How to lower the voltage of the Vivitar 283?
I have got a vivitar 283. I recently tested the voltage after I ordered the Yongnuo RF-602s and its over 120 volts! How do I lower this to a safe voltage for the digital age or will I have to purchase a new flash? I have seen these 'safe sync' things but they are very expensive. Is there an alternative? I'm using the 602s and a Nikon D3200 if that helps.
You can't lower the trigger voltage on a flash.
However, check with Nikon. Their dSLR's may be able to handle higher trigger voltages than Canon (6v)
You'll need an expensive adapter like the following.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._Shoe.html
Most old flashes are around 200V to 300V. If you're measuring the hot shoe voltage, you must take into consideration the loading of your voltmeter as the hot shoe terminal is high impedance.
Nikon's modern DSLRs usually handle 250V. Check your manual to be sure.
I have a Vivitar 283 / D3200 combo. You must buy a safesync. There are chinese alternatives on ebay a lot cheaper.
Since buying mine there's no limit to what old retro flashes i can use.
Alternatively use a remote trigger. Look for one on ebay and ask the seller if the trigger will be ok for 120 volts
There are several aftermarket isolating hot shoes such as the Wein Products W990560 that optically isolate the high-voltage of older flash units to the electronic triggers of the newer cameras.
Check with the RF602's manual, as they may have an isolator built into them which may perform the same function. Otherwise don't assume the RF602 has this feature - so to be safe I'd consider ordering one of the optically isolated adapters.
This is the one I have, and it is a lot cheaper than the Wein version:
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