Non-Dedicated Flash

themoleman342 · Expire: 2013-01-24

Can anyone recommend a flash that would work for older SLRs? It has to have the option of a sync cord since most of my cameras don't actually have a hot-shoe (yay zenit!). I've tried searching this topic but it seems there are so many choices it is hard to actually draw any conclusions. I'm thinking an older vivitar? My budget is not large...maybe something under $30. I'm not looking for anything particularly fancy, just something that would be very reliable and consistent. I'd greatly appreciate any help. Many thanks in advance.

~Marc

Jieffe · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 754 Location: Belgium

I've had very good results with a Braun Varizoom 340 SCA (bought for 2 €). Also good results with a Vivitar 2800D but it lacks the sync cord option.

As an added bonus, both are safe to use on modern DSLR.

Vivitar 283 and 285 seems to be well-regarded but I've never used them.

My main flashes are Metz (mz32 and mz40) but they also lack the sync cord.

scsambrook · Expire: 2011-11-18

I have a Vivitar 285 which works fine, and a smaller SunPak which also has a PC cord. I think you will be fine with any of the older main flashgun brands - Braun, Metz, Rollei, are famous, but Toshiba guns were also good when we sold them. In th UK there were also "house brands" such as Starblitz that were reliable as well - there'll surely be similar things in the USA

Apart from making sure the thing actually flashes (!) and doesn't have corroded contacts, the only other thing is to be sure it's powerful enough for your needs.