Features

• 5.25-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
• 3x optical zoom lens with 2x digital zoom
• 1.6-inch LCD display; movie mode with audio; metal body construction
• Store images on Secure Digital memory cards (16 MB SD card included)
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included with charger)

Features

• Fixed focal length with a focal range of 5 feet to infinity
• Record video up to 2 minutes long without audio; PC camera mode
• Store images in 8 MB of built-in memory
• Powered by 1 AAA-size battery (alkaline included)
• 1.3-megapixel sensor captures enough information to create photo-quality 7-by-9-inch prints

Features

• 1.3 Megapixel delivers up to 1280x960 native resolution for sharp 4x6-inch prints from your home computer printer
• Also records movie clips at 320x240 resolution
• Focus-free lens
• Up to 2x Digital Zoom
• Auto exposure

Features

• 2x Digital Zoom
• Uses 2 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH rechargeable)
• Built-in self-timer

Amazon.com Product Description

The built-in variable power of the Vivitar 285HV auto professional flash provides you with fill flash and the ability to shoot properly exposed rapid-sequence pictures. This vertical bounce flash gives your photographs soft, professional lighting. The four f-stops give you control over the flash distance range and the depth of field, while the auto Thyristor circuitry allows for a faster recycling time as well as more flashes per set of batteries. ... Read more

Features

• Vertical bounce flash
• Auto Thyristor circuitry
• Sufficient-light indicator
• Illuminated calculator dial
• Flash range up to 70 feet

Reviews (5)

Powerful and Accurate
I have been very happy with my Vivitar 285HV since I bought it 2 years ago. What a great inexpensive flash that gives reliable and accurate results time after time. It is being used on my manual focus Nikon FE. I've been using the 4 auto settings most of the time.

Strengths:
Powerful output.
cost only a fraction of a Nikon SB16.
Lots of accessories available; (some are expensive, though!)
Good zoom head.

Weaknesses:
Big and heavy.
No swivel head

Similar Products Used:
Vivitar 550
Achiver

great flash for the money
Let's get to the bad stuff first:

1) no swivel
2) printed numbers on calculator dial may wear off or get scratched off
3) plastic foot may break
4) sync cord, battery holder and AC adapter are hard to find in stores
5) of course, no TTL, but we already knew that

OK, the good stuff (really good)
1) very powerful, big grins on subjects after they hear the loud pop and see the light. This is one big gun.
2) meter is surprisingly accurate
3) zoom head and wide angle adapter
4) generous auto range of 4 apertures, variable power settings of 1/2, 1/4 and 1/16
5) if you use flash as main source of light, don't shoot closeups with flash and have no need for TTL, this is all the flash you need
6) did I say this flash is so affordable?

Vivitar 285 Work-horse
I've been using Vivitar 283 and 285's for years now. I was introduced to the 285 when my backlight died on a Glamour shoot. The style my client wanted was an over exposed background to ad a haze around the subject through the softener1 filter. This required a powerful flash. The only store near the salon was a Carmen's camera and all they had in their used department was this old 285, the man in the store, a professional photographer himself, assured me that with a slave unit on the manual setting this flash would be powerful enough to do the job. He even had an SB-4 power supply and this little plastic display unit, which made a perfect little backlight stand!

Not only did this flash recycle in time, it was powerful enough to do the job. This little flash even replaced my Metz for wedding work because of its compact size!

I also noticed at the time that many other press photographers were leaving their Metz's at home too! For travelling and backpacking I bring my 283, which is very light and also has the remote sensor feature so handy for close-up work.

The 283 also sits nicer on the hot shoe being lighter, making the camera less top-heavy. Which brings me to the only complaint I have with these two flashes.... or many hot shoe flashes for that matter. Shooting at crowded concerts or busy news scrums the vulnerability of the hot shoe is always on my mind, on more than one occasion I have broken this hot shoe and had to order a new one which requires a bit of assembly and downtime. To make up for this -the remote sensor makes it possible to use these flashes off camera even with the broken hot shoe and with the amount of used 283's and 285's out there at good prices, they are still the best darn portable mini flashes I've come across!

With an on camera 283 fill light, reflected, a slaved 285 with a reflector on a stand next to the camera and a 283 slaved for a back light and you have yourself a portable studio, but watch out your subject doesn't step on the backlight!

A Great Piece of Gear, but...
This strobe is a real workhorse, if used properly. Take the time to learn the equipment for best results. While the price here is good, other prices can be found with a little searching of the big photo houses.

A good, solid, reliable flash
The Vivitar 285 HV is a classic flash, and known for its durability. It has good power and provides accurate exposure.

