Is it possible to use my ancient flash in this digital age?

[jusejuse]

Hi there,

I'm new to photography and am contemplating on some softboxes.

I have an ancient Canon Speedlite 300ez and a Canon 60d and a Canon Speedlite 580ex...

I was wondering if I could use the 300ez in a softbox? If it's possible would I need something that would make it work?

Lmk, thanks!

 

[shmne]

If you pick up a photo-sensitive trigger you would be good to go regardless of what system you are using. Now where to pick up one of those... really not too sure. I managed to find one for my Vivitar 285 a while back, but I can't seem to find the site.

 

[jusejuse]

If you pick up a photo-sensitive trigger you would be good to go regardless of what system you are using. Now where to pick up one of those... really not too sure. I managed to find one for my Vivitar 285 a while back, but I can't seem to find the site.

Thanks for the reassurance. Now to find one of those? Would Amazon.com: YN CTR-301 Hot Shoe Flash Light control Remote Trigger w/ PC Cable: Electronics be a close call? Or nothing like it... I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[shmne]

Honestly there are others on this site much more familiar with this kind of hardware than I am, that is not what I was talking about however it could provide you with an alternative solution. I'm just not sure about compatibility between everything.

 

[fokker]

I have those same wireless triggers and receivers, and honestly they are pretty damn good especially for the price. And yes, they will work for what you want, but you need to make sure you have manual control over the power of your flash (from the flash itself).

 

[Kbarredo]

Never hook it up directly to the hotshoe. Old flashes have very high voltage triggers. The new dslrs can only stand 12v and will get fried.

 

[Dao]

I do not think I will use that flash as the off camera flash with the radio trigger mainly because I do not think you can manually adjust the flash power. And on top of that, I believe (I could be wrong) it will behave like my 430ez (this flash can adjust power manually) that it will go to sleeping mode after not being use for a short period of time. And the only way to wake it up is press a button on the flash.

By the way, the Vivitar 285hv flash is good. I have few of them (all bought used) However, one thing I do not like it is the flash only support Full power, 1/2, 1/4 and 1/16. I wish I can do 1/8 or even 1/32 (the 430ez can)



As for the radio trigger, you may also look into those Cactus trigger made by Gadget Infinity such as the V5. Or the newer one offer by YongNuo.

 

[Dao]

Never hook it up directly to the hotshoe. Old flashes have very high voltage triggers. The new dslrs can only stand 12v and will get fried.

I think most of the newer Canon DSLR works with higher triggers voltage flashes. Even my XTi works with the old Vivitar 283 which is over 200v. I think the manual said no problem with even 250V. Not sure about the Nikon or other one. But it is better to check to be sure.

 

[shortpants]

I have two old Vivitar flashes I plan on setting up off camera. I bought some cheapo radio triggers just to try it out. I don't know about the voltage, I just wouldn't risk putting an old flash directly on a new DSLR, but you're not asking that anyway. As far as I know, any old flash can be used off camera with triggers but you do want manual control. I might play with mine today if I can find some batteries.

 

[Patrice]

Never hook it up directly to the hotshoe. Old flashes have very high voltage triggers.

True that some older flashes do have high trigger voltages. Not all. You need to test to make sure.

The new dslrs can only stand 12v and will get fried.

Maybe some do, but not all. Every Nikon dSLR I've had, or still own, will tolerate up to 250v. Don't know about other brands though.


Be careful of generalizations, they are seldom completely accurate.

 

[jusejuse]

From my understanding, the 300ez doesn't have manual control But thanks for all of the help!

 

[shortpants]

Well that stinks, but you can always pick up some older manual flashes and a radio trigger set on the cheap.

 

[jusejuse]

I'm definitely doing that!