I took out my 555, put fresh batteries in it, turned it on, let it charge up, connected it to a camera, started taking a few test flashes (by the trigger button, and then using the TTL synch cord, and after a few minutes it started triggering non-stop. I turned it off, waited a couple of minutes turned it back on, and it started doing it again. I've never used it with an A/C cord, only batteries,
Any ideas what might be causing it or if it is cost effective to repair?
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A lot of older flash units for film cameras wont work on digital cameras. Old flashes dont have compatible electronics for modern digital cameras. Flash sync is a normal issue. Try setting the camera shutter speed to 1/60 or 1/100 and try that. The trigger voltage may be too high. To use the sunpak 555 you will need the TTL connector to the multiple contact points on the hotshoe. It might be cheaper to get a remote slave for the flash and use it off camera as a small studio flash. http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Sunpak_555
I found this for a Sunpak flash which is similar to the G4500dx:
Reading from the "auto555/G4500DX" Manual, you need to:
1. Slide the Film Selector to desired ISO - (that is the same as your camera ISO used - so, make sure you turn Off the Auto ISO feature if your camera has one).
2. Slide the Mode Selector to "A" (Auto position). This will be Auto Thyristor mode on the flash.
3. Slide the Auto F/stop Selecct Know to desired lens openning - ( so use your camera in Aperture priority mode, more in Manual to prevent changes in the camera aperture value during shooting)
Shoot, and be happy with well exposed pictures by the Auto Thyristor features of the Sunpak 555 flash.
The Sunpak 555 works great with Nikon D50, D70 cameras, as you can synchrinize flash practically at all shutter speeds. Excellent for sunny days to get narrow DOF, yet get any ambient light level contribution as desired.
For other cameras, make sure (watch out for) that Aperture Priority mode does not use shutter faster than the camera max X-sync speed - so Manual camera mode could be a better choice for a novice photographer.
In the manual there is also a list of accessories for various brand cameras, How to use Power Ratio in Manual mode, some advice on using wide lenses, how to care of your 555, and Specification section.
Minimal flash duration is 1/450 at full power, so you can safely use Auto Aperture up to 1/500 sec. Flash duration decreases with lower power setting, or lower auto mode need for poser, and the shortest flash duration is 1/17000th sec.
The trigger voltage is a bit on the high side. According to this list, it's "your call." If you want to be absolutely safe, use something like the Wein Safe-Sync.
Firstly, be sure to check flash voltage. Your 30D may accept max 6V so that your camera can be shot if the flash unit has higher voltage than 6V.
1. Use low ISO to keep low noise....around f/8 or more depends on your need and how much DOF you want.....Set the shutter speed around 1/125 to your max speed to stop any movement (your subject or camera itself shaking).
2. Above is set in Manual mode (iso100, f/8 1/125 or 1/250), then you just need to leave the flash to work in TTL mode.
3. It needs battery, the connection is for syncing to trigger and release a proper flash power (in TTL mode).
Hope this help!
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