Powerful flash unit with bounce and swivel, for many older SLR cameras, and some digital types

• Guide number 30m, 100ft
• Bounce and swivel head
• Two auto exposure modes
• Full power manual option
• Auto power saving feature
• Illuminated control panel
• Standard hot shoe fitting
• For many types of camera
  (trigger voltage is 50v+)
• Includes new AA batteries

This independent Starblitz 3200BT-Twin-S flash unit is powerful, versatile, and can be used with many cameras with a standard hot shoe. It's ideal for many 35mm and medium format models, and even some digital cameras (but see the section below for important compatibility information, as it has quite a high trigger voltage). It's in good condition and comes with new batteries.

The flash head can tilt up to 90 degrees vertically, and swivel over 300 degrees horizontally, for bounce flash in portrait or landscape orientations. Bounce flash gives softer, more natural lighting than direct flash, reduces the chance of redeye, and spreads the light over a wider area for wide angle lenses. A secondary flash tube is built in, and this fills in the shadows when bounce flash is used - especially useful for portraits, where it also adds a catchlight in the subject's eyes. It can be switched on or off as desired. The flash covers lenses down to 35mm (or the equivalent on other formats).

This is a powerful flash unit with a guide number of 30m (100 feet) at ISO 100. This gives a theoretical maximum range of up to 17.6m (57 feet) with an f/1.7 standard lens, and double that with ISO 400. As always, actual range will depend on the conditions. Auto or manual exposure control, with two auto ranges. This gives a choice of settings (f/4 or f/8 with ISO 100) for auto shots to suit the subject, with ranges up to 7.5m (25 feet) and 3.7m (12 feet) respectively. The auto sensor on the front of the flash remains pointed at the subject even if the flash is tilted or swivelled, retaining auto exposure for bounce flash. Auto check light confirms correct exposure after each picture (or test firing). Thyristor circuitry for reduced recycling times (or to keep up with auto winders) and more flashes per set of batteries at close distances. Full power manual operation is also available.

Ready light and test button provided. Very comprehensive control dial on the rear includes film speeds from ISO 25 to 400 (DIN 15 to 27 for German users!), apertures from f/2 to f/32 and distances from 1 to 15 meters (3 to 50 feet). The dial lights for easy reading in the dark - useful for a flash unit. Power is supplied by 4x standard AA batteries, which are inexpensive and easily obtainable. Disposable alkaline (supplied) or rechargeable NiCd or NiMH types can be used. Auto power saving system shuts down if the flash isn't used, to save battery power. Captive battery cover can't be easily dropped or lost. The flash is very nicely made (in Japan), measures around 135mm (5.25 inches) tall on the camera, and weighs under 320g without batteries.

An excellent flash unit!

Condition: Excellent++ (8/10)
The flash is in fully working order and good condition. There are just the usual signs of use (but not abuse), including some scratches and scrapes here and there in the plastic finish, plus some wear on the trim. The battery contacts are slightly marked (not corroded) and work fine. At the time of listing we have more than one of this item, but the pictures and description here are representative of all of them. No cracks, splits or other damage, and overall it's in good shape!

Includes 4x new Alkaline AA batteries

Compatibility
This flash has the standard shoe with electrical connection, which fits cameras with a hot shoe. This type of connection has been fitted to cameras for generations, including many 35mm SLR and rangefinder cameras, medium format models and some modern and digital cameras.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This type of flash is really designed for manual (mechanical) cameras, and has a trigger voltage of around 55v. 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, FX6900 (350v), S9500 and S9600 (250v) are also compatible, at zoom settings down to 35mm. 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 even for these cameras.