official photography thread

**dcphotos** · 07-14-2008 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by VulgarDisplayCFH

If I buy a random flash from the pawnshop for like 10 bucks. Will it work on my D40?

NO! Don't even try it! Most older flashes made for film cameras put out higher voltage than what your camera will handle, some of them will fry a board inside of your camera. You can get a cheap flash for it and it will only work in manual, but avoid using many of them.
You can get a Wein safe-synch, it will protect you:

Wein | Safe-Sync Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe (SSHSHS) | W990560 | B&H

This is a good site that list voltages for old flashes. You might find that $10 flash on here. Like I said don't even put it on your camera without knowing if it's too hot:

Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

If you want to shoot off-camera, the $10 flash and a set of eBay triggers will work great, but I'd still try to find something like an old 283.

**Blix** · 07-14-2008 06:15 AM

Originally Posted by dcphotos

NO! Don't even try it! Most older flashes made for film cameras put out higher voltage than what your camera will handle, some of them will fry a board inside of your camera. You can get a cheap flash for it and it will only work in manual, but avoid using many of them.
You can get a Wein safe-synch, it will protect you:

Wein | Safe-Sync Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe (SSHSHS) | W990560 | B&H

This is a good site that list voltages for old flashes. You might find that $10 flash on here. Like I said don't even put it on your camera without knowing if it's too hot:

Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

If you want to shoot off-camera, the $10 flash and a set of eBay triggers will work great, but I'd still try to find something like an old 283.

Yes, he can do it

All Nikon DSLR`s can handle most old high-voltage flashes
The Nikon DSLR`s (and most Canons) are rated for 250volts

I`d check that list just to be on the safe side, but there aren`t many flashes with sync voltage over 250V.

**dcphotos** · 07-14-2008 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by Blix

Yes, he can do it

All Nikon DSLR`s can handle most old high-voltage flashes
The Nikon DSLR`s (and most Canons) are rated for 250volts

I`d check that list just to be on the safe side, but there aren`t many flashes with sync voltage over 250V.

You sure about that? I know the pc socket is protected but I thought the hot shoe was unsafe. I plug mine in to studio lights all the time and have used a cord with my 120J but I thought the hotshoe was unsafe.

**Blix** · 07-14-2008 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by dcphotos

You sure about that? I know the pc socket is protected but I thought the hot shoe was unsafe. I plug mine in to studio lights all the time and have used a cord with my 120J but I thought the hotshoe was unsafe.

Yeah, I`m positive. 250V at the hotshoe.

From the D70 user manual:

"Negative voltages or voltages over 250 V applied to the
ac ces so ry shoe could not only prevent normal operation, but damage the sync cir cuit ry
of the camera or fl ash. Be fore us ing a Nikon Speed light not listed in this section, contact a Nikon-authorized service representative for more information."

This applies to new Nikons also. When I went over to Canon digital, I found that from 350D and newer, 250V is the limit too. (10D and 300D is 12V max)

**VertigoJ** · 07-14-2008 10:15 AM

I've been a bit busy. I recently invested in a film scanner and a new external HD, now to shoot more pictures.

These are the two most recent that I am actually a bit proud of.

I went on a visit to the Reading Terminal Market in Philly this past Saturday, it's a neat place to visit if you've never been there.

Everyone else's look so good... DCPhoto's pepper, Blix's little girl, Pete's bike chain.. keep it up guys!

**VulgarDisplayCFH** · 07-14-2008 11:34 AM

I think I'm just going to be safe and get one online. The ones at the pawnshop are pretty beat up.

So what about that Pentax k1000? Should I get it for 30 bucks?

**Blix** · 07-14-2008 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by VulgarDisplayCFH

I think I'm just going to be safe and get one online. The ones at the pawnshop are pretty beat up.

So what about that Pentax k1000? Should I get it for 30 bucks?

A new and safe flash is the Vivitar 285HV, less than $100 new. And you can of course find used Nikon flashes, as SB-26/25-25 ext... Even an old SB-15 is good in Auto.

If the camera is in useable shape, why not? The lens are most likely a dog(most zooms of that generation is horrible) though, find a decent 50mm.

**VulgarDisplayCFH** · 07-14-2008 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Blix

A new and safe flash is the Vivitar 285HV, less than $100 new. And you can of course find used Nikon flashes, as SB-26/25-25 ext... Even an old SB-15 is good in Auto.

If the camera is in useable shape, why not? The lens are most likely a dog(most zooms of that generation is horrible) though, find a decent 50mm.

Ok thanks.

**boxcar182** · 07-14-2008 01:07 PM

Not my pictures, I'm not anything special when it comes to photography, but these are my good friend's james fanucchi's photos, a few fishers will know him.

**Mystery Bob** · 07-14-2008 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by VulgarDisplayCFH

Ok cool. I'm gonna test it first. They're also selling an old Pentax K1000 film camera for 30 bucks, should I snag it?

The K1000 is quite similar to that Vivitar 450. You set your shutter speed and lens opening by reading the meter you see in the viewfinder. So before you buy it, remove the lens and try the shutter to see if it is lifting the mirror out of the way, operating smoothly and by spinning to different speeds, see if the shutter is in sync.
Vertigo J... you always make me hungry or thirsty.

**longboardorific** · 07-14-2008 02:43 PM

spent the last 3 days taking pictures in mexico, with a film camera, that my mom said had film in it.

she was wrong

i feel like an idiot

**Blix** · 07-14-2008 02:52 PM