I just pick up a lot of 6 of these bad boys at auction for $10.00, so I'm not out much if they don't work. I'm going to buy some batteries and give them a go, but the dials seem to be stuck on all 6. Is this typical? Do they just turn hard? Is there a trick to adjusting the output that I'm missing?

Does the outside of the dial lift up to unlock it? Something like that?

Do NOT use a 611 directly on a digital camera. The trigger voltage on those was notoriously high and they can short out the internal circuit on your camera.

Get a wein safe sync, or a paramount isolating cord. Or use an optical slave to trigger them from the camera remotely.

Here is a link that has the Manual in PDF form:http://www.butkus.org/chinon/flashes_meters/sunpak_flash/sunpak_flash_units.htm

These are auto-thyristor models - they auto adjust the output based on the fstop and iso you put in on the dial. But the manual should help. They don't really usually have a fullpower/half power type dial standard, but there may be one available.

(edit - looking at the manual, starting on page 16, it describes manual operation with allows you dial down as a fraction of full power... cool).

I have one of those and it puts out like 400+ volts = FRY YOUR CAMERA LIKE BACON. So, what R_D said, DONT MOUNT IT.

I wouldn't, but thanks for the concern. I was just gonna use a peanut or a Pocket Wizard.

Thanks for the link to the manual.

No problem.

Peanuts rock. I have handful for when I want to use a mini-strobe (I have a half dozen vivitar 283's wtih manual dials). They make great kick lights and color pops as a complement to the big strobes.

oh, r_d. is there anything you don't know?

Originally posted by: mclarkson oh, r_d. is there anything you don't know?

Yes... but I do try to keep my mouth shut when I actually don't have a clue.

edit: ok, sometimes anyway.

4 out of the six work! So... kickers, fills, and hair lights for $2.50 a piece... That's some budget kit right thar. woot.

nice dude, thats a fun little bunch of lights