My only gripe with it is the head doesn't swivel. This means if you want to do bounce flash with the camera in verticle position, you have to take it off camera and hold it in your hand. Not a huge problem, but you can get one that does swivel for similar money (although maybe not one so well made). ... Read more

Features

• Guide number of 92 @ a 100 ISO equivalent
• Choose from 4 selectable power levels and lens coverage from 28mm to 105mm (equivalent in 35mm photography)
• 330 degree swivel and 90 degree vertical bounce adjustment allow for a variety of lighting options
• Included mini flex pod and shoe mount help to make attaching the flash as easy as it is to use
• Uses 4 AA batteries (not included); Accepts Alkaline; NIMH or Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries

Amazon.com Product Description

The Vivitar 283 electronic flash features bounce flash for softer, more professional-quality lighting. The Auto Thyristor circuitry has a fast recycle time and a high number of flashes per set of batteries. Additional features include autocheck, a sufficient-light indicator, and an illuminated calculator dial. The flash runs on 4 AA batteries or an optional SB-4 110-volt AC adapter. ... Read more

Features

• Vertical bounce flash for softer, more professional-quality lighting
• Flash range of 3 to 43 feet
• Auto Thyristor circuitry for faster recycling time and greater number of flashes
• Remote sensor capability
• 4 automatic f/stop settings

Reviews (5)

Vivitar 283 & 285 Work HorseFlashes
I've been using Vivitar 283 and 285's for years now. I was introduced to the 285 when my backlight died on a Glamour shoot. The style my client wanted was an over exposed background to ad a haze around the subject through the softener1 filter. This required a powerful flash. The only store near the salon was a Carmen's camera and all they had in their used department was this old 285, the man in the store, a professional photographer himself, assured me that with a slave unit on the manual setting this flash would be powerful enough to do the job. He even had an SB-4 power supply and this little plastic display unit, which made a perfect little backlight stand!

Not only did this flash recycle in time, it was powerful enough to do the job. This little flash even replaced my Metz for wedding work because of its compact size!

I also noticed at the time that many other press photographers were leaving their Metz's at home too! For travelling and backpacking I bring my 283, which is very light and also has the remote sensor feature so handy for close-up work.

The 283 also sits nicer on the hot shoe being lighter, making the camera less top-heavy. Which brings me to the only complaint I have with these two flashes.... or many hot shoe flashes for that matter. Shooting at crowded concerts or busy news scrums the vulnerability of the hot shoe is always on my mind, on more than one occasion I have broken this hot shoe and had to order a new one which requires a bit of assembly and downtime. To make up for this -the remote sensor makes it possible to use these flashes off camera even with the broken hot shoe and with the amount of used 283's and 285's out there at good prices, they are still the best darn portable mini flashes I've come across!

With an on camera 283 fill light, reflected, a slaved 285 with a reflector on a stand next to the camera and a 283 slaved for a back light and you have yourself a portable studio, but watch out your subject doesn't step on the backlight!

Will work with Digital Cameras...
Vivitar 283s made from the late 1990's onward will work fine with Digital Cameras. Only older units from the 1980's and early 1990's have a trigger voltage that sometimes exceeds 300v. Newer units will may function just fine depending on what voltage your camera can handle (again, research). You can test the trigger voltage of the unit by using a multimeter on the shoe pins and triggering the flash with the test button. Much more information can be found via a web search.

choice of flashgun
Having played around with photography for 20 years now I am baffled by Vivitar.They produce the 283 flashgun (a good product). Then they produce the 285 with almost the same specs.Except the 283 trigger voltage is over 300 volts and the 285 is 8 volts. Ok if used on the old SLR`s.But what about digital cameras? There are users asking what flashgun can I use on my Fuji 4900 and 6900? I go faint at the thought of putting a 283 on my Fuji 4900. No information is given in the instruction book. So i must conclude with the old saying "Buyer beware"

Best autoflash at this price
I have read so many reviews about this flash. I quickly bought two and I fell in love with them. The night photography took a new shape after I replaced built-in TTL (I have a Pentax zx-50) with these ladies. No more unnatural axial light, no more under-exposure. The four auto modes (f/2.8, 4, 8 and 11 for 100ASA film) are easy to set and give enough flexibility to choose DOF. The manual mode is also there for those who want it more technically correct. The weakest point are: 1. its weight compared to most modern compact SLRs; 2. weak foot. Lots of accessories are available in reasonabe price. A real workhorse!

The Professional Standard
The venerable Vivitar 283 doesn't have a lot of the bells and whistles of some other flashes. There's no coupling to the camera's computer and no through-the-camera-lens exposure control.

