Vivitar 283 Flash
 

Doea anyone know if a Vivitar 283 flash will work with the FZ20K hot shoe? Thanks.

Vivitar 283
 

It will work, but you MUST get an adapter to reduce the voltage. My 30-year old 283 still works like a champ, but its trigger voltage is over 250 volts. Panasonic recommends a max voltage of 24 (I think) for the FZ20. I think some of the newer 283's might have a slightly lower voltage, but you will still need a (relatively) inexpensive adapter to protect the camera's delicate innards from high voltage.

according to http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html
"Recent (post-'87) revised 283's ("Made in China") are safer with modern cameras, running around 9-10V. Bob Atkins reports some as low as 5V. Recently units marked "Made in Korea" have also appeared... measured at 8v by Andrew Cassino and Tony Bonanno."

So you should be OK with a new one - but be careful buying 2nd hand. Check the vintage and country of manufacture

Thank you, Propwash.
 

Thank you, Propwash for the insight on the Vivitar 283. Mine is a very old one, so I am sure I need the adapter you mention. Can you please recommend what adapter to buy to reduce the voltage, and where can I buy it? Thanks again.

J.E.G.