Could someone explain the comment, "older flashes can damage digital cameras." I have a Vivitar 283 or 383 and want to use it with a Panasonic FZ70
375202
It is not really a matter of 'older flash units' so much as what voltage the flash unit puts out to the camera. You need to check out one of the forums for your Panasonic camera and ask them what voltage the camera uses. Some flash units are not compatible with some cameras, so you really need to make sure they are compatible FIRST. I had the same problem with my Fujifilm HS10 but fount the Vivitar was indeed a good fit for it. It is probably best to go on the Panasonic (Lumix) website and ask them which flash units they recommend for your camera. One thing to keep in mind, the vivitar is a manual unit that cannot be controlled by my Fuji's hot shoe other than as a trigger. I have to set the vivitar up myself, but it works beautifully.
375203
I use these on all my digital cameras & did when my digital was new & 285 was very old. They tell you this to try to sell you an expensive flash to that camera ie canon to canon, Nikon to Nikon ... it's all BS use it don't worry it works very well & have had the same 2 cameras for over 3 years now & use them a lot.
375204
I have never had a problem with it personally but I was warned years ago and took the precaution of using a Wein hot shoe adapter that was supposed to act regulate the power of old Vivitars (from film days) which I had heard from more than one photographer had fried some digital cameras when used directly on the hot shoe. It depends on how old your 283 is. I purchased a new Vivitar 285 from Amazon and used it directly on the hot shoe with no problems and I have used a 383 directly on the hot shoe with no problems as well.
375205
I can't think of any feasible reason why that would be so. Since you're not using a dedicated TTL flash, there's only one contact being utilized on the camera hot shoe to trigger the flash.
375206
You have to check the voltage output on the flashes. The original Vivitars had very high voltage outputs that would fry newer electronic cameras. If you don't have the original specs for the flash, get a $5 multi tester from radio shack. It's easy to do and you can find detailed instructions on the internet. Just do a google search.
857515
I have used NiMh and rechargeable batteries with no problem with mine, although most of my shots are in bright, existing light. There are a couple of settings that will prevent the flash from functioning. The flash will not work in Discrete Mode or the No Flash Mode. There may be other settings also. Check the manual.
2052320
Hi there -- this may be irrelevant, but they're asking me to communicate. I never used Canon, bought this slave to enable me to use auxiliary flash with a Fuji 3D camera. The idea is this: Most today's hi-tech flashes emit a series of light impulses to pre-evaluate the scene, the pop responsible for actual exposure (when the shutter opens) being the last one. To use an external slave flash you need either turn off all camera's pre-flashes (switch it to 'dumb' mode -- impossible with my Fuji) or use a slave that will ignore pre-flashes, such as this unit. That's why I bought it and it works for me. Try to read the manual for your Canon and see what your options are. It always helps to have a clear understanding what goes on. Cheers! M.B.
1572552
You should know that this replaces the fz-40. Go to the Panasonic website for info. Better yet, go to Dpreview and see what they have to say. Not worth the upgrade.
320063
sorry about seeing this too late...hope the other 2 answers gave you an idea what to do. another flash is expensive...a pocket wizard is pricey too...i have use use the cowboy trigger system, and they work fine for me...the cowboy trigger works for Nikon too, so when i shoot with my friend who uses a nikon, we can bother trigger the flash
313346
Question: Night time Sports . I own a Nikon D90, and I Photography Night Time sport from time to time , under low lights . I need really powerful flash to help me the best out of my camera. I am rebuilding my collection of Nikon lens . sold my Nikon flash and Nikon 2.8 80-200 mm Zoom . 13 years old . Wish I had never have done that :(Steven Los Osos, Ca.
1108195
With the specs it should work. They are great and good range. I just wish that the trigger didn't have to go on the camera..I wish you could mount a flash on it too but I bought some small soff boxes with stands and used some ole Vivitar 283 and 285 flashes and they worked great.
1519161
In theory they should work with third party flashes. But they aren't going to promise it though. I don't think any 3rd party is going to work hard to make their things work with non-Canon gear.
1333315
I use it with my Canon 5D and Canon 7D with no problem. It may have been a problem with flash units made years ago but I haven't experienced any problems with the Vivitar 285 I purchased recently. You can get a hot shoe adaptor to plug in the sync cord that is made to supposedly buffer the flash so it won't fry the camera and I used those with my older 285's.
2060328
I agree with Lynn C.'s remark, including the reference to flash. But I love this camera, which I've had for more than two years. I've also given away a couple of Panasonic models very similar to this, but with less optical zoom power.
2263324
This camera has a hot shoe which will accept any type of flash. I tried it with a really old Vivitar flash, and it worked. You must however remember a few things: 1. The flash will not work in "silent" mode (it is in the booklet) 2. Usually, the external flash must be enabled from camera menu 3. The hotshoe has more than the standard connecting contact; the other contact points make use of extra electronics in the Fuji flash, possibly to control flash intensity (for fill-up), and maybe for extra flashes used for red eye reduction (as the built-in does)
645264
Jan !!Where did you get this info ? I have been writing to Nikon , Amazon, CompUSA , B&H; and several others without a satisfactory response !! Thanks for you answer any ways !! Cheers, Barry
1525855
The revised firmware version does work, according to New Harbor. The first firmware version, of which I am a recipient, does not. New Harbor contacted me directly and immediately when they discovered the problem and offered to swap out my flash for one that works with the T3 series. Should you receive one that doesn't work, I believe that New Harbor will work diligently to rectify it. However, I'm also satisfied that they'll have the issue fixed on any flash you order from them.Hope this helps,Robert~
143122
I don't recommend Vivitar products to anyone anymore. The quality and reliability of their products is poor. I had problems with two different models of TTL flashes. One did not even last a week before dying. Another model lasted about 6 months. Their repair/warranty service is awful. i gave up on Vivitar and spent the money on a Canon flash, which is great. You get what you pay for.
606898
I had a similar problem trying to use it with a PANASONIC FZ200 (not sure what camera you have). Some reviewers claim it worked okay with their FZ200 but never worked correctly for me. I had to remove batteries to stop the LED flashing. I tried thre different units and gave up.
1258237
No we tried this flash on the 70d and 6d and it didn't work on either. We ended up getting rid of it.
499056
I use a D3200 and it does/did not work in TTL mode. I wrote to Vivitar and got emails of mumbo jumbo they did not understand the glitch at all!! Also a Sunpak PZ40x flash. Now the cord would work in the manual mode so the wires were OK but still does not support iTTL of Nikon.I have order a different cord elsewhere and am waiting for it arrive.