Need some help with using a Vivitar 285 with a Bronic SQ-A

[wilfbiffherb]

Hey,

I have recently acquired a Vivitar 285 and im goin to be using it with my Bronica SQ-A. Unfortunately i dont have a flash light meter. is it possible i can use the 4 coloured auto settings on my flash with a sync speed around 1/125 on my SQ-A, setting the aperture on my camera to the same as the aperture on my flash and letting the flash auto sensor get the correct exposure?

thanks for your help in advance.

 

[BrianShaw]

Yes, you can do that.

 

[wilfbiffherb]

Hurrah! sweet relief!! thought i was going to have to fork out for a flash meter! will the shutter speed make much difference to the exposure other than the ambient light? as the flash will be quicker than the shutter anyway?

 

[BrianShaw]

No, as long as it is at your camera's synch speed or below.

 

[lxdude]

No, as long as it is at your camera's synch speed or below.

Which is all speeds with the SQ-A.

 

[brucemuir]

Well the slower the shutter speed the more ambient that will get in.
If you're shooting at around 1/60-1/30 indoors the tungsten can start to contaminate your daylight balanced film.

If you are outdoors you'll want to keep notes on what speeds you used so you can gauge how you want the background rendered.

 

[BrianShaw]

Which is all speeds with the SQ-A.

Yes, like I said.

 

[BrianL]

I use a 285 on my ETRS and shoot at all speeds as it is a leaf shutter, the same as the SQ. I simply keep it on automatic but then I am not a flash user of any amount preferring natural light.

 

[wilfbiffherb]

Thats great, thankyou very much for all of your help. i will try and get my wife to pose for some portraits tonight!!