Vivitar 283 and 40D .Will it work?

Has anyone used this combo. 40D PC sync cord to a 283. I am a little concerned about the synch voltage>>>

Thanks !!!

Only way I'd trust it is with a radio control

Jack

AB8ND wrote in post #6000556
Only way I'd trust it is with a radio control

Jack

Thanks Jack !!!

I read the voltage was pretty high so it makes sense to me.

Measure it. I use a 20+ year old 283 on my 20D no problems. It measures 103vDC so it's well under the 250v limit of all Canon EOS cameras past the 10D.

Vivitar 283 works fine on 40D. Mine is only about 6 years old though.

pawdog wrote in post #6003545
Vivitar 283 works fine on 40D. Mine is only about 6 years old though.

You can't say for sure. If the trigger voltage is <250v then it'll be fine, otherwise you can't say for sure. Measure it.

I have a meter. What points on the flash do you measure? Contacts?

scorpio_e wrote in post #6007002
I have a meter. What points on the flash do you measure? Contacts?

One probe on the pin at the bottom of the foot and the other probe on the contact at the side of the shoe. It'll be easier to get to the side contact if you turn the thumb screw all the way up (farthest from the bottom of the foot) and out of the way.

The PC sync port should work, but don't mount the flash on the hotshoe ... get a flash bracket.

digadv wrote in post #6012320
The PC sync port should work, but don't mount the flash on the hotshoe ... get a flash bracket.

What's your reasoning?

SolidxSnake wrote in post #6012859
What's your reasoning?

Good question. I thought voltage was voltage but.....

scorpio_e wrote in post #6013782
Good question. I thought voltage was voltage but.....

It is. If a flash is safe to plug into the PC terminal of your 40D, then it'll also be safe to mount on the hotshoe.

I'll see what I can remember regarding using the Vivitar 283 because I posted a similar question a few months back regarding my Vivitar 285. It should work on manual mode and obviously not TTL with the Canon 40D, like mine. I went through a series of questions/answers on here trying to figure out voltages etc. so I wouldn't fry the camera or the flash. Interesting enough, I stumbled upon on article through here about a new 285 that was designed to be used by the newer digital cameras due to the increased voltages etc. Well, Vivitar DID NOT redo the 285 or 283 for that matter. I found this out after I purchased a new 285 for about $90 dollars. They ensured me that the Canon can put out increased voltages but shouldn't be a problem for my flash. Vivitar stated I shouldn't have a problem at all. I basically have twins now and can keep one for a spare. They said it shouldn't go higher than 12v and Canon said the camera is tested well above 250v so I guess my questions were answered. Search for the Vivitar 285 thread and if you're really unsure or wary...Call both companies. I also called Quantum regarding my battery pack and use with my new digital 40D. GOOD LUCK!

SolidxSnake wrote in post #6012859
What's your reasoning?

Well, I just read the manual ... page 106 of the 40D manual (bottom of the page). The PC port is rated at <250V. I don't see the same spec for the hotshoe, so better safe than sorry and keep it off the hotshoe (which I have read is rated at 6V but can't confirm).

Personally, I have modified my 283 (+200V) to work with sync voltages at 6V.

You're making a hugh assumption that the same circuit is triggering both ports. Personally, I would not take the chance.

scorpio_e wrote in post #6013782
Good question. I thought voltage was voltage but.....

220, 221 ... whatever it takes