What can I do with old flashes?

[raenme]

Porter's sells adapters for around $9 ea so you can attach your flashes directly to a tripod..you can either go with peanut slaves or buy remote setups to utilize the flashes..

[RLucas]

If you are interested in high speed photography, that thyristor flash ( assuming it is similar to the Vivitar 283) may be the ticket. Here is a pretty interesting site on making your own triggers and such.
Photogate triggers

[erniehatt]

Originally Posted by GeekStyle59

I'm getting a Pentax k20d and wondering how I can use some old flashes that were given to me. They are:

1) Metz mecablitz303 L16BC (no sync cord)

2) Sunpak Auto322 S thyristor (6" sync cord)

3) Nissan P-62 (shoulder battery pack with deatachable coiled sync cord)

I've only done available light film work before and know how to use a cardboard white reflector. All these units have voltage that will prohibit putting them on the hotshoe. What basic equipment do I need to make a working 3 light system?

I want to shoot manual flash anyway, but I think I have no other choice with these units. Is that right? I found out I can use the sync cord safely, but what about the one with no sync cord and how can I lengthen the other 2?

What would I need to attach a single umbrella to a camera tripod? And how do you attach a flash to a light stand?

As you can see, I'm clueless even though I have searching forums on a couple of sites. Funds are extremely limited. DIY options are welcomed.

There are a couple of ways around this, one get a hotshoe to PC adapter, or get a wireless flash trigger, these are very cheap on ebay. Ernie

[Mr Guy]

If you're going to spend money, there's a variety of wireless options that aren't optical.

I personally use AlienBees CyberSync: AlienBees: Illuminating the Galaxy with Professional Photographic Lighting Equipment

PocketWizards are the obvious front runner favorites: PocketWizard® - Remote flash and camera triggers for professional and advanced amateur photographers

Quite a few people around here use and love radiopoppers as well: radiopopper - home