Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Have tried different name brand flash units, but Vivitar has always excel in reliability and consistancy in providing the right exposures at all times. For the price of this flash unit, its worth every penny.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I am a semi-retired pro photographer who bought a 285 when they came out in the 70s or 80s as a back-up flash. I used Rollei's and Lumidyne's primarily. It was very dependable and well worth the cost. I recommend it highly. A 4" X 8" white plastic works great as a reflective bounce card.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Created a lightweight, portable, portrait or table top set with three of these lights. Foldable stands and umbrellas and other modifiers with optical slaves as well as wireless triggers offer a few different options for a quick and easy set up, for a fraction of the price of camera manufacturers speedlights. The manual Vari-power output along with the manual zoom is not a bother considering the cost of the unit. The addition of the batteries with charger is only a plus!

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I love this flash! I think it beats the vivitar DF-383 which I had for a few months and its more expensive!

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

This is a very versatile flash. I have used it on-camera as well as off-camera and am very pleased with the results. I have used this outdoors as well as in my studio. The output is consistent although the recycling time is a little slower than regular studio strobes.
Since this does not have E-TTL, you do have to be mindful of the manual settings at all times. With a little bit of practice, you won't even have to look at the settings dial to work out the correct exposure.
I was so pleased with the first one I bought that I got another one from Adorama.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I've dropped these down stairs, on the concrete and they just keep working. I have not had any problems with the 3 that I have and I am very happy. I primarily use them in manual mode, but I have used them in Auto and they work very well either way. I do not understand why someone would pay $500 for a strobe when these work so incredibly well.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Works great , excellent value for the money spent.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Wanted a flash that gave me control over my images that wasn't dedicated and it does that well just like the 283 I used to have, this also gives me direct control over the power with 1/16, 1/4 and 1/2 power settings. the only complaint I have is with the sync plug that vivitar has used from the beginning, come on guys, give it up and switch to the standard plug which works consistently without rubber bands or tape to hold it all the way in. I can't believe vivitar still uses this I know a lot of people that have had vivitar flashes and this has been a big complaint for a long time.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

CAUTION !!!...VERY HIGH TRIGGER VOLTAGE...USE ELECTRONIC INTERFACE BETWEEN CAMERA HOT SHOE AND FLASH TO REDUCE VOLTAGE/CURRENT AT CAMERA INTERNAL CONTACT(S)...OTHERWISE WILL BURN OUT CAMERA FLASHTRIGGER CONTACT(S)....ESPECIALLY WITH DIGITAL CAMERAS WHICH HAVE REDUCED CURRENT-CARRYING CAPABILITY VS FILM-TYPE CAMERAS...IN ALL CASES PREFERABLE TO USE THE DEVICE LOWERING CAMERA CONTACT(S) CURRENT...PROTECT CAMERA...I like the unit because of aforechecked characteristics plus being a rugged unit...Would recommend with the cautions stated

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I couldn't resist the temptation to modifying this unit. I added an input jack for external battery pack, but this is just me. Otherwise you don't need it. You just put in the batteries and you're goo to go. I'm so happy with this product, for sure I'll buy another soon...:)

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

great flash for the money. light weight, reliable, and powerful!

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

This is a very nice, inexpensive flash, the proprietary sync plug kind of sucks but it is easy enough to make an adapter.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

The 285HV is a powerful, although bulky & heavy flash. But don't expect any (underline any) tech support from Vivitar. E-mails aren't answered, telephone support - they say the new company that bought Vivitar doesn't support the old companies products.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I had used this flash ( - HV) with Nikon FM when I was a newbie almost thirty years ago! Had used it for over eight years before giving it away!

I bought this unit again and use it with a series of cameras including Nikon D50 and D90. Though it takes precedence over TTL metering, the increase in consistent quality makes it desirable.

