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Submitted by
Thom Hayes
a ProfessionalDate Reviewed: January 11, 2011
Strengths: Power
Fairly cheap
SolidWeaknesses: Without the VP-1 adapter or doing the modification yourself, they are not much use.
The VP-1 adapters are hard to find and quite expensive.
Bottom Line: I have 3 of these flashes, mainly because of how powerful they are. Yes they look way out of date, and lack some basic functions like a swivel head or built in optical slave, but I don't use either of those 2 features.
I use them mounted on umbrella adapters, attached to CTR-301P triggers (which don't mind the insane voltage the Japan-made ones are) and with the VP-1 adapters so that I can control their output. It is well worth getting hold of the VP-1s, they usually cost more than the flash itself when you find them, but it is worth it. There are also plenty of instructions available online to modify the unit yourself.
I've never had to replace or fix any parts of these flashes despite their age. They are solid workhorse flashes, that provide an insane amount of power. If you don't need the power, then it makes sense to go for some of the new alternatives that offer a few more modern features.
These units with remain a valuable part of my kit for many years.
Duration Product Used: 6-10 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At: Ebay
Type of photography: People
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
theman1050
a ExpertDate Reviewed: December 18, 2010
Bottom Line: I inherited this from my dad's stuff and this is great. I have been using both as a slave and on my D70 and D40. Only problem is after 20+ years of service-the battery pack frizzed so I have o get a new one.
A great workhorse flash for a beginner/intermediate who cant afford the SB 600
This flash paired with my SB800 and a sunpack flash are a dream to shoot BBall with. (I use the flashes on lightstands and use the popup for shots right in front so they dont get blown out. I get great shots all over the court)
Duration Product Used: 2-5 years
Type of photography: Sports
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Don T Ask
a CasualDate Reviewed: December 7, 2008
Strengths: versatility, robust, adjustable for bounce flash and still usefull after all these years.Weaknesses: NONEBottom Line: I have had this flash unit (Vivatar 283) for at least 25 years as a matter of fact I have two units. Within the last five years I switched to digital cameras. Thinking that the vivatars were now obsulete I set them aside. Occasionaly I use them as a slave unit. Well today I found that I can use them with my hot shoed digital cameras and they work just fine. The two digital cameras I have are a Pentax ist DL and an older Cannon G2. It was like discovering new cameras now that I know I can use my old Vivatars.
Duration Product Used: 21+ years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At: Camera store
Type of photography: Outdoor
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Christiano
a ProfessionalDate Reviewed: December 14, 2005
Strengths: allWeaknesses: too cheapBottom Line: You know what? i just dropped... by an incidence my new Nikon SB600 flash and many components indside just broke ..it was smashed..from low height..!? i presented the problem to the nikon service center they could not help me out.The repair cost too much instead of buying a new Nikon sb 600,they told me.
I dropped the idea.Otherwise i love the Nikon products ..mine sb 600 was maybe a lemon...well....instead of waiting for new Nikon flash to turn up..>>
On a PJ assignment i brought this pearl with me..YOU Know what?? the pics with my Nikon D1 H and this Vivitar 283(manually set)was and IS out of this world..! THEY R Super...
wauw man..this made in japan product keeps clicling...i LOVE IT--
and use it now daily
BOYs and Girls...its a high end product in tru PRO class.Its an ever green.
Please dont stop make it Vivitar.
Duration Product Used: 21+ years
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At: ado
Type of photography: People
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
trevor_little
a ExpertDate Reviewed: April 4, 2004
Strengths: powerful, well priced, solid and versitile.Weaknesses: maybe the shoe. i also dont really like the calculator dail (after using the 285)Bottom Line: great flash, i have it as a backup to my 285HV (also an amazing flash). I often use it with the OM-B diffuser as a secondary off-camera flash.
if you are trying to decide between the 283 and the 285 however, i would have to recommend the latter, for its zoom head, and more power.
Duration Product Used: 2-5 years
Similar Products Used: 2600, 285
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