Vivitar Flash

i bought a used vivitar 3700 flash off ebay and it works, but the flash takes forever to refresh, sometimes 20 minutes or more, making it close to useless. one of the metal connector things in the battery compartment (the part that comes out, thankfully) is corroded pretty badly, i'm wondering if this is the reason the flash is running so slow? i'm willing to hunt down a new battery holder but i don't want to bother if this won't fix the problem.

That could be the problem. For a flash to refresh requires power and if that power isn't flowing properly it can slow down or even prevent refresh in a timely manner.

Can you clean that contact yourself? If it's very fragile as many of these devices are, perhaps you should let a pro do it. They have the equipment and know how.

2009-10-25 14:40:36 by brokendown321

I recently purchased a Vivitar DF 383. It's quite a nice flash for $129.00. I've posted a full review on my blog: jakeoconnell.blogspot.com

I have recently changed from OM1 system to Nikon F3, I have a Vivitar 283 electronic flash. Is there a hot shoe coupler so that I use this flash on the Nikon F3. Also will it sync up. Thanks, Ed.

You don't say how old your 283 was If its an old one you may want to go with something like the wein HS to HS safe sync slave. Some older versions of the 283 can have high trigger voltages. The ones marked "made in China are supposed to be the newer ones and to have a safe trigger voltage. Heres a good link on trigger voltages and there was a good article in this months shutterbug on using older flashes on newer cameras

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolt s.html

The F3 was made long enough ago it should be safe with higher trigger voltages but better safe than sorry

2009-10-04 08:38:30 by Edward

Price: $299.99

Swivel Bounce Zoom Head -- Horizontal Swivel Angle: 0°- 270° -- Vertical Bounce Angle: 0°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90°
Guide Number 45m at 85mm Position ♦ Built-in Reflecting Plate and Diffuser
Auto Zoom and Manual Zoom Flash Head from 24/28/35/50/70/85mm ♦ DSLR Autofocus

Also interested to know about the circuitry, or if there's a manual for it? Thanks!

Try www.PartStore.com..or call 1-866-925-7278
They claim to have over 7 million parts in stock.
I found a cord for an old camcorder there when I couldn't find it anywhere else.

2006-10-12 14:35:58 by warmth one

Price: $99.99

my camera says marco mode ,but I want it to flash.

I'm assuming the flash is connected and turned on.

That said, it sounds to me like you've turned the flash off on the camera.

Check your owner's manual and see how to force the flash to fire. That should solve your problem.

I hope that helps a little. Good Luck!!

2009-12-13 03:51:43 by Sam F

I'm obviously a beginner, and I was wondering if getting an "auto flash" kit with a vivitar V3800n slr 35mm manual with a 28-70mm lens would be useful with b&w.
let me know, thanks!

Buy a Vivitar 283 or 285 flash with the off-camera remote sensor and the bracket designed for it. You'll have plenty of control - 4 auto settings + manual. Check at keh.com or bhphotovideo.com or adorama.com or eBay.

I'm still using a 283 I bought new in Feb. of 1976. Yes, a 32 yr. old flash still going strong. In fact, I used it last Nov. with my 30 yr. old Minolta XG-9 to photograph my daughter's 30th. birthday party.

2008-03-02 16:30:32 by sinisterbubble