Flash Question

[walrus127]

I have a couple Vivitar 283 flashes. I have been reading here and other places about using strobes. My question is can I use these with my Canon 40D? I have a short cable that plugs into the flash unit. I thought about extending this and using it with the flash on a stand is this safe for my camera?

[BobbyM]

strobist.com

you will find alot of off camera flash info there...

are you saying you want to buy studio type strobes? or just use your flash's off camera?

also, do you want wired or wireless connection between camera and flash? There are alot of options you have in off camera lighting.

[Wilt]

The flash trigger voltage of older Vivitar 283 may exceed even the high voltage tolerance of the current dSLR. According to reports older units have been measured at 270v-600v and the40D and 300D only tolerate 250v

[Jim M]

I measured the trigger voltage of my old 283s some time ago. I can't remember the numbers, but the voltage was really, really high. I'd use a radio remote or get a Safe Sync. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?sb=ps&sq=desc&gclid=CNj2qpDo4pgCFSPaDAodxSX7cg&Q=&O=&pn=1&ci=0&A=search&shs=Safe-Sync