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Cheap Sunpak flashes at Vanbar

Hi all,

Vanbar ( http://www.vanbar.com.au/catalogue/index.php ), a camera store based in Melbourne, are clearing out some Sunpak flashes (type "Sunpak" into the search box on that page). Of particular interest might be the Sunpak PZ 40 X AF flashes for $22 in Minolta, $44 in Canon and $55 in Nikon mounts (the Minolta mount is a bit weird, probably why it's cheaper) plus about $20 in shipping and handling. The latter two will also work fine off-camera (and the Minolta will after modification). I've received 2 already and have a few more on order myself!

These flashes are interesting in that they are relatively powerful (guide number 40 - that means it is powerful enough to illuminate a subject at ISO100 if the distance between the flash and the subject in meters, multiplied by your F-stop is less than 40), work with automatic pre-flash metering, have the option of proper manual power control and a bounce-zoom head. They are cheaply made and a bit flimsy but for a first flashgun or as a spare flash, at that price they might well be worthwhile!

By RaymondS at 8 Apr 2008 - 10:07pm | Classifieds / Trading | login to post comments | next forum topic

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What kind of modification will it need for the Minolta mounts to be used off camera? Just a off camera cable?

By WilliamLee at 9 April, 2008 - 5:36pm | login to post comments

Pretty much ... just like any other flash that doesn't have a PC sync port. It's pretty well laid out inside and there's plenty of space to add the port (especially if you remove the AF illuminator).

By RaymondS at 9 April, 2008 - 5:45pm | login to post comments

Would any of these flashes work on a nikon d40x by any chance?

By Jenorater at 10 April, 2008 - 9:39pm | login to post comments

The Nikon and Canon versions should work in manual mode on the d40x, the Nikon version *should* also do at least basic TTL (whatever Nikon calls it) and possibly slightly more advanced versions although no guarantees. The Minolta versions won't work on anything but a Minolta without annoying adapters.

If you're using these off camera the Nikon and Canon versions will work with whatever triggering system you use that supports standard strobes but will require modifications if you use them with some of the higher end ones (PocketWizards, Skyports, etc.) that only support sync ports. The Minolta versions (which are half the price) will work if you add sync ports as well.

By RaymondS at 10 April, 2008 - 9:44pm | login to post comments