P3D Re: Vivitar 283/285

[Rob <lilindn@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I have experience with both the Vivitar 283 and the 285.  As far as I am
> aware, there are two differences: (1) the 283 has three automatic exposure
> ranges and the 285 has four, 
..
    Interesting.  My 283 definitely has four.  I emphasize My because
this could have been a production change, the 283 has been around a long
time (20 years?  widely available new. Still in production?)
..
and (2) the 285 has a user-adjustable fresnel
> lens that can throw the light further for telephoto, normal for 50 mm, and
> wider for wide angle lenses, whereas the 283 cannot be adjusted in this manner.  
..
   True.
..
   It is also my understanding that the 285 lets is user vary its output
in manual.  The 283 can only fire in full force when in manual.
   Rob


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