Canon Mark III with Vivitar 285HV?

photobrando · July 23, 2008

Howdy Smuggers,

I have a compatibility question regarding the use of a Vivitar 285HV on my Canon EOS 1D Mark III. I've heard stories of the differences in voltages between what is supplied and required by the two respective pieces of hardware, and how people have fried their digital cameras.

Just trying to get a bit of confirmation on this? Any one out there use one of these on your pro bodies?

Concerns? Comments? Adapters needed? Nothing to worry about....just attach and shoot?

Aloha,
Brandon

ziggy53 · July 23, 2008

As long as it actually is an "HV" version you should be OK. The HV models are supposed to be limited to 12V and that should be fairly safe for the 1D MKIII. (Not so safe for some other digital cameras.)

To check for sure, you can check by using the method here under the heading, "How to check the trigger voltage":

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/g1strobe.html

If you want to be especially careful, you can purchase a Wein SafeSync which isolates the camera from anything over 6 volts:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/245292-REG/Wein_W990560_Safe_Sync_Hot_Shoe_to.html

I use the SafeSync a lot with my older flashes on my digital cameras.