Old Vivitar 2500 flash - how to use off camera

[User.82148]

I recently found my Vivitar flash. It has the old style one pin camera connection and I understand the voltage is not compatible with modern cameras. Can it be used as an off camera flash and if so how?

 

[Phil V]

Yes. Just get some cheap dumb triggers RF603 or similar

 

[chris malcolm]

Depends on the vivitar's trigger voltage and what the specific camera can handle. For example I think most recent Sony DSLRs and SLTs can handle at least 300V -- should be specified in the detailed specs section of your camera manual. The flash trigger voltage is easily measured if you can't find a spec. Power up the flash and put a voltmeter across the trigger contacts.

 

[User.82148]

The voltage is too high for Canons so I would only try it off camera. I'll give it a go using Phil's dumb trigger advice.

 

[dizidav]

Any of the cheap radio triggers should work, lots of single contact dumb triggers on the bay for little money. PT-04, or similar.

 

[paulminus273]

Killed one of my yn602's, cheap optic trigger from ebay seem ok

 

[Steve B]

Any of the cheap radio triggers should work, lots of single contact dumb triggers on the bay for little money. PT-04, or similar.

Probably the cheapest option, I use the PT-04's with a Vivitar 2700 no problem. The YN603's are also supposed to be ok with the higher voltages, though not tried them myself. The YN602's are definately NOT suitable.