Having problems with Vivitar 285

[Tjthemaxx]

Just bought a Vivitar 285 (not HV) off ebay a week or two ago. Just now got around to powering it up and it's not working. :(

What happens: (post updated with help from David B12)

When I turn it on, I hear the charge start to build up, then the red light comes on, then the green light comes on briefly but then immediately starts alternating between red and green light.

Flash DOES fire with the test button but the red/green illumination keeps alternating. That's not normal. Is it?

Anyone had a similar experience and know what's wrong?

The flash was brand new in box when purchased, even though it was the older, non-HV model.

Help! :cry:

[David B12]

The button that you are pushing might be doing just what it should do; it's purpose is to light up the calculator wheel. The test button is the red on at the foot.

[Tjthemaxx]

Duh. :) you are right there. But the red/green keeps alternating. I was under the impression that it should turn all green when ready.

[jbergdoll]

The red and green flashing means its completely charged. All of them do that.

[Gatorboy]

Nothing is wrong -- you've got a perfectly good unit.

[Tjthemaxx]

Thanks! I'm a dummy I guess. I supposed it was supposed to be all green.

[jgettis]

You might be interested in a electronic copy of the manual here is a link to a site that has it
http://www.cameramanuals.org/flashes_meters/vivitar_285hv.pdf
hope this helps John

[Tjthemaxx]

Thanks John! That's awesome! My flash is not an "HV" model but I'm sure almost all of the information is the same. I really appreciate the help!
-T.J.

[jgettis]

In that case here is the link to the none HV one
http://www.cameramanuals.org/flashes_meters/vivitar_model_285.pdf
One thing that I think you should be aware of is that the trigger voltage on the none HV unit is much higher then the HV one. The HV refers to the fact that the unit is able to use the High voltage battery pack (510 Volts) and not the trigger voltage Once again hope this helps John

[Tjthemaxx]

I understand that the voltage is much higher on the older model. I would never dream of trying to put it on my camera's hotshoe. It's strictly an off-camera flash for strobist stuff.

Thanks for the link to the older manual too!