What can I do with old flashes?

[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.

[nicotine]

Strobist

I think Strobist is right up your alley, the author is all about budget lighting techniques. It's my primary source for anything to do with lighting.

[GeekStyle59]

Thanks Nicotine. I have glanced at strobist but it seems so hard to find what I'm looking for, which is technical so far as the flashes go. Should I keep on trying strobist anyway?

[nicotine]

Yeah I would start with the Lighting 101 and 102 sections, you can find them on the dropdowns on the side bar it'll give you a good introduction to off-camera lighting.

[dakwegmo]

You can probably still use those flashes with your new camera, but you'll need something like the wein safe sync adapter. Most of the newer cameras have a low trigger voltage, but on older flashes the trigger voltage can be pretty high. Mixing the two directly can cause problems for your camera. The safe sync will keep the flash from frying the electronics in your camera.

[GeekStyle59]

thanks, guys. But I still have the question of attaching things, and what about optical slaves? How do they attach? Both the flash and to a stand or tripod?

[nicotine]

Originally Posted by GeekStyle59

thanks, guys. But I still have the question of attaching things, and what about optical slaves? How do they attach? Both the flash and to a stand or tripod?

The one I have has a hot shoe on top for the flash and another hot shoe on bottom and a threaded hole for a tripod.

[GeekStyle59]

Do you remember the name of it?

[nicotine]

No idea, it's actually my Dad's and he's had it for as long as I can remember. (He's been photographing for 30 years or so)

[GeekStyle59]

Thanks for trying! At least I know what I'm trying to find now!