Vivitar on FZ20

[fuser]

Hi
I have got a new FZ20. Can anyone tell me, is it possibel to use Vivitar 283
as extenaly flash in automatic.

regards
fuser

[JMK]

The trigger voltage on that flash is very high and you will probably zap the external flash control in your camera.
Check out this link.

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

I was wondering the same thing awhile ago because I wanted to use an old Sunpak Flash I have. BUT the trigger voltage was approx 180vdc. The manual says that the trigger voltage must be 24vdc or less.

To double check you can measure it yourself if you know how to use a voltmeter. Turn on the flash (off of the camera of course) and let it charge up. Then measure the voltage at the contacts on the hot shoe (should be between the outer contact that touches the bracket and the center contact)

I think you might be able to get a adapter to accommodate the higher trigger voltage but you just might as well get a new flash.

People on this forum like the Sunpak 383. Ritz Camera sells a Q383 which I believe is the same unit. Both are about $100 or less.

[David_S]

This not really an answer to your question but you may want to check over on eBay. I picked up a really nice used Vivitar 285HV for less than $20.00 shipped. It works fine on the FZ20.