P3D RE: Kalimar Flash

["David W. Kesner" <drdave@xxxxxxxxxx>]

In psd 3255 Mark Dottle asks:


> They sell a Kalimar flash, zoom, bounce, swivels...hot
> shoe or PC range to 66 feet in automatic ( 132' manual) Doesn't look
> like a bad piece for $54! ( no guide #s given) Anyone familiar enough
> to comment on this flash?

I am not familiar with this flash, but I am very familiar with the Vivitar 
283 which can be bought from B&H for $64.00. This flash is hard to 
beat at twice the price. In fact I just sold my $200.00 TTL flash that I 
bought for the RBT because I like the Vivitar so much.

It doesn't have zoom or swivel, but it does have bounce.

Guide number is 120 in feet at 100 ASA. It has a full manual setting 
and four auto settings. When using 100 ASA film they work out to 
f2.8 (up to 40 feet); f4 (up to 30 feet); f8 (up to 15 feet); and f11 (up 
to 10 feet). You can also get a variable power module that replaces 
the auto one and shoot at full; half, quarter, and eighth power. The 
auto module can also be coupled with an extension cord so the 
readings can be taken at the camera when the flash is held off to 
the side.

The only down side to the flash is its weak plastic hotshoe foot. But 
you can remedy that buy getting it with a machined aluminum foot 
instead. Although you give up the hot shoe in favor of a pc cord. The 
one I got has the two prong AC type plug that is much better than 
the Vivitar pin type.

I have been using these flashes in both my flat and stereo cave 
photography for a long time now and find them to be extremely 
reliable and consistent.

If you are considering any flash under $100.00 I would highly 
recommend this one. I might even go so far as to say any flash 
under $200.00 *{;-)

That's all for now,

David W. Kesner
Boise, Idaho, USA
drdave@xxxxxxxxxx


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