Old Strobes on New Gear

Question, can i use an older strobe setup on my newer gear? i came across a good deal on a Photogenic Porta Master 400. Can I use it with my 5D and 50D? could i use a sync cord? i have heard that older gear tends to send out higher voltages than what the newer cameras are rated for. Or should i just use a wireless trigger?


here is the guys ad.

is that a good deal? or could i talk him down a bit lower?

Personally, I'd look on Ebay for some Speedotron Black/Brown Line strobes instead - those are pro-level strobes that were awesome back in the day, but were pretty much replaced by Profoto and a few other types of lights.

Usually, you can get a power pack that can do 2400 watts with 2-3 heads for about 600 or so. Much better deal imo.

As for that above mentioned strobes that you're interested in, it's not a bad deal, but voltage could be a problem - I'd just trigger via wireless trigger to the strobe pack (the heads draw power from the pack) and your camera should be ok.

Ask to try the strobes, have them turned on, make note of any burnt out modeling lights (might be hard to find for something like this), make sure pop are consistent, and that it can take modifiers like umbrellas or softboxes to fit your needs. No sense in spending 350 bucks for something that you can't use effectively.

Here is there contact info. You can check and see if parts are still available.

http://www.photogenic.​com/contact/

the guy is willing to take 275 for the kit. is it worth it?