Vivitar 285HV

[bcap]

Hello all!

For those who have or have used the Vivitar 285HV as an off-camera flash (or on camera for that matter), I have a question for you.

If you set the little dial in the front to "M" (manual) mode, does the dial on the side have any effect? You know how you can choose ISO and it will give you aperture based on the power (i.e. FULL, 1/2, 1/4, 1/16) on the dial on the side?

Basically, what I am looking for is an answer to this:

With my 430 off-camera (w/ a PW), I put it in manual mode, choose a zoom (I know how to do this on the Vivvy) and then choose a power from 1/1 to 1/64. Is it this simple as well on the Vivvy?

I don't have my camera here and I just got the Vivvy in, this is why I'm asking. otherwise, I'd just go out and test myself

Any input is appreciated!

Bryan

[scot079]

whew, i got that flash a while back and never read the manual. the 285 looks so rudimentary, yet it gives me headache looking at those dials.

[MCTuomey]

to set the 285HV manually all you need to do is turn the front dial to one of four settings: M (full manual power), 1/2, 1/4, 1/16. if you want to use the flash in auto mode you set the front dial to auto color codes.

[circa]

the plastic side dial does nothing to affect performance or function with the flash, it is merely for calculations.

[bcap]

Originally Posted by circa

the plastic side dial does nothing to affect performance or function with the flash, it is merely for calculations.

Ah! Just what I was looking for! Thanks

How is the recycle time on the 285 in comparisson, to, say a 430 (with the same batteries)?

[pepperoni]

Recycle time is a little slower than I'd like, especially on full power.

[JMHPhotography]

I have a 283, but it works the same way. Manual on mine is just full bang and you have to do the math to figure out your distances and f-stops. The auto flash part works ok but tends to overdo it most of the time. I'm thinking that there may be some crud on the thyristor sensor causing the light to filter out.

[bcap]

Thanks for the info John,

The main reason I got this flash was to use it for off-cam, so, I plan on using it for it's manual abilities only

[nadtz]

Forkball: There is a varipower unit for the 283, rather handy for setting manual power. Goes down to 1/64 I think and can occasionally be found used for about $5 (or you can make your own).

[FlashZebra]

Originally Posted by bcap

Thanks for the info John,

The main reason I got this flash was to use it for off-cam, so, I plan on using it for it's manual abilities only

Don't overlook the possibilities of "traditional auto" modes on the 283 (and other flash units with "traditional automatic" function).

If you can get the sensor to point at the subject, exposure is typically pretty good.

Enjoy! Lon

[cooperjai]

Originally Posted by circa

the plastic side dial does nothing to affect performance or function with the flash, it is merely for calculations.

and here's me cursing my camera when the exposure didn't change after moving the dials..duh!!