Auto and manual flash unit with standard hot shoe fitting, and wide diffuser

• Guide number 28m, 92ft
• 2 auto & manual modes
• Comprehensive scales
• Standard hot shoe fitting
• For mechanical cameras
• For some digital models
  (trigger voltage is 75v)
• Ideal for Fujifilm S9500
  and S9600 digital
• Includes AA batteries

National was a brand name widely used by Matsushita (now Panasonic), and this PE-2850 electronic flash unit has auto or manual operation. The standard hot shoe fitting can be used with many older, mechanical cameras plus some modern and digital models (including many popular Fujifilm types - see the Compatibility section below, as it has a high trigger voltage). It's in good condition, easy to use and comes with a set of instructions (for a similar model), wide angle diffuser and new batteries.

The guide number is 28m (92ft). This gives a theoretical maximum range of around 14m (45 feet) with ISO 100 and an f/2 lens, but as with all flashguns, actual range will depend on the conditions. Two auto exposure modes are available, giving ranges of up to 5m (16 feet) at f/5.6, or 2.5m (8 feet) at f/8 with ISO 100. Full power manual option provided. The flash covers lenses down to 35mm, and an extra diffuser is supplied for 28mm wide angle lenses (or equivalent).

A comprehensive control dial on the rear of the flash provides distances from 1.2 to 10m (4 to 33 feet), apertures from f/2 to f/16 and film speeds from ASA (ISO) 25 to 400 and DIN 15 to 27. This flashgun is nicely made (in Japan), around 120mm (5 inches) tall and weighs only around 275g without batteries. Power is provided by 4x standard AA batteries (included). Locking shoe fitting for secure mounting. The flash head swivels left or right - not for bounce flash, but to give a lower profile.

A nice little flash unit!

Condition: Excellent++ (8/10)
The flash is in good condition and fully working order. All controls work positively, and the flash has been checked on suitable cameras. Cosmetically it shows just the usual scratches and scrapes here and there in the plastic finish. The battery contacts are marked but have been cleaned, and work fine. No cracks, splits or deep scratches, and overall it's in good shape! Pictures in this listing show the actual item offered for sale.

Includes instruction manual for the similar PE-2805 flash, wide angle diffuser and Alkaline batteries

Compatibility
This flash has the once-standard hot shoe which fits cameras with a hot shoe connection. These connections have been fitted to cameras for generations, including many 35mm SLR and rangefinder cameras, medium format models and even many modern digital cameras.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This type of flash is really designed for manual (mechanical) cameras, and has a trigger voltage of around 75v. This isn't particularly high (we've seen older units with hundreds of volts!), but it shouldn't be used with many modern electronic, AF or digital cameras, which typically expect a voltage of around 6v. Some digital cameras specify a maximum of 250v or even more, in which case this one will be fine. We've checked it on our own Fujifilm S602 Pro (which accepts up to 350v) and it works well. Other Fuji models such as the S602, S7000, FX4900 and FX6900 (350v), S9500 and S9600 (250v) are also compatible. Not recommended for the Fujifilm S100FS, S200EXR (40v) or HS-10 (50v).

If in doubt, check with your camera manufacturer for the safe voltage for your equipment. Adapters are available (not included) which isolate the trigger voltage and reduce it to safe levels for other cameras.