nd curtain and no high speed sync.

These flash units have their own light sensor and meter their own output. So you will need to set the aperture & ISO on the camera to match the flash and work within the distance range indicated on the back of the unit. Also make sure your shutter speed is 1/200 or slower with the XTi.

On the plus side, it does not have that annoying E-TTL pre-flash that makes people blink and messes up optical slaves. Under most conditions it will give you consistent exposure within its power limitations.

[driverdave]

yeah, seems pretty bare bones, but for the price, it seems like a great way to explore.

i just wasn't sure if 2nd curtain was an "advanced" feature for a flash unit. i guess it is. seems weird though, i'd think 2nd curtain would be more a camera dependant feature than a flash dependant feature.

[Curtis N]

i'd think 2nd curtain would be more a camera dependant feature than a flash dependant feature.It's both. The camera has to tell the flash when the shutter is about to close, and the flash needs to be able to understand the command. But the main center contact on the hotshoe always completes the circuit as soon as the first shutter is open.

[driverdave]

But the main center contact on the hotshoe always completes the circuit as soon as the first shutter is open.

ahhh, now it makes sense. thanks for the info!