Wein HSHSB hot shoe safe-sync

[moltogordo]

I need some information on this product from someone who has used it. I am still on a quest to use my Metz CT-45 flash on my Pentaxes in auto and manual mode. Apparently this device fits on the hot shoe of my K100 or K10, you plug your flash into it, and it apparently regulates the voltage coming from a powerful flash of 400 volts down to 6 volts so it doesn't fry the electronics of your digital camera. It costs 55 bucks, and I have seen several on the internet.

I can't find them at B&H or Adorama, but they have similar Wein products as slaves or regulators from household voltage.

Can someone please give my non-technical mind some information here? I'd sure like to use the Metz, and I've got really spooky about this "fried digital electronics" thing I've been reading about with respect to using old flashes on current DSLRs.

Thanks.

[ronk]

Gordo,

B&H has it for $50. I do not know how to post a link.

[AstroImager]

gordo,

Here's a link that lists the (apparent) trigger voltages of many flash units:

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

 

From that it appears that the trigger voltage of a Metz CT45 depends on which version you have   Some as high as 600V, some as low as 4.5V.

 

If you get and use the safe-sync (a good idea), you will *not* be able to use the full TTL automation of the Metz with your Pentax -- the safe-sync just provides an electrical connection for the sync, not the additional connections needed for TTL automation (to let the flash and camera "talk" to each other).

It appears that the SCA module for Pentax for the Metz drops the sync voltage according to one of the postings in that link above -- but you'll need to contact Metz and verify that before trying it on your camera.  Safest bet is to measure the trigger voltage yourself (any multimeter will do, ask a friend with one to do it if you don't have one). 

Hope that helps,

Paul

 

[NJMurphy]

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ronk wrote:

Gordo,

B&H has it for $50. I do not know how to post a link.

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Link.

Also handy if your camera hasn't got a sync cord plug.

[moltogordo]

There's a wealth of information here, guys, and I've noted it all down. Thanks a lot.

[Fujicaman]

Freestyle in LA also stocks them.

[Narsuitus]

Thus far, the Wein HSHS Safe-Sync hot shoe to hot shoe adapter has prevented my Vivitar 283 flash units from frying my Canon digital.

[moltogordo]

Once again guys, I thank you all. I have just purchased the item, and it will definitely work with my flash - my buddy Mike ran his voltage meter across the Metz, and it registered 25 volts, well within the range of acceptablilty. Incidentally, I'm numbered out. I have the 45CT-4, not the 1.

Unfortunately, B&H Video/Parts division doesn't ship to Canada online, so I ordered the Wein from Video Camera Center in Florida, whose Ebay rating is excellent. Price was $5.00 higher than B&H.

However, now I'm in business. I snap my "new" 400mm Tokina f5.6 onto my Pentax, snap on the Wein, connect the Metz 45CT-4, set the distance for 20 feet, and I'm all set for shooting Nuthatches, Chickadees, woodpeckers and flickers in my very own back yard blind I'm setting up. Should be a hoot.

Thanks again.

Message Edited by moltogordo on 12-17-2007 03:46 AM

[NJMurphy]

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moltogordo wrote:

... Should be a hoot.

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Shooting owls, too?