P3D Re: Vivitar 285 Flash

[John Ohrt <johrt@xxxxxxxx>]

Michael Kersenbrock wrote:
> 
> > 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
My appologies for sending a personal communication on the list!
-- 
John Ohrt *** Toronto, ON, Canada *** mailto:johrt@xxxxxxxx


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