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Posted by David Marsh on March 09, 2000 at 06:33:38:
In Reply to: flash/sync problem with the Nikon N70 posted by Joanna Lowinger on March 06, 2000 at 19:23:01:
Good Day Joanna,
Some suggestions and an important caution. First because of the nature of the synch mechanism in the N70 some testing is necessary. The N70 (and most all newer AF SLR's) supply the synch signal electronically and not through a switch. Therefore the polarity and the level of the trigger voltage must be known.
First and most important a flash trigger voltage over 12 volts can damage many AF SLR's (six volts in Canon's). Measure the synch voltage with a DC voltmeter at the flash's synch terminal. In most cases with studio strobes the voltage will be very high 300+ volts.
Assuming the voltage is this high, you can use a product known as the Wein Safe Synch. It comes in two versions, the Hot Shoe to PC version gives you the PC socket you need for your camera and lowers the trigger voltage of the flash to a safe six volts. The Household to PC version does the same for household type cord systems. Personally I'd play it safe and use this device with all studio strobe systems in combination with an AF SLR.
Now for polarity, because the synch signal from the camera is electronically generated a reverse polarity trigger voltage can inhibit the synch signal. If your studio strobe system uses a household type of connector simply reverse the cable connection to switch the trigger voltage polarity. If it's not a household type a custom cord may have to be made for your flash camera combination.
Of prime conern here is the level of the trigger voltage. Deal with that first as damage to the camera circuitry is an expensive repair.
Sincerely,
Dave Marsh
Apex Photo-Technical Services Inc.
: I need help, here's my problem: I have a flash (strobe) and
an external light meter, I'm doing studio photography and I have
a Nikon N70.
: I followed all of the directions in the manual to set up the
camera to use the external strobe, the light meter can trip the
flash but when I go to take a picture the camera is not tripping
the flash.
: I have the camera set at 1/100 or 1/60, which is below the
suggested 1/125 that the manual suggests. I have a hot shoe
adaptor hooked up to the camera.
: As far as anyone can tell things are set up correctly. Any
ideas what's wrong?
: Thanks now for all your help.
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