But what you do get is a rugged, powerful unit with automatic and manual modes and a very complete family of accessories. You can get diffusers, auto-triggers, manual power adjusters, remote cables for the auto sensor, AC power supplies... just about anything imaginable. And there are aftermarket accessories, too; I've equipped my 283s with metal replacement feet and a detachable mini-softbox.

I own *four* 283s, and I use them for everything from small-product tabletop shooting to portraits to outdoor nature photography. There's nothing more reliable and versitile on the market. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

This model of the Vivitar 730AF is dedicated to Nikon SLR cameras. The swivel flash head adjusts to 150 degrees to the right and 180 degrees to the left. This bounce-type flash gives your images softer, more professional lighting. The Auto Thyristor circuitry gives this flash a fast recycle time and offers a high number of flashes per set of batteries. Additional features include zoom flash, auto off, and autocheck. The Vivitar 730AF runs on four AA batteries and comes with a two-year warranty. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Decent flash, but overpriced
I bought the Vivitar 730AF for my Nikon N70. I work as a photographer for a newspaper, and this flash seemed to be just what I needed, Speedlight auto-focus for low light situations, zoom head, and what I assumed to be partial dedication. However, I was a little disappointed with the performance once I got the flash.

First, the camera is not dedicated in any way, which it should be for the price. When shooting photos for an assignment, I tried my new flash and was disappointed when my negatives came out underexposed due to the fact that the camera was not communicating with the flash at all.

The zoom head of the flash does not spread the light evenly, causing occasional falloff around the edges and inconsistencies in low light situations. The speedlight worked well focusing the camera, but the other shortcomings do not make up for it.

Don't get me wrong, I do not hate the flash, I just cannot depend on it. If you are a serious photographer, I would suggest that you invest in a Nikon SB-28. This is a decent flash, but it is rather pricey for the performance. Also, I would not suggest this flash for a beginner photographer since the operation is completely manual. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Vivitar 2800 automatic electronic flash has a four-position head that gives your pictures soft, even lighting. The auto Thyristor circuitry has a fast recycle time that gives you up to 1,500 flashes per set of batteries. Its auto light exposure has a range of 3 to 40 feet, and its unique control panel is easy to use. The sufficient-light indicator lets you know if your subject has the proper lighting. It has two automatic exposure settings and accepts Vivitar PC cords. This flash requires four AA batteries, which aren't included. ... Read more

Features

• Features auto Thyristor circuitry
• Unique control panel for ease of use
• 4-position bounce head for soft, even lighting
• Sufficient-light indicator
• Auto light exposure from 3 to 40 feet

Reviews (2)

Vivitar 2800 auto flash is nice accessory
I purchased the Vivitar Auto flash when i ordered my camera last year. It is a great accessory! My pictures come out very clear indoor and at night. I love it!

Vivitar 2800 AE Flash
A good little inexpensive flash for general use at a good price. It is a vast inprovement over those under powered pop-ups. It works well with digital cameras (Fuji FinePix 6900z). If you are considering a digital camera, an external flash is a must! The improvement in picture quality is stunning. ... Read more

Features

• Multi-dedicated thyristor
• Tilts 0-90° for flexible bounce flash applications
• Zoom head for adjustable coverage
• Provides an auto flash range to 28 feet (with f/2.8 lens using ISO 100 film)
• Flash test button and flash ready indicator

Reviews (1)

So so product BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE
This flash has a problem with the bottom slide to set Ft. I have been trying and trying and trying to get a hold of cust service at Vivitar for help. Good luck. I have tried e mail, the phone, the e box thing. I will probably send it back and get a speedlight. ... Read more

Features

• Uses AF camera's TTL circuit for exposure control
• Guide Number -59 (ISO 100 in feet)
• Auto Flash Range -0.5 inches to 10 feet
• Calculator Chart -Printed on reverse
• Flash Duration -1/1000 second in manual mode; 1/1000 to 1/40,000 second on auto TTL mode

Features

• Guide Number of 79 (when used with ISO 100 film) with up to 28 foot operating range (at f/2.8)
• Angle of Illumination -70-degrees Horizontal; 50-degrees vertical
• Adjustable bounce helps reflect light for glare reduction and creative effects
• Flash test button and flash ready indicator
• Easy-to-use calculator chart

Reviews (5)

Developing a POOR history
Had the same problem as second reviewer...it POPPED,FRIED, then smelt of burnt plastic/wires after less than 10 flashes. Sadly it was a gift, too. I'll be testing amazons RETURNS performance soon.

