Older S&S Strobe (Pre-DSLR)

[BoltSnap]

I have older S&S strobes (YS-120, 90 and 30) and I would like to know if these strobes would be compatible with current S&S DSLR camera housings (or any Digital Camera with S&S housings) or if I have to buy current strobe models to work with digital cameras. What are the issues/short comings of these older strobes when used with digital cameras?

 

[Searcaigh]

Hi Burhan,

I missed this post.

Basically the old "film" camera strobes are a lot more powerful. When I first started with digital I overexposed almost every thing I photographed, the YS120 only has full and half power settings, plus the diffuser and it was still too bright for macro even at f32.

In the end I bought a YS90DX in Singapore on my way back to Dubai, Andrew from S&S had warned me when I picked up the housing and camera (D70) on my way to dive at Redang on that trip many years ago.

By coincidence last week I pulled out my YS120 and decided to use it as a single strobe for wide angle at "Hole in the Wall" worked reasonably well with the Tokina 10-17 for a single light source.

Strobe on full power with diffuser and aperture set at f11

 

[BoltSnap]

So you are saying that the DSLR need less light than the film cameras? I didn't have too many problems with these strobes in terms of requiring to reduce power as you describe with my film cameras.

 

[Searcaigh]

So you are saying that the DSLR need less light than the film cameras?

To me at least it appears that way.

My old S&S Sub50 and Ikelite MS50 are non adjustable, the YS120 has two settings, basically the standard setting of ISO200 is too high. Another option that I have not yet experimented with is reducing the ISO. Previously I used Fuji Velvia (ISO50) in my film cameras.

 

[BoltSnap]

In the past I always used ISO100 film (Fuji something).

 

[Searcaigh]

In the past I always used ISO100 film (Fuji something).

Provia

Used that for wide angle, but for macro, Velvia gave better colour saturation

 

[BoltSnap]

Ancient history now

 

[Searcaigh]

I still have some in my fridge

 

[BoltSnap]

I do too in my apartment in the US. Fuji and some Kodak. They have been there for years.

---------- Post added November 19th, 2012 at 05:00 PM ----------

I don't throw anything away. Pack rat.