topic Re: Using bulb flash with A7Rii in Alpha & NEX interchangeable lens cameras

Using bulb flash with A7Rii

Chwilfrydig — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 18:42:26 GMT

Does anyone have any experience using bulb flash with tha A7 series? I am told that there might be voltage/current issues, but I don't know where to look or what I am looking for! I generally use an old Leica/Leitz flash from the '40s that I converted to hot shoe years ago. Of course the cable is still used on (Minolta film) cameras with the x/fp switch😜. Any help would be appreciated, though I am not looking for a remote/wireless triggered solution...

Thanks, Peter

Re: Using bulb flash with A7Rii

Sean_Mc — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 12:40:56 GMT

Hi Peter,

Welcome to the Sony Community.

I will look into this and will update the thread when I've an answer.

Best wishes,

Sean Mc

Re: Using bulb flash with A7Rii

Chwilfrydig — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 14:03:56 GMT

Cheers, Sean

I don't want to blow the electronics before I get to know the beast

Peter

Re: Using bulb flash with A7Rii

Vanilla_ — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 13:08:26 GMT

Hi Chwilfrydig,

I've tried to look this up on the Sony website, I couldn't find specific information regarding this. But I don't think that the connection will be fully supported in this case as you're using an old flash model. I also found the compatible flashes with your camera here: https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/accessories/compatibility.php?area=gb&lang=en&mdl=ILCE-7RM2&cat=9&loc=en_GB

Cheers,

Vanilla_

Re: Using bulb flash with A7Rii

Chwilfrydig — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 17:41:42 GMT

Thanks for your reply, but Which flashes are ‘approved’ is not the question, I could find that out on the website, too. Alone from a marketing standpoint, it is quite obvious they a 70-year-old flash would not be on the approved list, when one of their own manufacture that is seven years old is also not anymore compatible... What I am looking for is advice on not how to make it compatible (actually impossible), but how to make it WORK without damaging anything; the rest I can work out myself. The old single centre-contact cameras could handle any voltage thrown at them, as they were only a connect-to-earth switching affair. With electronics things look very different. There must be shielded/protected connections or hot shoe adapters out there - especially as the newer cameras no longer have the synch cable socket. The lack of that socket is the cut-off point for me, where I have to call in those that have more knowledge than me on the subject! All the best, Peter

Re: Using bulb flash with A7Rii

Chwilfrydig — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 18:31:43 GMT

So far I decided to try wireless triggering with standard flash radio transmitters, however they appear not to 'short out' the contact, which is required by my flashes. Any ideas anyone? Is there a remote trigger that will work with my ancient bulb-flash?

All answers appreciated!

Peter