Vivitar 285HV Flash
The Vivitar 285HV Flash is a powerful non-dedicated shoe-mount unit with a Guide Number of 120' (37 m) ISO 100 @ 50mm and has an auto exposure range up to 70' (21.3 m). This flash unit has 4 auto f/stop settings and built-in variable power to deliver accurate exposures and convenient fill-flash. The zoom head adjusts to 35mm, 50mm, and 105mm and can be set to bounce at 0°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. The unit has an easy-to-read lighted calculator dial so you can work under most lighting conditions, and it accepts optional high-voltage power sources for faster recycle time and more flashes.
- Guide number 120' ISO 100 @ 50mm
- Automatic exposure range to 70'.
- Accepts optional high-voltage power sources for faster recycle time and more flashes.
- Four auto f/stop settings for controlling depth-of-field and maximum auto flash range.
- Zoom flash head has three positions for covering 35mm, 50mm and 105mm camera lenses.
- Bounce flash capability for softer lighting.
- Removable sensor can be camera mounted with the optional sensor cord permitting automatic exposure when using side bounce flash photography.
- Built-in vari-power for convenient fill flash and rapid sequence photography.
- Auto Thyristor circuitry for faster recycle time and greater number of flashes.
| Type | Shoe Mount |
| Guide No. |
70' @28mm 100' @35mm 120' @50mm 140' @105mm |
| Angle of Coverage |
Vertical: 20 - 53° Horizontal: 27 - 70° |
| Auto Distance Range | 3 - 70' (1 -21.3 m) |
| Auto f/Stops | f/2, 4, 8, 11 |
| Variable Power | 1/2, 1/4, 1/16 |
| TTL Dedication | No |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | No |
| Zoom Head | Yes (28-105°) |
| Off Camera Terminal | PC (Vivitar Type PC1 or PC31) |
| Recycle Time |
10.4 sec. (based on fresh AA batteries and full power) 4.8 sec when used with the SB-4 AC Adapter |
| Power Source |
4 x "AA" Batteries SB-4 AC adapter |
| Dimensions | 4 x 5.2 x 4.2" (10.2 x 13 x 10.7cm) |
| Weight | 14.9 oz (397 g) |
| Specialties | Removable Sensor |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 235 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
94%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Consistent output (144)
- Durable (130)
- Easy to use (114)
- Good power output (92)
- Fast recycling (82)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (38)
- Slow recycling (27)
- Heavy (26)
- Weak casing (6)
- Flimsy (3)
Best Uses
- General purpose (157)
- Portraits (112)
- Fill flash (91)
- Night photography (63)
- Photojournalism (51)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (52), Photo enthusiast (39), Semi-professional (32), Semi-pro photographer (31), Pro photographer (27)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (63), Yes (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
New Ideas Come to Light
The one area of photography I have avoided since the beginning, seven years ago, is flash photography. In fact, I refused to use flashes, I would disable the flash on my cameras instead...Read complete review
The one area of photography I have avoided since the beginning, seven years ago, is flash photography. In fact, I refused to use flashes, I would disable the flash on my cameras instead opting for ISO 1600 or even blurry photos. You can only pass off photos filled with tracers as artistic so many times before it gets old.I believe it was[@] and some amazing photos on flickr that give me the kick start I needed to venture into the unknown world of flash photography. Not only can you get amazing results using flash, but the technicality of it all appeals to me. So after days of research and reading dozens of reviews, I decided that the Vivitar 285 HV was the way to go. Actually, I had strongly considered getting a Sunpack Super 383, but based on my research, the zoom head on the Vivitar would be more useful than the swivel head on the Sunpack 383. I was planning on using the flash off camera with Cactus/[...] triggers anyways, so there was no need for a swivel head. Also, I liked the look of the Vivitar, the super cool analogue calculator, and B&H only had one Sunpack 383 in stock at the time.The Vivitar 285HV is a robust piece of gear. Yes, it is bulky, but if you're using in a studio like environment it's not really an issue. The first thing I did when I got it was read the manual. I found it to be superbly written, it wasn't JUST a manual but rather a guide to flash photography. They could have simply labeled the buttons on a diagram and told us how to power the thing on and off, but instead, they laid out comprehensive examples, and explained how to choose the appropriate setting and why. I suppose is was more like a tutorial than a manual and I enjoyed the read.I've only had the flash for close to a month but so far it has functioned flawlessly. I ordered 285s and trigger them wirelessly most of the time. I