Can I safely connect this older flash to a Nikon D5000?

[Kris V]

Cleaning out closets, I found my husband's old cameras, filters etc.
Also a flash that was used on his film SLR.
It has no settings, has probably only one strength, has no movable parts - it acts much like an on-board flash on a digital camera - and requires 4 AA batteries, It has been laying around for probably more than 10 years, but it's much older than that.
I believe it was fairly cheap - brand name is Soligor (never heard of it).
We tested it on his film camera, and it still works.
I have a speedlight, but in a pinch, is it safe to use this flash as well? Or will it damage the camera?

Nikon Hot-shoe:


Connection of the flash:

[russellsnr]

Hi, Don't no if you could or even if it would work on camera but if it was me I would buy one of those cheap of camera wireless triggers and see if you could use it as an off camera fill light.
JMO
Russ

[Dizzy]

Looks like Soligor has had 4 different models of flashes: MK-2, MK-24AS, 30DA and
MZ-400AF. The MK-2 is the oldest unit, I believe, and its made to operate on a 230V
hot shoe - definitely not recommended for your camera. 2 of the other models might
be safe, but I wouldn't consider attaching one to my camera (or wireless trigger)
until I know the operating voltages are compatible.

If you can find a Model # on it, check this site here to see if it's safe to
use:

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Mike

[Kris V]

Thanks. I let my husband keep it for his film camera and stick to the Speedlight. I won't risk my camera!
Mike,
On the box the information says:
Electronic Flash - Manual-Slave 14S

[Tringa]

What I have read about old flash units agrees with Mike's comment. Seems older units used a high voltage than modern units. I have heard that some Canon camera can cope with the higher voltages, but if I had a Canon, I'm not sure I would risk it.

Its a pity as I have an old Vivitar 283 flash but I'm not prepared to attach it to my camera.

Dave