20 Most Recent Vivitar 285HV Flash - Page 2 Questions & Answers

TR 2000 gives two output ^ volt and 330 volts.
Whereas 285 HV uses 6 volt and 110 volt AC
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=638035&is=REG
I am running my 285HV with external 6volt battery pack.sort of this type.
http://cgi.ebay.com/6V-1-3AH-SLA-Sealed-Lead-Acid-Rechargeable-Battery_W0QQitemZ390166216699QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5ad7b7fffb
I added 2 standard diodes in series (IN4001 type) and placed inside the dummy battery pack which reduces some voltage and safeguards against wrong polarity.
more details? [email protected]

Yes, you can use the flash if your camera has a PC connector.

Or, check the trigger voltage: under 7VDC = OK on hotshoe.


[email protected]

You don't need a Manual.
In 285 HV there is only one Power on/off switch.
If that switch is on and batteries are new Alkaline (like duracell-no chepo )or fully charged and working rechargebles,and yet the ready light do not come the flash has defect inside.For sure.

Cheapest solution is insert accesory 28 mm Diffuser in its slot(in the front of Tube).
Or buy defected Flash from ebay for this part.

You can get this at below 8$

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vivitar-283-285-285HV-Flash-Metal-Replacement-Foot-NEW_W0QQitemZ160359960375QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Flash_Accessories?hash=item255632cf37

This means Battery is low to charge the capacitor.
I suggest you test this with unused new Duracell.

Yes, insert 285's cord into PC of camera.

[email protected]

Do you have a DVM?

[email protected]

You should not put AC voltage into DC circuits.

A better directions:

Open open the 285 and solder two wires(red = positive; black = negative) then snake it out to AC connector(this needs to be removed).

Buy 7.2V plug set from Radio Shack or remote control car stores.
Buy 7.2V Battery and Charger.

This will be better than buying the Quantum & cable battery.
It will also wake up the flash faster than using the Quantum.
The total cost should be less than $85.00.
The battery is about 5X stronger than those 4 AA and they do last longer.

eltroman
[email protected]

problem in capacitor so change it

Hi Larry,

Change all four batteries, I think one or more were not 1.25 or more voltages.

[email protected]

No, don't junk them.

Check the On & Off Switch.
These babies are over 30 years old, but they are better than new flashes.

[email protected]

If the tube is burned out, then you may be better off if you trash that unit and find a new flash. the electronics involved are high voltage and dangerous. So 1- if the part is available, 2- you can find somebody to replace it, and 3- that is the problem, not something else. The age of the flash is going to hinder you.

Hi Dave,
Try shorting out Center Pin to Outside Metal Contact after the light turned green. This must fire the flash.
If not, could be the flashtube /or trigger are defective.
Do you have a DVM?
[email protected]

The flash was never designed for that camera and there is an incompatibility in the automatic modes since the camera cannot TTL control the flash. Some will look good and some bad since the camera is unware of the flash. Using the camera in M - fully manual mode will help, but you will need to set the aperture in the lens to control how bright the flash will appear in the final photo.

3600mA Be careful of shorting wires together. [email protected]

Are you still having problems? [email protected]

Most probably find a Vivitar service manual here. Just send them a search request.

Hello,

Check dirty contacts.

Do this test:
Fresh 4 batteries
Turn on and wait until flashing Green Light.
With insulated wire, both ends stripped to 1/4" of bare wire, short one end to Center of flash shoe and the other to metal outside contact.
Make sure flash is not facing at eyes.
Shorting it should fire the flash.
Or connect the PC Cord to flash and short Center Pin to outside.

[email protected]

It is the HV version, yes you can just put it in a color mode so the sensor on the front guesses the out put- it isn't ttl so it won't know what the camera is thinking