Vivitar flash

[Himself]

I want to buy a Vivitar flash that will be triggered by a Cactus. Also I want to set it manually.
I have no idea what to buy. So many models.
Any input greatly appreciated.

[martinsmith99]

285HV - Loads of power, built in gel holder, manual & auto power settings and will work on a DSLRs. Around 40gbp.

However, my favourite manual flashes are the Nikon SB-28s. Almost twice the price and not quite as much power but just brilliant.

[Scheimpflug]

[DigiChromeEd]

[Arctures]

I have used Cactus 285HV for some time. It is simple and powerful. But it has no 1/8 power. Only 1/2, 1/4 and 1/16. Also it is huge and designed over 20 years ago. Half a year ago I have purchased 2 Cactus AF-45C from gadgetinfinity. Also I purchased V4 trigger set. All I can say - it is just brilliant and really amazing especially for the money. Also I've tried V2s trigger on my Canon 5D. And it has had some little banding issue on the border of any photo. V4 has no any issues. So AF45C + V4 is really greaat option. You can find many examples on flickr.

[Himself]

Scheimpflug, you made me chuckle and its' 6 o'clock in the morning Appreciated!
Arctures I use a V$ for a year now and I'm very happy with.

I've found a Vivitar Zoom thyristor 2500 with 20$.
Anyone using it? Pros and cons comparing with 285HV?

[kds315*]

285HV is great and has low voltage trigger, so safe for modern DSLRs.

[vulko]

Is it comfortable to use with modern DSLR's?

[Arctures]

vulko, as for me AF45 is more comfortable just because of it's size and connectivity. Also it has built in reflector and diffuser. And - may be that is subjective - it looks like AF45 consumes less battery power.

[kds315*]

Not if you expect all the fancy new modes (TTL, eTTl, ...)

[Arctures]

Just some quick examples. A little under exposed at the sky, AF45C camera top right set at 35mm:

Planar 50/1.4


Voigtlander APO Lanthar 90/3.5 @5.6

[Himself]

I have a 430EX to use with my camera. So nothing to worry about frying the circuits.

Any thoughts about Vivitar Zoom thyristor 2500 ?

[Attila]

[Himself]

First, thanks to the mod/admin who moved the thread here. My bad

I've found all that I needed regarding that particular Vivitar flash on these 2 sites

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/flashes_meters.htm

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

[Himself]

I listened to Martin and I bought a Vivitar 285 HV.
50$ - Ebay.

[declan]

i wonder if anyone using this type of vivitar, its for olympus/panasonic....still learn & compare with Nissin DI 466 or Targus for Olympus.

Thanks

[Lloydy]

I bought a Vivitar 283 last week knowing that some of them can have high voltages, I took a chance when I saw the label on the flash head that although in German, which I don't understand, mentioned "6volt"



The translation of which is -
"6 volt corded only for Vivitar sb-4 power cables and usage"

When I measured the voltage it was 244 volts.

Like I said though, I took a chance and only paid £3 for it, the Cactus will cost a whole lot more.

[martinsmith99]

The Vivitars 283s & 285s are older models which do have a high trigger voltage. My cameras will handle 250 but I would not feel comfortable being this close to the limit. THe 285HV is later and triggers at about 6 volts.

After one of my beloved SB-28s died at a recent shoot, I decided to replace it with a Youn Nuo 560. One can get a new pne for almost half the price of the SB-28 or slightly more than a Vivitar 285HV. Only manual control though. I'll post a review of one when it arrives.

[Screamin Scott]

I use several units. A Sunpak 444D (dedicated for Nikon), a Nikon SB 25, a Nikon SB600 & A Lester Dine ring/point light...I have some older units (weak ones) that I am not even listing plus an AC powered Spiratone Spiralight...I was outbid on every Vivitar 285 that I bid on on eBay.

[declan]

[declan]

[martinsmith99]

The DF283 is a newish model. This range I think was designed to work in TTL mode with some cameras. It's not the same as the old 283 which was a real workhorse.