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Vivitar 283 Flash
Auto Thyristor (1970 ~ c. 2000)
© 2012 KenRockwell.com. All rights reserved.
Intro Specs Performance Usage Recommendations More
Vivitar 283 (covers a 35mm lens on full-frame, 17.520 oz./496.6g with four Sanyo AA Eneloop, about $19 used in 2025). This free website's biggest source of support is when you use these links, especially this link directly to them at eBay (see How to Win at eBay), when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. Thanks! Ken.
October 2025, September 2012 Better Pictures Vivitar Nikon Canon Fuji LEICA All Reviews
GN 80 feet at ASA 100, rated GN 120.
Introduction top
Intro Specs Performance Usage Recommendations More
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The Vivitar 283 is the world's most classic of all flashes. It's a fully automatic system flash for use with most cameras, digital, 35mm and medium format. The Vivitar 283 is not only the world's most popular flash of all time, it is also extremely modular: you can buy all sorts of crazy and sane accesory filters, zoom filters, light modifiers, cables, sensors and battery packs and more for it.
A slightly newer model, the Vivitar 285 and today's Vivitar 285 HV, adds an integral zoom head.
It has a hot shoe, as well an included PC cord for use with any camera or shutter with a standard PC sync terminal.
I measured its sync voltage of this original 1970s sample as 267VDC, so don't use the originals on electronic cameras, many of which have sync electronics which could be zapped by this flash. Mechanical shutters and cameras are perfect for use with this flash, and newer versions have much lower trigger voltages.
Its illuminated calculator dial is a joy to use; just press the little clear button on the back, and the calculator dial lights evenly in green!
Unlike older models like the Vivitar 252, the new thyristor circuitry of the Vivitar 283 uses only the power needed for each shot, saving the rest for much faster recycle time and many more flashes unless you're nea rthe end of the auto range, or shooting at full manual power
Specifications top
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Power Sources
4 AA cells in the included AP-1 battery holder.
Alkaline, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH and Eneloop.
512V battery with optional high-voltage battery case and cords.
Recycle Time
I measure only 5 seconds to ready-light on, and 10 seconds to blinkinh 100% full, with Sanyo AA Eneloop.
Recommendations top
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For about $5 used over eBay, this flash is a great choice for use with older cameras that lack a hot shoe.
This Vivitar 283 is much better made than much of the off-brand junk sold new today. It its day, Vivitar was the leading professional flash maker, and most pros shot a couple of Vivitar 283s. I know I did!
Just don't blow your electronic sync circuits by using this on an Autofocus camera. Check your manual and see if your camera can handle 250V at its sync termnial and you'll be OK, but many newer cameras only work with sync voltage below 25V.
If you've found the time and energy I've expended in sharing this detailed review of a $5 flash helpful, this free website's biggest source of support is when you use these links, especially this link directly to them at eBay (see How to Win at eBay), when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. Thanks! Ken.
More Information top
Intro Specs Performance Usage Recommendations More
Vivitar 283 Users Manual (scroll down).
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