Vivitar 283 flash and Nikon FM2n. Help, please!!

It's nice to know that every once in a while, real photographers
contribute to this NG. Kudos for the reply.

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Before you buy.

Since I have been using an FM2n with a 283 since 1985 and they still work, I
would assume that there is no problem. I've got 2 FM2n's and 3 283's and have
had no problem with them at all. I use Quantum Turbo batteries with the flash.

Great set up. Not all the bells and whistles of the newer electronic equipment,
but it works if you know what your doing. And I'll take it places that I
wouldn't take some of the newer equipment.

Dave Nelson

In article <39C8FE2C.81DAE @nhlbi.nih.gov>, panig @nhlbi.nih.gov says...

The possibility of a high voltage spike is only for electronic cameras with
chips and circuit boards.  The Fm2n has nothing to damage.

In article <39C90D02.DA9E3 @educ.umass.edu>, Scott Perry
<sco @educ.umass.edu> writes

The only reliable way to check the trigger voltage is with a digital
volt meter across the hotshoe (from the centre pin on the base and
either of the contacts on the side of the shoe) as the gun charges. You
can actually see the voltage rise as the gun charges.

I have two similar 283s with nothing that tells them apart, one reaches
about 270v, the other 11v whilst charging. Guns bought new in the last
few years should be OK.

Whilst I's be very wary about using a high voltage gun on a new
electronic camera, I'd expect the FM2n to be able to cope with it (not a
guarantee though).

--
John

Preston, Lancs, UK.

The high voltage should only be a problem with the newer electronic cameras.
No problem at all with the FM2.  If you ever add a newer camera to your
collection though, you should make sure the flash is not the older, high
voltage model.

I am not married yet!!! ;-)
I read that the triggering voltage (between the centre pin of the flash and
the contacts of the camera) on the flash should be less than 10 volts to
prevent damage to the camera. I have also read that this flash has a
triggering voltage of 250 volts!!
I tried to call Vivitar customer service but I couldn't reach an operator.
I have already used it on my camera and it works fine... I was just curious
for the future.

Thanks,
Mauro