I am very comfortable once again with indoor or night photography requirements.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

This unit is a replacement to my 285, which I've been using since 1984. That earlier model proved to be both a reliable and versatile flash unit. It still works, but now the green ready light no longer works (I simply fire it on instinct and still get good lighting). With performance like this, the 285HV was a natural choice for a new unit. I find that my experience does not demand any of the "lazy-brained" features of dedicated units. The 285 and 285HV allows me to stay in full control of how my frame-exposure decisions

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I basically bought this to add off camera flash with the use of a wireless trigger. This is just a hobby so I wanted something inexpensive with manual variable output. This flash performs perfectly for me. I would highly recommend it for the hobbyist looking to experiment with off camera lighting. I use inexpensive cactus triggers.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Great flash for general, non dedicated use. Works great as an accessorie fill in flash along with TTL dedicated unit. The flash is well made, excellent recovery time and fill capability.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I bought two of this, and both decide to stuck in one level of power (one on full and the other on 1/6). I search for this problem an it appear to be common in this product. Sure, they will last until the warranty exist.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Works fine on and off of my 20D. Get a wireless controler and a stand with the umberella bracket.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Quick and easy adjustments, good power for an expensive unit. For what it is
it is a great little flash.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I've been using this flash for a few weeks. I've been bouncing it off ceilings, shooting through and bouncing off Umbrellas.I've been using some [...]triggers with the flash and have had good results, just have to make sure the hotshoe or sync cable is connected good.I really like the adjustability. As in on the front it has a dial where you can adjust the output power. Note I haven't had much sucess with NiMH(rechargable) batteries. I got like 4-5 flashes out of a fully charged set. Alkaline or the power adapter are the way to go.The battery holder is kinda annoying but you don't have to mess with it too much though.I'd recommend this to a starting out Strobist, or anyone else who could use a descent flash.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I use my 580EX II primarily, but will break out the Vivitar for off-camera lighting. It's not the prettiest flash in the world nor the most powerful, but it gets the job done every time.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I have two in my bag! I love this flash, it is my work horse. This flash last forever. 15 years on my oldest one and still working great. Consistant light output all the time.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

For the price nothing can beat 285HV. Built quality is really good, it is a surprise since it's design date back from the 70s. Built almost like a tank. It's a great sub for 430EX if you don't need the fancy E-TTL stuff. I hope Vivitar would never discontinue 285HV.

It's a simple no frill flash. The power adjustment knob is hard to bump by accident which is a plus. The auto thyristor works fine. I don't use it that much since I do everything manual.

I have 3 of these puppies. Non swivel's head is not a problem for me since I put the 285s on light stands anyway.

The light's color seems to be warmer compared to Canon's flashes.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Two flashes broke - had to deal with Vivitar customer service both times to get a replacement. Only under threat of a lawsuit did they finally send me a replacement. Their answer to dealing with a customer issue is to take a message and just not call back.

Otherwise, the flash is powerful, and the zoom function is nice. Though it makes the flash a little top heavy and bulky. When I'm shooting with it on camera, I miss the ability to swivel/rotate the head, a feature found in other similarly priced/spec'ed flashes that I have, such as the Sunpak 383 Super Auto Flash. The swivel comes in handy if I need to bounce it off a wall, or I'm shooting in portrait orientation and I need to bounce off the ceiling.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I needed a flash with manual control, but did not want to spend a lot in the process. I considered buying a used Nikon unit, but went with a new Vivitar instead. I am quite happy with my choice. I wish that I could dial the power down to 1/32 and 1/64 for more tricky situations, but outside that I have no complaints. (And I can effect those settings with neutral density gels anyway, so no big deal).
I have only used this unit in off-camera applications, along with CyberSync triggers.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

for the price you cant go wrong, besides special features, it does what its supposed to, and provides good light, planing on buying another, btw dont forget to buy a vivitar to pw cord, its included vivitar to pc.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

