can't use sunpak flash on Nikon D200?

Question

My sunpak is about 20 years old or more.

Answer 1

You can use older flash units on your camera. Your camera won't be able to take advantage of the TTL metering function which works like magic.

WARNING!!!!
Be careful using old flashes on newer cameras. The hot shoe voltage handling capability may be limited on the camera. It is really hard to find this information in a Nikon manual since they don't put it in the specifications area! See the bottom of page 177 in your D200 manual. The D200, as well as other Nikon DSLRs, can only handle a maximum of +250 volts on the hot shoe. Negative voltages and anything over 250 volts could damage the flash sync circuitry.

My old Sunpak 411 flash uses a trigger voltage of +300V at the hot shoe. Too bad since it really packs a punch. You can measure your hot shoe voltage if you have a high-impedance (100 megohm or better) voltmeter available. That sort of voltmeter is uncommon unless you have access to an electronics lab with fancy equipment.

Considering the age of your flash, I would NOT use it on your D200 unless you can absolutely verify the trigger voltage. Some flash units in the early 80s went to a low voltage trigger system like Nikon's SB-15. So, there may be a ray of hope.

If you're hell bent on using this flash, there are adapter units out there which will provide a safe interface between a high voltage trigger and your camera.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/245292-REG/Wein_W990560_Safe_Sync_Hot_Shoe_to.html
Otherwise, you can spend $110 ($60 more than the Wein adapter) on a new SB-400 which will work with the camera's TTL metering.

Answer 2

You can use it, but it will be limited. You'll have to use it in manual mode or in a limited auto mode. It doesn't use the i-TLL technology that the dedicated Nikon SB flashes do.

Your D200 deserves a Nikon dedicated flash such as the SB-400, SB-600, or SB-800 to fully link with the Nikon lenses and the flash system built into your camera. I put away my Sunpak flash (which I used very successfully with my N-series Nikon 35mm cameras) and got an SB-600.

On my D200, D70, & D50, the SB-600 gives me full control,as it automatically zooms to match the focal length I have chosen. It also has vertical and horizontal tilt, great for bounce flash when you've turned your camera sideways for "portrait" mode photos. You can chose to increase or decrease flash exposure, and can also set it for those difficult backlit situations. It's a great flash at a reasonable price.

The SB-400 doesn't have the horizontal tilt, nor does it have the power zoom head. The SB-800 is a great unit that can be the core of a multiple-flash system, but may be overkill if all you want is a versatile on-camera flash.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb600.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb600vs800.htm

I hope this is helpful.