Sunpak 383 + Cactus V2s, only hot shoe works

I just got an old Sunpak 383, and tested it on a V2s via the hot shoe, worked great. I didn't really think to test anything else. But I just found out it ONLY works via the hot shoe.

I tested the flash through the sync port and my camera, works fine. But connected to the sync port on the cactus, no luck.

Has anyone encountered this? I suspect it might have to do with the fact the old sunpak I got is older than I thought, it says japan on it at the top left, so I'm presuming it was made in japan.

I forgot to add the other Sunpak 383 (no "Japan" text) works flawlessly.

curious as to if anyone else has run into a similar problem.


*fix* ok, it seems like the wiring is just picky as hell. this is disheartening on my part.. sigh.

With the 383 on the V2's hotshoe, short the PC port with a paper clip, if flash does not fire, chances are the contacts for the sync port is broken. Take off the receiver cover and trace the wiring.

I left out an important fact, my other flash works fine. I'm guessing I've run into an odd incompatibility

I'd do what Lotto suggest, report back when you've tried it, we need more information to help.

I'd be more inclined to think it was broken rather than incompatible. Old used stuff can be broken and the seller often doesn't know it because they don't use whatever isn't working.