topic Re: Vivitar Flash Compatibility in General Discussion

Vivitar Flash Compatibility

RJPhoto1 — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 18:32:18 GMT

Hi,

I received a Vivitar Zoom Thyristor 2500 flash unit and am looking for a resource to help determine if it is compatible with my Canon 5dsr, Rebel XSi or SX50 HS. Thanks for any assistance.

Rich

Re: Vivitar Flash Compatibility

kvbarkley — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 13:27:11 GMT

Depends what you mean by "compatible". Unless it has the right number of pins on its foot it can't talk to the Canon and do pre-flash for TTL exposure.

You can probably use it in manual with a flash trigger. I would be careful attaching it to the camera if it is an older model because older models had very high voltages present that can damage the camera.

Re: Vivitar Flash Compatibility

Waddizzle — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 13:42:39 GMT

@RJPhoto1 wrote:
Hi,
I received a Vivitar Zoom Thyristor 2500 flash unit and am looking for a resource to help determine if it is compatible with my Canon 5dsr, Rebel XSi or SX50 HS. Thanks for any assistance.
Rich

A used Canon flash is cheaper than a new camera. And, there would be no compatibility questions or issues, either.

Re: Vivitar Flash Compatibility

RJPhoto1 — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 14:45:45 GMT

Thanks kvbarkley. Good advice.
Rich

Re: Vivitar Flash Compatibility

RJPhoto1 — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 14:47:26 GMT

Thanks for the comment, Waddizzle. It now sounds like a paperweight.
Rich

Re: Vivitar Flash Compatibility

ebiggs1 — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 17:12:29 GMT

I have no idea about the Vivitar Zoom Thyristor 2500. But if the voltage is not correct, it doesn't matter whether the pins line up or not. If the voltage isn't correct for Canon, the flash could destroy the camera.

My question and curiosity, you have a 5DS R and you want to put a piece of junk Vivitar Zoom Thyristor 2500 on it? Why?

Re: Vivitar Flash Compatibility

kvbarkley — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 17:15:25 GMT

If it has the correct number of pins, it means it is a reverse-engineered falsh for Canon, so it should have the voltage right. If it is old school single pin flash trigger, it could have too much voltage for the Canon.

Re: Vivitar Flash Compatibility

RJPhoto1 — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 18:05:49 GMT

Hi ebiggs1,
I bought an SX50 and the seller threw it in. I don't know much about flashes and took this opportunity to cement my opinion that the seller should be emulated.

Re: Vivitar Flash Compatibility

RJPhoto1 — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 18:08:18 GMT

Hello kvbarkley,
Thanks. I will donate it to charity. Done.
Rich