Vivitar 285 + G3?

[s00pcan]

Does the Vivitar 285 flash work with the g3?

[asm016]

s00pcan

According to this:

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

connecting a 285 to a Gx camera is "your call" - dependent on its voltage - apparently the powershot G doesn't like voltages above 6V - you could risk damaging your camera. This reminds me... I have an old vivitar upstairs.. wonder what it is....


hope this helps

Andrew

[Brunkku]

Yep, Vivitar has had everything from 6V to 350V. Sounds risky.

Brunkku

[asm016]

Which is why I am a bit reluctant to bung it on my G5 and "see what happens" :lol: Would be nice though, as it would save me forking out for a 420ex! However the age of the thing puts me off too - My Brother had it with his Canon AE-1 (classic!) umpty odd years ago......

Since I have no way of testing the voltage, I think I will leave well alone.....

cheers

Andrew

[s00pcan]

Oh well. What other flashes should I try to get, besides the 420ex? I need something more manual and cheaper

[slejhamer]

You should look into a Wein Safe Sync which will regulate the voltage. It sits between the hotshoe and flash. Those old Vivitars (I have a 283) seem to last forever, and they are very handy if you don't mind giving up E-TTL exposure.

http://www.omegasatter.com/v2/products/displayproduct.cfm?ProdID=2886
Shop around; you can find them at a lower price.

[s00pcan]

But I haven't bought the vivitar.. I'm just looking for a cheaper flash and wondered if it would work.

[s00pcan]

Allright, how about the sunpak 555? (yes I looked at it on the voltage page)

[4walls]

But I haven't bought the vivitar.. I'm just looking for a cheaper flash and wondered if it would work.
Try the 380EX on eBay... It works fine with the G3.