Versatile "hammerhead" bounce auto/manual flash unit for cameras with standard flash socket

• Hammerhead auto flash unit
• Guide number 32m (104ft)
• Tilting head for bounce flash
• Three auto exposure modes
• Three manual power settings
• For most manual cameras
• For some digital cameras
  (the trigger voltage is 100v+)
• Standard flash lead fitting
• With instructions, bracket
• Includes AA batteries
• Mint- (almost as new)

Nissin is a long standing Japanese manufacturer of flash units under their own name and many others. This 3200GT hammerhead flash is powerful, versatile, comes with bracket and synchro cable and can be used with many cameras with a standard flash sync socket. It's ideal for older cameras with no hot shoe, including many 35mm and medium format models and can be used on some digital cameras, but see below for important compatibility information, as it has quite a high trigger voltage.

The flash head can tilt up to 90 degrees vertically for bounce flash, which gives softer, more natural lighting than direct flash, and reduces the chance of redeye. The flash covers lenses down to 35mm (on a 35mm camera) or the equivalent on other formats.

This is a powerful flash unit with a guide number of 32 (meters) and 104 (feet) with ISO 100. This gives a theoretical maximum range of up to around 18m (58 feet) with an f/1.8 standard lens, and this doubles with ISO 400. As always, actual range will depend on the conditions.

Auto or manual exposure control, with three auto ranges. This gives a choice of settings (f/2.8, f/5.6 or f/11 with ISO 100) for auto shots to suit the subject, with ranges up to 11.5m (38 feet), 6m (20 feet) and 3m (10 feet) respectively. Thyristor circuitry for reduced recycling times (or to keep up with auto winders) and more flashes per set of batteries at close distances. The auto sensor on the front of the flash remains pointed at the subject even if the flash is tilted, retaining auto exposure for bounce flash. Three manual settings are provided for full, half and quarter power.

Comprehensive control panel on the side includes film speeds from ISO 25 to 400 (DIN 15 to 27 for German users!), apertures from f/1.4 to f/22 and distances from 1 to 23 meters (3.3 to 75 feet). Ready light, test button and auto check light confirms correct exposure. Power is supplied by 4x standard AA batteries, and Alkaline disposable types are recommended (supplied).

This is a "hammerhead" or handle-mount flash, and comes complete with a bracket that screws into the camera's tripod socket (standard 1/4-inch thread). This is much more solid and robust than fitting a large flash into the camera's hot shoe, and gives you a useful extra left hand grip. The base of the tripod screws have extra threads so the camera/flash combination can still be tripod mounted. The flash weighs around 440g complete with bracket (but not batteries), and stands around 210mm (8.5 inches) tall.

An excellent flash unit for many cameras!

Condition: Mint- (almost as new)
The flash is in excellent condition and fully working order. All controls work positively. Cosmetically it shows only the usual handling marks here and there in the plastic finish. The battery contacts are clean, with no evidence of battery leakage or corrosion. The box is showing signs of age but complete, and the instruction manual and accessories are in good condition.

Overall, it's in great shape!

Boxed with flash bracket, synchro cable and instructions, plus new batteries

Compatibility
This flash has the once-standard flash lead, which fits cameras with a PC flash sync socket. These connections have been fitted to cameras for generations, including many 35mm SLR and rangefinder cameras, medium format models and even large format lenses. The lead can plug into slave units or extension leads (not included) for multiple flash setups.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This type of flash is really designed for manual (mechanical) cameras, and has a trigger voltage of just over 100v, so 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) are also compatible. Not recommended for the Fujifilm S100FS, S200EXR (40v) or HS-10 (50v). It will work on wide angle models such as the S9500 and S9600 (250v), but only at focal lengths down to 35mm (equivalent), unless you're using bounce flash.

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.