external flash problem

[DevinCatron]

i have a pentax k200d with an older flash. the flash is a sunpak thyristor auto133 that came with my pentax k1000 way back in the day. the flash unit works fine but on my k200 it wont work. has anyone had this problem or know how to fix it or do i just need to buy a new flash unit? thanks

[LeeR]

I'm surprised the old sunpak doesn't work on your camera. The thyristos circuit was state-of-the-art in its day and you should be able to get it to flash. My guess is the interface on your hotshoe won't fire it, but you should be able to get it to fire with the proper wiring.

[DevinCatron]

wiring? dont i just attach the flash to the hot shoe? theres no wiring with the flash or anywhere to put the wiring

[i speak in math]

I would be awfully careful sticking old flashes on new digital camera. Old film cameras didn't have the delicate electronics in modern cameras. Some old flashes can hit 400 volts! Pentax, and most other camera makers, won't state the max volt the camera can handle, but most assume up to 30 volts is safe. The camera might be checking to see if the voltage is safe and not firing because it isn't. I have an old auto thyristor Vivitar 2800-d but it only hits around 6 volts and is safe. I would google the flash and check out the voltage or test it yourself with a voltmeter before you try it again and fry your camera.

[i speak in math]

I have found two different sources already that say 200-400 volts on the auto 133. I would be sticking that on my hotshoe if I were you. Pick up some radio triggers and get it off camera.

[DevinCatron]

i googled it and it came up to be 6.9volts and what settings am i suppost to set for the flash the "theoretically" work?

[Jamfke]

I found a good resource on flash voltages over on the Pentax forums: Strobe Trigger Voltages

The auto 133 isn't listed, but it falls into the range of flashes that are not suggested for use on a DSLR.

Hope it helps.