must have taken over 200 shots now and have not yet changed the 4AA Kirkland alkaline batteries I started with. I love the vintage feel and functionally of the flash. It feels well built, the zoom/tilt head clicks nicely into place, the calculator works great and the light metering seemed to work well the few times I used it. Most of the time I shoot in manual mode. Just the fact you can pull off the light meeter all together is cool! It's kinda like the cars they used to make in the 60's, simple, strong and versatile.An added bonus is that the flash comes with a pc sync cable and wide angle lens. The Vivitar puts out a lot of light for the money and I think it's way more fun, and educational, working out lighting yourself rather than letting TTL do it for you. That being said, if you're shooting an event and gotta take fast, candid photos, then TTL would be ideal. But ask yourself as I did, is it really worth spending $400+ bucks on a Canon 580 EX just for TTL. I was all set to shell out for a 580 EX before doing my research. In fact, I did, but luckily it was reimbursed by my company and it's now in their hands. Rather than I 580 EX, I now have an ExpoDisc, an umbrella, two umbrella mounts, two receivers + a transmitter and two Vivitars which are brighter, more versatile and more reliable. It all came to Korea in a giant box for less money!Vivitar 285 HV Pros:-Well built-Versatile-Simple/intuitive-Bright-Decent battery life-Great instruction manual - perfect bedtime reading!-CheapVivitar 285 HV Cons:-Very bulky-No swivel headConclusion:If your just getting into flash photography I would highly recommend this product. It's a price-point where you can afford to get the flash plus some extras like wireless triggers, umbrellas and mounts to see if you are really interested in perusing flash photography. If you want to upgrade to pocket wizards and such later you always can, but there's no reason you can't get professional images using these flashes[@]
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Fragile and undependable
I bought 3 of these flashes on the overwhelming praise they receive here and on the Strobist site (which I imagine many of you reading this might be frequenters of). I also own a...Read complete review
I bought 3 of these flashes on the overwhelming praise they receive here and on the Strobist site (which I imagine many of you reading this might be frequenters of). I also own a Canon 580EX and a 430EX, and was wanting to pad out my lighting kit with something cheaper and allegedly more durable. Upon receipt of my 3 Vivitar flashes, one of them failed immediately upon putting batteries into it (it would, oddly, fire when I turned it on, but not when it was triggered via the pilot button on it or via a camera, so I figured one of the resistors had failed in it). Another flash failed on me just yesterday, after maybe being played with (but not seriously used) 3-4 times...I switched it on after putting fresh rechargeable NiMH batteries in it, and it seemed to take longer than normal to charge up...when I picked it up to look at it more closely, I head a faint pop and then heard arcing electricity sounds, and saw faint flashes of sparks behind the flash lens. Again, something internally had obviously failed, and smoke started rising from it just as I switched it off. I have to send both of these back to BH to exchange [...]which is a bit of a pain as I live in New Zealand, and which causes me a sense of extreme trepidation about ordering new ones. Vivitar's customer service seems completely non-existent (I tried calling them to discuss the issue with them, but the guy I spoke with seemed completely clueless and said they don't service them at all, and that I just needed to return them to where I bought them).
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 235 customers
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Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Simple to use.
Variable power set by knobs.
Recycle time is fine with new batteries.
Use in a 3 light strobist setup with Canon 7D. Gives off great light, easy to difuse of gel.
I gave it only 4 stars because of the plastic mounting foot. Other than that it's a champ!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
- Wobbly hotshoe
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I now own three of these and have only had one problem. One of the AA battery packs sporadically does not work. The battery pack is a really simple design but I can't figure out what's wrong with it. I'll put the same batteries in another pack and insert it into the same flash and it works.
As far as the flash itself goes, I've never had a problem. Even after taking a couple 10' fall off of a band's speakers onto hardwood floors.
This is not a flash for people who do not shoot on manual exposure. The auto functions work okay but aren't the best.