This flash is good due to its simple manual controls. One dial sets your power. Simply pull the flash head to zoom. It doesn't have all of the bells & whistles, but its good for what it is. The built in slot works well for filters/gels.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Bought this flash along with other basic studio lighting equipment to use in conjunction with going through "The Strobist" bootcamp, etc. After a little bit of getting acquainted with its settings I have found it to be a very reliable and accurate strobe with plenty of power. My only complaints are that the manual zoom slider is a bit clunky and stiff, but this is only a minor inconvenience, and the power setting guage on the side is sometimes hard to read.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

If you need a flash buy this one! It has worked great for my studio and the photographs are beautiful!

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Bought because the 285HV has a 12 volt trigger. Digital cameras can be damaged by the older units 200+ volt trigger. The unit can be simple to use or as complex as you want to make it. Quick recharge with new AA batteries but NiCads are much better. Remote triggers must be the new V2 (low voltage triggger) or you will have problems. No TTL but it does have a Vari Sensor Module that automatically adjusts flash output. Very hard to beat for the price.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I purchased this flash to use with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 and I'm very satisfied. The unit is very powerful and relatively easy to use once you learn how to use all the dials. Compared to the cost of a dedicated flash, the Vivitar 285 is a good value.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

You really can not beat this flash for the price! I have used older 285hv and non hv's for years and have found them to be exceptional units that never leave you hanging. One of mine even survived a house fire, the housing is a little warped now but it still works perfect! It would be nice to have more vari power options, more like the 283 with the vp-1 module. Another thing that coul be improved is the hot shoe foot, a metal replacement can be bought for a buck on ebay, it should be standard. The auto modes work great for single flash use and are a big plus for people who are not manual ready. The output calculator is very accurate but a little tricky at first. I would recommend this flash to any one!

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I have used the Vivitar 285 for years, preferring to keep buying Safe Syncs than give up my favorite flash. Now that the new 285 is safe (and I tested it myself with a volt meter--it's down to between 2-4 volts as opposed to 10-12 before), I can't think of any reason you wouldn't use this inexpensive, fully manual flash that won't give you the unpredictability of auto TTL, especially for fill.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

the flash does what it is supposed todo and I bought it as secondary flash to my sb-600. But honestly right now I'm thinking about returning/selling it because a second sb-600 would have worked better. my main problem is, that it is so big compared to the sb-600 and is not so adjustable like the sb-600 you only get 1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16. with not adjustments in between.

its is also not very sturdy and I'm really afraid that it falls apart if I drop it. And flash are screaming, drop me drop me... My sb-600 on the other hand survives everything.

So is it a good flash? Yes!
Does it what its supposed todo? Yes!
Would i buy it again? No!
Is it simply to use? Yes!

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Great manual flash for a variety of off-camera uses. The only cons: 1) proprietary sync-cord connection, 2) finicky with the cheap eBay radio triggers *unless* you make sure to "form the capacitor" as instructed in the manual (i.e., when not used for a while, charge the flash to full power and discharge it and repeat this cycle about 3 - 5 times).

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Inexpensive, but powerful flash. Great for off-camera photography (just attach a slave trigger). Be sure to condition the capacitor as per the instruction manual (power up to full charge, then discharge, repeat about 5 times). The built-in slot for the diffuser works great for holding gels, too. And if you're using the cheap [...] triggers, make sure the flash and the trigger both have fresh batteries or they won't work well together.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

Very easy to control power levels.
Glad they updated for digital use.

Comments about Vivitar Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash with a Maximum Guide Number of 140 @ ISO 100:

I received my first 285HV and instantly got great results... well, for a few minutes anyway. The flash died less than an hour after I bought it. From the results I saw with the first few shots I know it has great capabilities, but this particular unit was a lemon. Hopefully it will get replaced without too much pain. From all the other great reviews I'm sure this is a low frequency failure and my next one should be good. I'd give it five stars if it weren't for the first unit being defective.