P3D Re: Vivitar 285 Flash (was Flash, OT)

[michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxx (Michael Kersenbrock)]

> According to Vivitar at: http://www.vivitarcorp.com the 283 and
> 285
> are rated at the same power and differ only in features. The 283
> is also capable of using the remote sensor with the extension
> cord. Information on parts or manuals can be had from Vivitar at:
> mailto:parts@xxxxxxxxxxx

The old 292  is pretty powerful (guide @100 ASA of 150 as best my
fuzzy memory recalls, I use its auto-exposure), efficient with
battery, has a remote-sensor via cord feature, etc.  And they
usually are available for almost nothing at swap meets!  Why?
The Battery packs are *always* leaky (old!) and new "sealed" nicad 
battery packs (NC-2) haven't been available for quite some time.  
So  flash w/charger can be had cheap even though it's a pretty 
good flash.  I think I've four of them (including 4 chargers) for 
a total cash outlay of about $20 or so.

Why do I mention this?  Because with some care (and maybe trashing
one during the learning process) the battery packs can be opened 
and the cells replaced and the contacts cleaned (or replaced if
they are too far gone).  Four AA nicad cells go into them, so I 
replaced one pack's batteries with 1.4 AH
nicad AA cells, probably a lot higher capacity than 
the originals,  and it REALLY seems to last "forever" now.

I took a pair of these to Vegas last month with the recently
mentioned slave flash adapter on the second one.  Stereo flashes
of a sort.

So if you need a powerful flash and want to be cheap, then look
for those at camera swap meets.  Be sure to shake your head back
and forth about the sad shape of the batteries and say "these
aren't available anymore aren't they?  Tsk Tsk".  Etc.  :-)

If you want hints on the battery pack surgery, let me know and
I'll try to help.  Of course if you're offended by battery guts
then I can't help with that.  Some soldering and possible
dremel-tooling (depends on the particular pack) required.

Mike K.

P.S. - I've gotten  a couple of the "remote sensors" for it 
       at $1 each at shows too.   :-)


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