All Forum Comments
Comment by Father Ted posted on The Postbox at 07/07/2008 - 20:49
Still don't know what HDR is yet
Comment by Father Ted posted on The Postbox at 07/07/2008 - 15:36
DO NOT open up the flash, it will hurt
Leave the flash off the camera and switched off, set the multi-meter to measure VDC. Put the leads for your meter onto the central contact on the flash (+ve lead) and the "earth" contact on the side of the hotshoe mounting on the flash (-ve lead), make sure you are NOT touching the tips of the leads, and turn on the flashgun. You will see the voltage climbing quite rapidly initially as the capacitors inside charge up. You should not have the flash mounted on the camera for doing this measurement. There is no need to fire a test pop on the flash.
I gave up measuring as my old National PE-[some number I can't remember] went past 300V DC. This kind of voltage will really hurt you if you touch it.
Duncan
I've had capacitor "zaps" in the past. Also had some really nasty shocks from car ignition high tension leads, back EMF from relays dropping out oh..and thrown across a couple of kitchens with mains shocks.
Sort of used to it now
But thanks for the heads up! I'll do the test your way, but it sounds like you've already established the voltage is too high
Comment by Father Ted posted on Safe use of older flash guns at 08/07/2008 - 20:29
You get your voltmeter, place the two contacts on the flash hotshoe contacts and fire a test flash. Try it a few times until you are happy that you have a reliable result.
There was no voltage registered on the terminals. Is that because I was using the lead?
I suppose the next step is to open the flash up, put it on the hotshoe, and meter the terminals from inside when I trigger it.
It isn't a fancy adjustable flash, but all I'm planning to use it for is to conserve the battery power in my camera.
I'll put a "proper" flash on my Christmas wish list
Comment by Father Ted posted on Safe use of older flash guns at 08/07/2008 - 11:26
Would I need to put the flash on my Super ME hotshoe, then meter the link wire whilst the flash triggered?
Although the flash I have isn't ideal, I can't afford one of these "posh" ones, but it is a way of conserving battery power in the camera.
Comment by Father Ted posted on Safe use of older flash guns at 07/07/2008 - 15:34
"Penikcanon"
Comment by Father Ted posted on What mount is this?? at 03/07/2008 - 16:14
Comment by Father Ted posted on Bulb Mode at 07/07/2008 - 20:56
oh and in answer to the actual question
I've been using my K10D and *istDL2 for astro photography ever since I've had them and neither shows any signs of ill effects.
One thing to watch though is that if you use a DSLR in place of the eyepiece of a Newtonian telescope then you are opening the sensor to the elements for the duration of the exposure. It will get very dirty that way. Dad and I eventually managed to construct a filter holder out of an old Vivitar 4 element TC, and this offers some protection.
I've got a 4 inch (F10) refractor.
If we ever get a clear night I'll have a play and post some here for your C&C.
Comment by Father Ted posted on Bulb Mode at 06/07/2008 - 20:37
Iwill have to dig out my stacking software, I've got a copy of "Registax"....somewhere
Comment by Father Ted posted on Bulb Mode at 03/07/2008 - 12:53
Is this correct? I have an istDL and I may be taking shots of a few minutes, and maybe even 35 to 40 minutes. Will this damage the camera?
Comment by Father Ted posted on Bulb Mode at 03/07/2008 - 10:46


As Peter says, lovely and warm. I really like it.
Still don't know what HDR is yet
Thanks all for the comments.
You'd have thought being a moderator on other sites, I'd get the hang of keeping an eye on threads, especially those I've posted in.
I'll go and have a read.