Advice needed on this flashgun

[Dal]

I want to buy a flashgun in the future but funds wont allow it at the moment so my dad has said i can use this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/National-PE-247S-Flash-Unit-with-Manual_W0QQitemZ190184857784QQcmdZViewItem (well the same model). It's his old flashgun from many years ago.

Is it safe to use this flash on my camera as i've been told to check to make sure its trigger voltage or something like that other wise it will damage the camera. I've had a look on google for it but can't find any spec's.

any help is appreciated. (any links you find aswell)

 

[CT]

Seems you can get a manual for this flash HERE

That should give you the specs.

You do need to be careful though - flashguns of that era often had trigger voltages up to 3 times higher than modern units and could fry your cameras electronics.

 

[jobe]

Hi Dal

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html
You might want to check this site out although it doesnt list the PE247 model but all the National (Panasonic) flashguns have a high trigger voltage:thumbsdown:, another site someone say they measured it at 256 volts not sure if thats right but I wouldnt risk it on a digital camera, in fact the guy on e-bay does state that its for a film camera.
Your other option is to get a Wein Safe Sync this regulates the trigger voltage to 5V.

Wayne

 

[mho]

I Just checked my database of Equipment and it suggested the trigger voltages can reach 250v (as stated above), for this model of flash.

 

[Dal]

ok cool, thanks for the advice everyone, you've saved my wallet from spending out again lol.

i've already been given the flash so will just use it as a handheld flash instead.

thanks again.