T3D Re: Another flash question

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Tom Deering wrote:

> I have a fancy Vivitar thyristor flash, and I don't know how to use it.
> The colored bands and the 1/2 and 1/4 settings confuse me.  I'm not used to
> a flash that has variable output.

It sounds like you have a model other than a  vivitar 283 but I
would guess that the operation is similar. The following are the
steps I use for the 283:
1. Set the f/dist/asa wheel to the asa of the film.

2. Decide the maximum distance that will be lighted by flash.

3. You can choose any of the four color bands that are less than
or equal to this distance.

4. The color band you choose will give you the correct f setting.

This method really simplifies quick indoor shots as long as you
don't exceed the distance to subject.

I should also mention that I often use this flash in manual mode.
The reason for this is to have smaller apertures hence greater
DOF but at the expense of convenience.

Bill Stickley


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