Anyone using Sunpak 622?

[cadams]

I have an old, faithful Sunpak 622 strobe that I have always used with manual focus cameras and in manual or automatic (non-dedicated) mode. It has performed like a champ for years. Now I'm wondering if I should spend the dough (about $175. US) to purchase the dedicated module and dedicated remote cord for using this flash with my S2 Pro.

Anyone have an opinion on this? Would I be better off to buy a newer Nikon speedlight (like the SB28DX) for not much more $$$? Does anyone know if the sync voltage of the old Sunpak is a problem? I have queried Tocad, but haven't heard back from them yet.

My main uses for the on camera flash are for group shots and as fill for portraits.

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Thanks,
Chuck

[Panoramic Denis]

I've used my 622 with dedicated module for Nikon a couple of times with my S2. No problems so far.

Based on my experience with SB-26, SB-28, Sunpak 522, 622, and 4000 units, I'm considering a Sunpak 5000 as a second strobe to use with the S2.

[cadams]

Thanks for the response and recommendations, Denis. I heard from ToCAD today and they say the 622 is safe to use with the S2, having a trigger voltage of approximately 6 volts (regardless of whether it's an older one or a later model).

They further claim that TTL metering works with both the S1 and S2 when using the EXT-11 remote cord and NE-1AF Module. Is this the module you are using, and if so, does your experience match this claim? Lots of folks seem to be having great difficulties with TTL even with recent Nikon speedlights. Don't know that I would even use the TTL very much so it's not even critical that it work, I'm just curious that a vintage Sunpak could provide this capability when more modern strobes seemingly cannot.


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Chuck

[Panoramic Denis]

Originally posted by cadams


They further claim that TTL metering works with both the S1 and S2 when using the EXT-11 remote cord and NE-1AF Module. Is this the module you are using, and if so, does your experience match this claim? Lots of folks seem to be having great difficulties with TTL even with recent Nikon speedlights. Don't know that I would even use the TTL very much so it's not even critical that it work, I'm just curious that a vintage Sunpak could provide this capability when more modern strobes seemingly cannot.


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Chuck

Yes, I'm using EXT-11/NE-1AF and 622 Super. They work fine. In contrast, I briefly attempted to get the same rig working with a Minolta module and DiMAGE 7Hi. NO WAY! TTL did not work. Auto (using the flash unit's sensor) did not work. I did not attempt manual, as I became addicted to OTF flash metering years ago.

[CregK]

I use the Sunpak 622 with the Ext 11 cord and NE-1AF module and this setup works great with S2. I love the power of the 622 for bounce flash and you can very easily go to automatic mode when you go above ISO 800. The only issue I have with this setup is the fact that the auto focus assist light in the NE-1AF module does not work at all with the S2. I have called Sunpak about this issue but they have not called back (that was two weeks ago).

I also use the Promaster FTD 5700 with my S2 I love this flash because it has the main flash head and a small second fill flash built into the body which is great for bounce work. This unit works great with the S2 TTL system but again the autofocus assist light in the body of the flash does not work with S2 either, eventhough both of these flash units autofocus assist lights work fine with my F5.

I have checked the camera by using a SB28DX and the autofocus assist light works fine with this flash. If anybody knows why the autofocus assist does not work in the flash units listed above please let me know.

[Panoramic Denis]

Just dropped in the 6v battery and connected the battery holder to try my 622. No AF assist light. Of course, there is the irritating AF assist light on the camera. Gotta put some gaffer's tape over that before I shoot any weddings with the S2. Is there a setting to turn it off?

Looking at the "bright" side, this saves us from carrying yet another battery!

My prior experience with the Sunpak importer is that you have to catch the tech guy in, but you will get a pretty good answer when you do. When I called to ask about flashes compatible with the Minolta 7Hi, he read from a sheet of info sent over from Japan.

[CregK]

Yes you can turn off that bright on camera autofocus asssist light by going into your custom settings and changing item number 15.

Thanks for the info on the Sunpak Techs.