Not a bad buy
This flash is not a bad buy. It doesn't have a lot of features but it does the job. The only real problems I have with is that the head doesn't swivel and there are no markings to indicate the angle of tilt (for bounce flash). If you're just looking a separate flash to keep from using your camera flash and running down your batteries than this flash will do.

Pop-Pop-Poof
Flash went crazy, tried to fast recycle for no reason and fried itself on fifth picture of first use. Probably a fluke. Amazon is the fastest thing going for a refund. I don't have those first few pictures back to evaluate how good it was as a fill flash that I was using it for outside.

MUST HAVE if you want more powerful flash
If you are tired of the Minolta pop-up dinky flash, this is the add=on to get. It's excellent and always timely.

A Must have ....
This is an excellent piece of accessories for SLR cameras. I am certainly very pleased its performance. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

This model of the Vivitar 730AF flash is dedicated to Canon's EOS cameras. The swivel flash head adjusts to 150 degrees to the right and 180 degrees to the left. This bounce-type flash gives your images softer, more professional lighting. The Auto Thyristor circuitry gives this flash a fast recycle time and offers a high number of flashes per set of batteries. Additional features include zoom flash, auto off, and autocheck. The Vivitar 730AF runs on four AA batteries and comes with a two-year warranty. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Better then nothing
This flash works fine if you don't want spend lots of money on flash. I had this work good on my Rebel2000 and better than speelite 200e.
It's cheap, not look like pro-Flashs light, but hey works great for me. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Lightweight and ideal for travel, the Vivitar 728AF flash is dedicated to Canon EOS AF SLR cameras. It provides complete autoexposure flash operation, while the Auto Thyristor circuitry allows for a faster recycling time as well as more flashes per set of batteries. Because bounce light is very soft and resembles typical room lighting, this flash gives your images a more natural look than conventional flash photos. The Vivitar 728AF creates a wide zone of soft, even lighting, so your subjects are less likely to be too light or too dark. It also reduces the red-eye effect that most flashes cause. ... Read more

Features

• Designed to work with Canon EOS AF SLR cameras
• Provides complete autoexposure flash operation
• Lightweight and ideal for travel
• Recycling time as well as more flashes per set of batteries
• Creates a wide zone of soft, even lighting

Reviews (2)

Great - if you know your limitations
This is a very nice compact flash that is great for travel. I've used one on a Canon EOS Elan body and had very good results. However, you must keep in mind its limitations when considering it. If you're looking for a flash do to weddings or low light events then this is not your flash. With a guide # of 92 it is best used for outdoor fill flash or when you can get close to your subject. Based on the price I think it's a great little flash if you keep in mind what it was intended for.

Great flash, but.......
it will easily break where it slides on to attach to the camera. There is no way to reattach the flash to the camera once that little bit of plastic has broken. Needs new design where the flash attaches to the camera. ... Read more

Features

• Rotary slide tray
• 100-slide capacity
• Fits Vivitar slide projectors
• Also compatible with Haminex (2000 and 2400 series), Sawyer, and Gaf projectors
• Slots numbered for easy reference

Reviews (3)

Rotary tray problems
I don't have any experience with other slide projectors with which to compare quality, ease of use or reliability. The slides in the Rotary tray are - by design - difficult to locate to edit. I have had no difficulty operating with the Rotary Trays except when a slide has previously been damaged.

WELL SATISFIED
I have 24 of these slide trays, all filled with 35mm slides. I have not had any problem with them at all. They run through my Vivitar slide projector just fine - after all, they're made by Vivitar, so why not? I do have three other trays (gray, instead of Vivitar black) that appear to be made of a bit heavier grade of material. However, I don't know who made them. If the Vivitar trays are compared to them, I guess it could be said that the Vivitar trays aren't made as well. But, the difference(if any)is slight, indeed. I see absolutely NO difference in performance between the two types of trays when I intermix them during slide shows. I will not hesitate to purchase more Vivitar trays as future needs dictate.

Vivitar S-100 Rotary Slide Tray
I recently received six of these trays after not having bought them for quite a while. The quality of the new trays was very poor. Whoever makes these has a serious problem with their molding machine, but the resulting flaws should have been captured in a quality check. I'm ready to dump this system and go with Kodak. ... Read more

Features

• Uses AF camera's TTL circuit for exposure control
• Guide Number -59 (ISO 100 in feet)
• Auto Flash Range -0.5 inches to 10 feet
• Calculator Chart -Printed on reverse
• Flash Duration -1/1000 second in manual mode; 1/1000 to 1/40,000 second on auto TTL mode