Question about the "Nisha Multi-Purpose Hot Shoe Deluxe"

[Seanzky]

Hello,

This question goes to whoever owns a "Nisha Multi-Purpose Hot Shoe Deluxe". I recently bought one from MPEX because I'm in need a of a hot shot adapter for my 430EX II. The main purpose is so I can trigger it remotely. I was just wondering why it has three ports, two of which are identical --female PC ports.

I first tested this hot shoe adapter on my 285HV just in case it has any manufacturing defects. Sure enough, for some strange reason, when I plugged in my sync cord on the right female PC port, my 285HV emitted smoke. It worked while it smoked but it kept working. Of course, I turned it off and took out the battery right away. I made sure afterward that the 285HV still works. (These 285HVs are really tanks. ;) Then when I tried plugging it the left female PC port, it didn't smoke. It worked like a normal hot shoe adapter.

I was very hesitant to try it on my 430EX II because of all this, but when time came that I needed to, I made sure I plugged it in on the left side. Is there any reason for this?

What's the difference between the two female PC jacks?

Thanks.

[Titus213]

I have to think that if there was a difference it would be CLEARLY marked on the unit. If you can't tell I'd complain. Either way I'd complain to MPEX.

Now what I'd really do is get a meter out and check the units connections.

Then I'd go to www.flashzebra.com and order one.

[Curtis N]

First of all, the adapter did not make your 285HV smoke. It did that on its own.

Lots of those adapters have multiple PC sockets so you can connect multiple flash units together with PC cords. They're all wired in parallel, and it doesn't matter which one you use.

[Seanzky]

First of all, the adapter did not make your 285HV smoke. It did that on its own.

Lots of those adapters have multiple PC sockets so you can connect multiple flash units together with PC cords. They're all wired in parallel, and it doesn't matter which one you use.

Interesting. These PC ports are actually for paralleling multiple flashes? I hadn't thought about that before. As for my 285HV smoking on its own, are the flashes known to do that?

[Seanzky]

I have to think that if there was a difference it would be CLEARLY marked on the unit. If you can't tell I'd complain. Either way I'd complain to MPEX.

Now what I'd really do is get a meter out and check the units connections.

Then I'd go to www.flashzebra.com (http://www.flashzebra.com) and order one.

It didn't come with any manual or anything. I'll give MPEX a call when I get a chance during the weekday.

[Curtis N]

As for my 285HV smoking on its own, are the flashes known to do that?The Vivitar flash units from yesteryear were among the most solid and reliable photographic equipment you could buy. But the 285HV sold in recent years has been plagued with problems and has since been discontinued. The Strobist threads on flickr are full of stories of new 285HVs popping, smoking and puking out.

[FlashZebra]

I'm with Curtis on this.

A hotshoe adapter and sync cord can only do two things, even if defective.

1) Produce an unwanted "short circuit". This will just fire the flash, as this is all the camera does is supply a short circuit with a switch.

2) Produce an unwanted "open circuit". In this case the cord would affect the flash in no way whatsoever as the circuit would never be completed.

So, what has very likely happened is that the flash just went bad while it just happened to be connected to that hotshoe adapter.

You have seen the "effect", but I do not think the hotshoe adapter was the "cause".

The Vivitar 285HV sold in the last couple of years are prone to early failure with smoke often being part of the drama. I have personally read many testimonial describing these escapades.

As Curtis indicates, the older Vivitar 285HV units were very rugged and reliable and tend to last for decades.

Enjoy! Lon

[Seanzky]

Good to know. I'm glad my 285HV still works. I guess I'll continue to use the hot shoe adapter for my 430EX II.