How do I get the best results with my Canon EOS 400D and an old Vivitar 2800 flash?

Question

I have a very old Vivitar flash gun, the Vivitar 2800, and a nice new Canon EOS 400D. How do I best use the two together? What settings should I use on both the camera and flash to get the best results?

Currently, I use it on manual programme, with ISO of 200 and shutter of between 1/50 and 1/200, and aperture of 5.6. Often the images are over-exposed, and sometimes they are too dark.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Like all Vivitar flash units the 2800 has settings based on ISO and F-stop to determine the correct distance. It also has both Auto and Manual settings. Just READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual for the flash to learn how to use it to its fullest potential. Also, make sure you are using the correct shutter speed for flash sync.

Answer 2

I am not a canon user so I cannot tell you what settings would be best. . What I did want to add in here is to check the manual and specs CAREFULLY on the Vivitar stobe. Many older strobes have sync currents rated well above the 6 volts most new digital cameras (including Canon )  are rated for. If this is the case with yours then you can burn out the circuits in the camera that control your ittl flash. If yours is above the safe voltage and you still want to use it you need something like the wein safe sync devices The vivitar 2800 is reported by some sources to have a trigger voltage of 140V or more across the pins  I think there is a 2800 D which may be much lower but I am not sure . Here is one safe sync device

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/532045...

What typically happens is these stobes work fine on the camera for a short while then they stop working and you have a big repair bill for your camera. So PLease check this out before you use it and good luck