The gel slot is the best idea ever!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Portable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I use my three 285HV's nearly every time I shoot. They are perfectly portable to use for bands at bars and nightclubs and they are powerful enough to use in sunlight.
If you are a serious photographer (and don't use auto/program modes) then these are perfect for you.
One change that Vivitar might want to make in the future is to make the hotshoe a little more sturdy. It hasn't broken on me yet, but I've heard of it happening.
OH YEAH! These suckers are quite rugged. They've been dropped 12', from atop a band's speakers onto a hardwood floor.... not a thing wrong with it.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by the Clayton
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Pros
- Affordable
- Attach Securely
- Powerful
Cons
- No ettl
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Off camera
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I use multiple of those units for off camera flash duty, mostly with umbrellas. Cheap and easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
- Price
Cons
- Battery eater
- Loses Charge Quickly
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Used mainly for off-camera flash for portraits.I bought it because of other reviews and the price was "right." It is built like a tank...will survive a drop...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Low Light
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Looking for a flash to use in cave photography, I purchased the 285HV and am simply astounded with it! Not only is it simple to use, but it puts out an enormous amount of light...more than enough to light up big cave passages!
I should have gotten one of these a long time ago...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good price value
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
For the price i paid and what i need it for. This flash does the job. People spend so much on brand name flashes and not take advantage of the feature. This is the very basic but when use as manual/slave, it does the same thing as the those expensive brand name flashes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Sigma Six Photography
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
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- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I'd give it a 5 star rating if the hotshoe attachment was constructed out of metal instead of plastic. Care must be taken when using these. But, they work very well, I use them off camera for location shoots and I've never been let down. I connect them via Pocket Wizards.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
The Vivitar 285HV Flash is a very strong unit. I have owned several and always I am pleased with how well they perform. In this case I was somewhat dissappoionted in that it would not work with the Fuji S100 I intended to use it with. Even though it appeared the contact point was the same (single contact) it would not fire on any mode sitting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Consistent
- Durable
- Portability
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I use my Vivitar 285HV as a part of a mobile studio. I call it on location professionalism. They a were just perfect for shooting a local youth sports association. I own two, and am moving for a third. My second Vivitar was delivered just was I headed out for a shoot and wow, the light was consistently great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I've shot some simple product photos with this, and it helps makes a really professional picture. This is my first flash, and it was super easy to figure out. For the price, you can't get anything stronger or better. Not to mention shipping was FAST!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Some years after using this in the film world, picked one up yesterday for digital camera. It felt like a homecoming. Great for strobist(fill) use.Seems to cycle a little slower, maybe I'm older and less patient. All in all a great pickup for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
- Slow recycle times at ful
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
for the price excellent value,although not a dedicated flash ,sensor very accurate,easy operation in variable power settings,solid ,consistent performer
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable
- Good Color Value
- Good power output
- Powerful
Cons
- Cheap plastic shoe
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I love this flash and have had a few, but the cheep plastic shoe mount that breaks drives me crazy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
graet to use outside, is compact, but whith greate powerful, and beatiful light
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Fits great on my Fuji S100fs
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches quickly
- Attach Securely
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Unfortunately the hot shoe on this flash does not work. It only works on the cable, so I will have to return it for another. But the one or two pictures which I took on the cable are good.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Night Time
- Outdoors
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I had this flash to complete my 2 light backpack set up. Never failed until I kept the batteries in it and they leaked. Otherwise couldn't complain besides the limited power settings but i usually kept it at a 1/4th anyway. Enjoy it
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Night Time
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
This is good for my home studio with two umbrellas.
Sufficient power
Eassy to set
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
- No slave mode
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
on location as part of three off camera flash set up.
great power choices, bounce angle,having a exposure calculator on the side, built in gel holder.
Only complaint is that there is no built in ir slave
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $1.50
- Price: $13.99
Flash Diffusers
- Price: $9.95
Reflectors
- Price: $39.95
Brackets
- Price: $34.98
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $14.95
Flash Accessories
- Price: $19.95
What's in the Box
- AP-1 Battery Holder
- PC-1 Sync Cord
- 28mm W/A Diffuser
- 2-Year Warranty
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