Flash Options

[ernieh]

Hi All,
Hope somebody can help me with my dilemma........I'm wondering what is the best option for external flash for the D90; uses would be mainly for photographing the grandchildren and occasional informal guest photos at friend's weddings. One of these is coming up in July for my niece. I know the official photographer and there are no problems there as I have done this before successfully.

The options I see are:

1. Use my old 45CT4 on Auto mode with Ap on the camera and a SCA 301 adapter for the hot shoe. This wouldn't frighten me as I'm OK with manual / Ap, Sp, etc. Not sure about compatibilty with the D90, though, even using manual mode.:bonk:

2. Hire a flash gun for the wedding (£60+)

3. Buy a flash gun that would link to the camera, e.g. Metz 36AF4 (£70), i.e., not much more than hiring or even a 36AF5 (£90).

Any other suggestions, options, pitfalls would be appreciated and most welcome.

Many thanks,


Ernie

 

[Flash In The Pan]

I'd urge caution when using your old Metz flash on the D90, the 45CT-4 is reported by some users to have a trigger voltage of up to 25v which could damage your camera. Others have said it's under 5v, which would be safe, so you'd either need to check it first or cross your fingers.

Personally I'd try and pick up something like a Nissin Di622 which should be easy enough to do for the same sort of money that hiring a flash would be. Then you can always sell it again and recoup someof your outlay if you're not going to use it again.

 

[ernieh]

I'd urge caution when using your old Metz flash on the D90, the 45CT-4 is reported by some users to have a trigger voltage of up to 25v which could damage your camera. Others have said it's under 5v, which would be safe, so you'd either need to check it first or cross your fingers.

Personally I'd try and pick up something like a Nissin Di622 which should be easy enough to do for the same sort of money that hiring a flash would be. Then you can always sell it again and recoup someof your outlay if you're not going to use it again.

Hi Graham,
Thanks for your response. My 'gut feel' is to keep the CT4 and the D90 apart for the reasons you state. For info, though, I have measured the trigger voltage on the Metz at 23 - 24 Volts which should be safe for the camera which has a 240V limit in the spec. I was leaning towards buying a gun, so your comments confirm my thoughts. Thanks,


Ernie