Flash trouble

[lizmc]

I have a Minolta x-700 that came with a Vivitar 550FD flash that isn’t being triggered.



I’ve been asked to take photos for a friends event next weekend. While typically my photos are daytime/outdoors, she wants film photos (indoor and evening) for the event. I’d like to use the flash as I don’t think there will be enough light otherwise but while experimenting the flash isn’t being triggered when I press the shutter. When I press ready/test on the flash the picture will finally take and the flash will go off but I’m not sure if those photos will actually be useable.



I’ve gotten the flash to trigger once when in my apartment and then took it back out when out with friends last night and it didn’t work again despite the settings remaining the same. I have tried cleaning the contacts with no success


Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I’m debating on whether this is a “me” issue of not understanding the mechanics (I’m still a bit of an amateur) or if it’s an issue that will require me to buy a new external flash.

 

[Thiophilos]

Is your flash in the hot shoe? Make sure it's seated properly. Or are you using a PC cord? PC connections are notorious for their unreliability.

Your camera shutter speed should be set to 1/60 sec or slower.

Not sure what you mean by "the picture will finally take". Pressing the test button should make the flash fire and that's it.

The flash should have a ready light. What is it doing? I suppose you are making sure the batteries are OK.

If you know anybody who has a compatible flash, borrow it to see if the camera will fire it.

 

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day TPF

You also talk about 'an event' ...... check+ take+ use your regular digital camera with the flash just in case the film camera+ flash does not work as intended. Better to be safe than sorry

Hope this helps
Phil

 

[lizmc]

G'day TPF

You also talk about 'an event' ...... check+ take+ use your regular digital camera with the flash just in case the film camera+ flash does not work as intended. Better to be safe than sorry

Hope this helps
Phil

Thanks Phil! She only wants film but I’ll be sure to expectation set prior! I think she has other people taking digital.

 

[lizmc]

Is your flash in the hot shoe? Make sure it's seated properly. Or are you using a PC cord? PC connections are notorious for their unreliability.

Your camera shutter speed should be set to 1/60 sec or slower.

Not sure what you mean by "the picture will finally take". Pressing the test button should make the flash fire and that's it.

The flash should have a ready light. What is it doing? I suppose you are making sure the batteries are OK.

If you know anybody who has a compatible flash, borrow it to see if the camera will fire it.

Ah okay, I’m still a bit amateur at this. I guess I didn’t realize the test button would take the shot!

I’m curious if you have any insight on the best settings in terms of TTL vs A1/A2 vs M on the flash and which corresponding camera settings for a fast paced event where I won’t have ability to adjust settings continually.

Thank you!!

 

[Thiophilos]

You didn't answer any of my questions. Is the flash working now?

It is best to shoot according to distance. I don't know anything about your Vivitar flash, so please consult its manual. If you don't have one, get one off the Web. Generally what you do is set the flash to Manual. Estimate the flash to subject distance in feet. Divide the guide number (in ft) for the ISO of the film you are using by the distance to get the aperture. Example: GN is 80 for ISO 100 film. Distance is 10 ft. Set the aperture to f/8.

Auto flash can work but it depends, and is less reliable.

Always do tests beforehand to make sure you understand and everything is working.

LOL, I'm guessing this has blown your mind.

 

[RAZKY]

I have a Minolta x-700 that came with a Vivitar 550FD flash that isn’t being triggered.



I’ve been asked to take photos for a friends event next weekend. While typically my photos are daytime/outdoors, she wants film photos (indoor and evening) for the event. I’d like to use the flash as I don’t think there will be enough light otherwise but while experimenting the flash isn’t being triggered when I press the shutter. When I press ready/test on the flash the picture will finally take and the flash will go off but I’m not sure if those photos will actually be useable.
I’ve gotten the flash to trigger once when in my apartment and then took it back out when out with friends last night and it didn’t work again despite the settings remaining the same. I have tried cleaning the contacts with no success
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I’m debating on whether this is a “me” issue of not understanding the mechanics (I’m still a bit of an amateur) or if it’s an issue that will require me to buy a new external flash.

"I guess I didn’t realize the test button would take the shot!"
The test button will not take the shot, it will only fire the flash. With fresh batteries, make sure the flash is securely mounted in the hot shoe, and if camera and flash are working properly, the flash will fire and the shutter will actuate when you press the release button. Make sure the flash capacitor has recharged (the flash ready light is on) before taking the next shot.
You'll want your shutter speed at or below the camera's minimum synch speed. Y our aperture will depend upon your film speed, subject distance range and desired depth of field. I.m guessing that your subject distance will be changing from time to time, so I recommend setting the flash on "Auto" and checking the scale on the flash for the range of subject distances you expect to encounter at the various aperture settings and choose the one that best serves your purpose. Naturally, you should run a couple of test rolls beforehand at various distances and apertures, taking careful notes to avoid unpleasant surprises.
I hope you'll let us know how it turns out. Good luck.
Edit: Those low-cost Vivitar units were surprisingly durable and reliable, but if yours is defective it won't be worth fooling around with.
EDIT II: You'll want your shutter speed at or below the camera's MAXIMUM shutter speed, NOT THE MIMIMUM! I apologize for the error.

 

[webestang64]

Is this the flash you have.....?

https://mattsclassiccameras.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Vivitar_550fd-cr.pdf