Vivitar 283 Flash Question

kb3lms · May 11, 2014

A relative has offered me a working Vivitar 283 flash for free. I understand that these flashes have a high trigger voltage. Is it safe to use with my Pentax K-1000, ME Super and Minolta XG-1? I also would use it with my Mamiya 645 1000S, but I am assuming that would be OK. I'd prefer not to fry any of the electronics!

Drew B. · May 11, 2014

I've used this as well as the 285 on several of those models with no problems. You might test the voltage output if worried.

mgb74 · May 11, 2014

The 283 was made over many years and later ones have lower flash sync voltage. So you should test yours (as Drew suggested).

I think, regardless of voltage, you should be fine with the K1000 and the M645. I don't know about the XG and the ME Super.

Kyle M. · May 11, 2014

I used both a 283 and later a 285 on my 645 1000s when I had it, never a problem.

summicron1 · May 11, 2014

the 283 is a workhorse that I've used for years on a wide variety of cameras, never a problem.

Xmas · May 12, 2014

Down load handbook for each camera before you try it is free.

If handbook says don't use high voltage flash don't.

A K1000 has only got a mechanical switch for flash the meter electronics is physically separate and safe unless the camera was modified.

Most cameras will be safe cept for ones with additional contacts on hot shoe.

If camera has cold shoe you need a (the) synch cord. You should be able do download the manual for the flash as well.

Tom1956 · May 12, 2014

There are 2 great electronic flashes in the flash hall of fame: Sunpak 611 and Vivitar 283 (for those who like shoe mount). Sunpak 611 man since 1976 here.

narsuitus · May 12, 2014

kb3lms said:
I'd prefer not to fry any of the electronics!

I prefer to use a Wein Safe-Sync (lower right-hand corner of attached thumbnail) to protect my electronic cameras.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/11336821@N00/13656553415/in/photostream/

benjiboy · May 12, 2014

The Vivitar 283 and 285 are safe to use with all the cameras you mention, it's mainly the digital S.L.R's that need a trigger voltage of less than 6 Volts to not fry the electronics.

benjiboy · May 12, 2014

The Vivitar 283 and 285 are safe to use with all the cameras you mention, it's mainly the digital S.L.R's that need a trigger voltage of less than 6 Volts.

analoguey · May 12, 2014

Mainly digital canons. Nikon lists its DSLRs happy campers to 250v

Sent from Tap-a-talk

AgX · May 12, 2014

Tom1956 said:
There are 2 great electronic flashes in the flash hall of fame: Sunpak 611 and Vivitar 283 (for those who like shoe mount). Sunpak 611 man since 1976 here.

Hall of fame:

So far I have not come across a single sample of any of them. But recently I bought a AE-1 with a similar Vivitar, but wiith static head. All in dedicated kit-case, but that was my first sample too.
There have been several european manufacturers, So I guess the japanese ones had a harder stand than in the US.

Steve Smith · May 12, 2014

benjiboy said:
The Vivitar 283 and 285 are safe to use with all the cameras you mention, it's mainly the digital S.L.R's that need a trigger voltage of less than 6 Volts to not fry the electronics.

Just about all DSLRs are o.k. up to 250 volts.

Steve.

benjiboy · May 12, 2014

Steve Smith said:
Just about all DSLRs are o.k. up to 250 volts.

Steve.

That's true about most models Steve but according to Canon the maximum trigger voltage on their following D.S.L.R. models are 6V
D30, D60, and D10D

MattKing · May 12, 2014

benjiboy said:
That's true about most models Steve but according to Canon the maximum trigger voltage on their following D.S.L.R. models are 6V
D30, D60, and D10D

Be careful with some of the later electronic film cameras as well. My Mamiya 645 Pro could be damaged, as could my later model Canon 35mm bodies (Elan 7, IIe).

wblynch · May 12, 2014

I bought 2 M645 cameras and accessories from a wedding photographer who had them set up with Vivitar 283's.

One of the bodies has had its internal flash connectors burned out. I can't prove it was the 283 but I believe it is so.

RalphLambrecht · May 12, 2014

Drew B. said:
I've used this as well as the 285 on several of those models with no problems. You might test the voltage output if worried.

It is my conviction that it is always betterand well worth the minor expenseto use a radio trigger betweencamera and flash.untilthen,on't use itwith valuable equipmentand consider your vivitar to be the equivialent of a nuclear power station.I like the 283and have two myself.They are robust and last a long time,but, their trigger voltage is just too high for most cameras.I retired mine when I bouht my first DSLRand soon after found outthat even a Hasselblsd repair man strongly suggested using radio triggers.I bought an economy model firstbut switched to a dedicated Nikon trigger sfter the chinese cheapy gave up the ghostwithin weeks.No issues since.

kb3lms · May 12, 2014

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I will stick with a radio trigger for this 283 as I already have other, more recent flashes to use in the hot shoe.

craigclu · May 12, 2014

Early 283's can have very high trigger voltage (up to 270v).

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

I did some testing years back that ended up on this list and was startled by some of the results on the smaller units in varied brands.

JW PHOTO · May 12, 2014

RalphLambrecht said:
It is my conviction that it is always betterand well worth the minor expenseto use a radio trigger betweencamera and flash.untilthen,on't use itwith valuable equipmentand consider your vivitar to be the equivialent of a nuclear power station.I like the 283and have two myself.They are robust and last a long time,but, their trigger voltage is just too high for most cameras.I retired mine when I bouht my first DSLRand soon after found outthat even a Hasselblsd repair man strongly suggested using radio triggers.I bought an economy model firstbut switched to a dedicated Nikon trigger sfter the chinese cheapy gave up the ghostwithin weeks.No issues since.

That is excellent advice and takes the worry out when the shutter is tripped. Plus, the radio trigger/wireless come in very handy to boot. JW

analoguey · May 12, 2014

Although, right now, buying a new YN 560 or such would be a much much better investment.

benjiboy · May 13, 2014

kb3lms said:
Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I will stick with a radio trigger for this 283 as I already have other, more recent flashes to use in the hot shoe.

You do know that using high voltage flash units with radio triggers can fry them ? you need to check the trigger voltage on the flash unit and the maximum safe voltage the radio triggers can handle, I understand just because they aren't physically connected doesn't mean they can't be damaged.

JW PHOTO · May 13, 2014

benjiboy said:
You do know that using high voltage flash units with radio triggers can fry them ? you need to check the trigger voltage on the flash unit and the maximum safe voltage the radio triggers can handle, I understand just because they aren't physically connected doesn't mean they can't be damaged.

Hmmmmm! I guess I don't follow what you're saying. Are you saying that the camera will still be damage using a radio remote? JW

benjiboy · May 13, 2014

JW PHOTO said:
Hmmmmm! I guess I don't follow what you're saying. Are you saying that the camera will still be damage using a radio remote? JW

Could be, I know very little about electronics only what I've read about this problem online, I think the main danger is to the radio triggers, just Google this for further information.

AgX · May 13, 2014

Of course a electronic flash light cannot harm a camera if coupled by radio (or optical) remote syncro-connection.

But the remote synchro device might be harmed as a direct coupled camera.

Vivitar 283 Flash Question

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