i have a 6000 series Nikon camera and a Sunpak 4000 flash, unfortanately, i find that the recharge time for the flash is too slow i need suggestions, besides rechargeable batteries......I was told that the quantum auxillary pack iscannot be used with a sunpak flash! HELP

-- isabella (photo2000@thestore.com), February 05, 2000

Answers

Why not rechargeables? NiMH or NiCad's can reduce the recycle time in half. Another option is to make your own imitation battery pack out of wooden dowels and run a pair of wires through it to an external 6V battery. You could then use "D" cells or even a lead/acid battery.

-- Jim Strutz (jimstrutz@juno.com), February 06, 2000.

You will get faster recharge and longer life from lithium batteries. They cost a bit more, and are not recomended for certain equipment due to slightly higher voltage than alkalines (I haven't heard of a flash that shouldn't be used with them, ussually older items with motors). That said, I use NiMH batteries in my flashes, and recycle time is SHORT.

-- C Terry (yeti-man@webtv.net), February 06, 2000.

I managed to get a high-voltage external pack for my Sunpak 3600 a couple of years ago. It consists of a lead which plugs into the flashgun, and a holder which can take either 300v dry cells, or a rechargeable inverter insert. The inverter has 10 NiCd AA cells inside and can recycle the flash fully in 3 seconds flat. I think your 4000 is basically the same model with a slightly higher output, but without the external sensor facility.

Whether the HV pack is still obtainable, I don't know.

-- Pete Andrews (p.l.andrews@bham.ac.uk), February 10, 2000.