Question: Remotely Using Old Flash Units

[AgentDrex]

I have a few old time flash units that came with cameras I bought while collecting lenses. What is the possibility that those old flashes would work if I were to buy a pocket wizard or something similar? I realize I could plunk down a few hundred for the pocket wizard and some up-to-date flash units, but these are laying around just waiting to be used. I'll do research on the voltages of each, but if they are hooked up remotely, I won't ruin my camera. I'm wondering if they will even work at all.

If there is some way of making them work, then I'm almost all set up. I have four or five units just collecting dust. All the contacts look fine, nothing seems to be broken with them. But they just don't get to be used as there is no way I'm hooking them up to my camera.

Thanks in advance for any assistance with this question.

 

[tirediron]

They should work just fine assuming you can manually vary their output (and of course, assuming they actually work). If they don't have anyway to adjust the output, they are still usable, but not as versatile. You can pick up all sorts of cheap radio and optical triggers off of eBay for very little money. Sounds like the start of a good little strobist set-up.

 

[AgentDrex]

Well, I guess picking something up wouldn't hurt necessarily...even if the flashes don't work, I'll still have the radio triggers and what-not ready for when I do decide to buy up-to-date units...

 

[Big Mike]

I have a box of old flashes that I seem to acquire....usually for $1 at garage sales etc.

Yes, all you need it a remote trigger system and you can use them. There are tones of threads around here, on the various options for remote radio triggers.

As mentioned, the best flashes for this, are ones with a manual power control. You can still use them if they don't have that, it will just be a little harder to control the output...but remember that moving it closer to or farther from your subject will control the exposure.

 

[KmH]

Here is a great deal for a radio triggeer set. I use these on location and I have several friends that use them;
iSHOOT, PT-04 C Wireless Remote Radio Flash Trigger, with 3 receivers.

 

[shortpants]

I bought cheap radio triggers on amazon to use with my old Vivitars and they work great so far. I wouldn't depend on them for professional use, but for practice and experimenting, definitely. :thumbup:

I bought this kit but you can get the trigger and receivers separately for about $30.
Amazon.com: Studiohut Double Speedlight Flash Photo Studio 4 Channel Wireless Trigger Kit with Dual Flash Mount, Umbrellas and Carry Case: Electronics

 

[AgentDrex]

Thank you! Thank you! I will search and read through relevant threads here. I'll let you all know when I get something set up (with photos of course).