Vivitar 285Hv

[dano57]

Well, after a considerable amount of debate I ordered 2 of these from Amazon (Adorama) with free shipping. I really wanted the Sunpak but was concerned they were gone for good from what I have read. Each was less that $81 bucks so it was a good deal as compared to B&H. My name is also on the list for a couple of Paul Bluff's remote triggers.

Just wanted to fess up and see if I can get any moral support for these....

[da_teacher]

I might go the same route but with three of them. Sunpaks are hard to come by these days.

[pellepiano]

I have some Vivitars 285hv and I love them. Both powerwise and look-wise. Very retro and boxy 70s looking =) For the time being I use the cheap Cactus triggers.

[JAcosta]

Im using two 285HV with pocket wizards and love them very much. Reliable and consitant, its great.

[pcunite]

Vivitar 285Hv vs 580EX

What is the power difference vs. a 580EX?

[dpds68]

I am looking at this Flash as my first flash ( the price is good a friend has one that he does not use much ) , Will this be hard for me to use as a first flash ?

[pcunite]

It seems the 580EX II has

More power
Faster recyclingI wish someone would make a flash with twice the power of the 580EX and still only take AA as I don't want to lug QFlash batteries around...

I would be happy with 100 full power shots...

[skade]

Ive ordered the same ones just two days ago.. waiting for them to arrive. :)

[azpix]

wow, are sunpacks really that hard to get? a couple of months ago I ordered 4 not problem. Have only used 2 and have pondered selling the other two off.

The 285 is a good flash. I used it for a long time and took some great pics with them. That said, i like the sunpacks a lot more.

[dano57]

I keep hearing rumors that both the Vivi tar and Sunpaks are out of production but can't confirm. I just got scared that it may be so and all I could find were the Vivi tars so, I punched the button on 2, I already have a 580 EX II.

[Rudi]

The 285 is a good flash. I used it for a long time and took some great pics with them. That said, i like the sunpacks a lot more.

Can you elaborate why?? I have some Sunpak 383's that I got a few months ago, but can't get any more at the moment. I am considering getting a couple of Vivitar 285HV's if I can't get the Sunpaks any more, but would be interested in why you like the Sunpaks more before I spend money on something unknown...

[da_teacher]

Have only used 2 and have pondered selling the other two off.



dude, holler at me if you're going to sell them off anytime soon.

[dano57]

Don't have any idea, I have always been a Sunpak fan but gave up and went with the Vivitars. Just hope they hold up?

Can you elaborate why?? I have some Sunpak 383's that I got a few months ago, but can't get any more at the moment. I am considering getting a couple of Vivitar 285HV's if I can't get the Sunpaks any more, but would be interested in why you like the Sunpaks more before I spend money on something unknown...

[dpds68]

I am looking at this Flash as my first flash ( the price is good a friend has one that he does not use much ) , Will this be hard for me to use as a first flash ?


What should be my first learning step remember this is my first flash ?

[pellepiano]

Not much to learn about it. It is manual and just have 4 power settings. So from time to time you have to work with distance as well as power settings to get the strength you need.

I like them a lot and trigger them with the Cactus transmitter and recievers.

[dpds68]

Thank you I should be picking it up today I will post some results from this "First flash n00b":lol:

[dpds68]

I got it last night dang it's bigger and heaver than my Rebel XT :o , Ok here is the question I did a couple test shots before the batteries died and the images look good but when I check my EXIF Data it says that the flash did not fire is this normal ??

[E-K]

I got it last night dang it's bigger and heaver than my Rebel XT :o , Ok here is the question I did a couple test shots before the batteries died and the images look good but when I check my EXIF Data it says that the flash did not fire is this normal ??

Yes. Mine does the same. I believe it's because it is a non-dedicated flash.

e-k

[dpds68]

^^ Ok great once it isn't broken .
Hopefully last question , What's the "Removable Sensor Module" for ?

[E-K]

It has all the "smarts" (okay a bunch of resistors, a light sensor, and some ND filters ;)). You can get a cord which will allow you to put it in a different position (say on the hotshoe) when using the flash off camera.

e-k