Flash Adapter?

I looked for this answer to my question in a search, but I couldn't find what I needed, so...

If there something that would allow me to use a flash that was made for a 35mm.
Isn't there an adapter/converter made that would make the voltage the right amount, so I can use this on a macro set-up I want.
(I'm needing to use it on a bracket off the camera, and I don't want to use it as a slave)

I know most people's first thing they'd want to say is, "Go and buy a new flash!", but I don't have the money now, plus I have 3 flashes around here that I could use... IF...

For instance, I was just given an old Vivitar 283 a few weeks ago, it works fine, and it'd be pretty good for what I have in mind on the macro deal.
I also have my old Helix dive flash, which is in perfect shape, it was for my AE-1 I used in my Ikelite case, although cumbersome, (on land) I could find a few uses for that too.
Also, I have a not-so-used Minolta flash (it's somewhere around here!) that would/could be used hopefully.

I never use a flash in the 1:1 world, only in macro if this makes sense.

Explanations on any, or all of this, would be greatly appreciated.
So, if anyone has any helpful suggestions or links on this, I'd sure appreciate it, I'm really pretty flash dumb when it comes to know about 'em too, so please speak slowly... heheh

I found this link (in my earlier search here) that 'may be' what I need, but I don't know for sure, so hopefully those that do know can help me out.
(It's about halfway down the page, and it's a Wein brand)
http://www.penncamera.​com …dex.asp?DEPARTM​ENT_ID=431

I have...
Canon XSi...
Vivatar 283
Helix Aquaflash 22 (Not this one, but it's similar)
Minolta flash (Model unknown at this time, but I do have it...)

Thank you for your time!
Randy

Nobody knows of any adapter, or a way to make this work at all?

Thanks!

Randy

I think the answer to my questions is here...
(In case anyone else has that same thought)

Randy

This site will give some info on use - http://www.botzilla.co​m/photo/strobeVolts.ht​ml.
The link is from the sticky at the beginning of this forum here - https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=138907

The short answer would be yes, there is a unit to reduce trigger voltage to safe limits. I've used the Wein SafeSyncunit.

Thanks Dave, I was actually in the middle of reading that now after seeing it linked in the link I placed above.

Not to be (too) redundant, but since you say that you are using the Wein, would you recommend it to others for safe use?
I know, no guarantees, but do you feel it's safe enough that you'd use a Wein without any fear of zapping a Canon digital?

Sorry for the questions, but I would like to use this flash, or another of mine as my main one, and I' not cheap, just poor at the moment.

Thanks Dave, I REALLY appreciate your input.

Randy

Yup, the wein safe sync protects the cam from high voltage. Haven't tried it though since I can't find one locally. Now I use the e-bay trigger to trigger flashes that's not safe for a camera's hot shoe.

I used the Safesync on my 300D with a Sunpak 555. I have since added a 20D and with my flash units I don't worry about it. I'm not sure if the discussion about the safe max sync voltage has ever been totally resolved but I was paranoid about our first DSLR and wanted to make sure. The SafeSync sits in my bag now - hasn't been used in a long while but we still have and use the 300D.

Thanks PhotJ, that helps.

Dave, that's good to know, and still, I'm a little apprehensive, I can't help it, it's scary to think that with a click or two, you 'might' kill your camera... heheh

I have found my Minolta flash though, and it is the Auto 132X, it's REALLY low voltage, so I may not need to use the Vivitar now.
Here's what it says on Botzilla...
"132X Yes 2.2V per SJ Chandler"

I'm still scared so far, I'm going to have to invest in a voltage tester I guess, not that I know how to use one...

Thank you guys for helping me out on this, and if anyone else knows anything magical, please let me know.

Randy

You can buy a small volt meter at most hardware stores, RadioShack, even HomeDepot, etc for less than $20, often less than $10. Make sure to get one that also does resistance, and has a beep, as you will often have to test for shorts and conductivity.

Turn the flash on and wait until the ready light is on and the flash is ready to fire. Turn the volt meter on to DC volts, and touch the red (positive) probe to the center bottom contact of the flash, and the black (common, or negative) probe to the side contact that usually touches the rails of the camera hot shoe. Sometimes the probe is too thick to fit into the small space for the side contact, so you might need another set of hands to hold the probe and a small wire like a bent paper clip to reach the side contact.

When the 2 probes are in contact with the 2 flash contacts, read the trigger voltage directly on the meter! That's all there is to it!

Thanks Michael, that sounds like something even I can do! heheheh

Really, thanks, this week-end I'll get to that, I need to go and get some stuff at Lowes anyway.
Now I just need to find a synch cord that fits the Minolta, the one I have doesn't fit the XSi, it fit my old Canon AE-1, but not this, weird.

Thanks again!

Randy

What about using radio triggers, like the Gadget Infinity, and a flash bracket. The camera only sees the radio trigger, not the flash voltage. With these you could also get the flash completely off camera, lighting the subject from any angle.

Jack

Well now, that's something to consider, I don't know a thing about 'em, but I guess I have some reading to do.
I have seen it mentioned, but that's about it, I like the idea of that though.
I don't want to spend too much though 'cause I don't have to spend. heh

Thanks for that suggestion, and if anyone knows of a place to get 'em cheap, or a good place to read about it, I'm all ears.
In the meantime I'll just Google it and see what comes up.

Randy

Midwest Photo Exchange has them
http://www.mpex.com/br​owse.cfm/2,94.html


Jack

Thank you for taking the time Jack, I'll look into that, and that's a good place to check out for other stuff too.

Randy