Using a Sunpak 611 in a softbox.

ziggy53

In another thread, there is a question about portable flash recommendations. While this isn't a recommendation, this is something I've been working on.

Sunpak 611 flashes are of the "handle mount" variety, and they haven't been produced in many years. They are also extremely high trigger voltage, so they really are best at remotely slaved applications (i.e. don't attach these units directly to a camera. You have been warned. Your camera could be damaged if you are not careful.)

I use these units because they provide several benefits.

First, they are relatively inexpensive, generally under $50, depending on condition and accessories.

Second, they can easily be adapted to use AA NiMH batteries for inexpensive operation.

Third, they have a 1/4" female thread in the bottom of the handle, so they can be attached directly to a tripod or compatible light stand.

Fourth, they put out a lot of light, GN 160 with coverage for a 35mm lens.

Tonight I tested one of the units in a 36" x 36" (double diffused) softbox, to see what power it can provide.

At three feet, and ISO 100, I was getting f16 (click on image for EXIF):


At 5 ft. I was getting f11:



The only thing I really haven't worked out is the method of mounting. This works, but isn't the best, I know:




Remember, this is not for the timid. The flash was slaved via cheap 16 channel radio slave to isolate the flash's dangerous trigger voltage from the camera. An optical slave would work as well.

ziggy53

ian408

Man, I should resurect my 511.

Nice one!

Manfr3d

I find the inexpensive flash interesting. Do you know
how to convert a GN at 35mm to one at 50mm or 105mm?

ziggy53

Manfr3d wrote:

I find the inexpensive flash interesting. Do you know
how to convert a GN at 35mm to one at 50mm or 105mm?

The 611 flash is a fixed lens and reflector (no zoom), so it has the same guide number regardless, unless you attach an accessory lens or diffuser. Then, I wouldn't trust anyone's rating, I would measure it myself. For this application, the wide spread is a benefit and produces very even light across the softbox.

Used as a bare flash, this unit has very even spread, and many professionals used it as their primary flash. The bracket alone is to die for. (One handed operation to remove the flash from the camera bracket. One handed operation to change the tilt of the flash. The bracket is also tapped for 1/4" thread, so camera and flash can be mounted securely via the bracket, or other items attached etc.)

As I said earlier, the flash can be adapted to AA NiMH, or you can use C sized NiCd or NiMH directly, or you can get a Quantum battery as an external source, or you can use the Sunpak CL-1 pack, or you can go AC; the choice is yours. (As well as the price. Some of those options are expen$ive.)

The flash is also capable of either auto or manual operation, but the auto requires a seperate sensor (getting hard to find.) This flash is used best in manual operation, so it requires some testing to get the best from it in a particular application (just like a "studio" flash would.)

ziggy53

ziggy53

ian408 wrote:

Man, I should resurect my 511.

Nice one!

The Sunpak 511 is another very respectable flash. GN 100 is still good enough for many applications, and it has manual control down to wee outputs.

You can use the household (prong) to PC cord to attach to PC slaves, or just get the Wein L8 Micro Slave to plug in for an instant sturdy optical slave (the 511 plus slave module) that fits a tripod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=62792&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

ziggy53