Vivitar 285 HV User manual

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SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
2
Let equipment cool completely before putting
away. Loop cord loosely around equipment when
storing.
To protect against electric shock hazards, do
not immerse this equipment in water or other
liquids.
lo. To avoid electric shock hazard, do not
disassemble this equipment, but take it to a
qualified serviceman when some service or repair
work is required. Incorrect reassembly can cause
electric shock hazard when the equipment is used
subsequently.
Table of Contents
Getting Acquainted With Your 285HV Flash Unit 5
Power Sources 5
Ready Light 6
Battery Saving circuit 7
Battery Operation 7
Inserting Batteries
Forming The Capacitor
Thyristor circuit
Zoom/Bounce Flash Head 8
Zoom Position
Bounce Angle
Automatic Operation 9
Vari Sensor Module
Mode Selector Dial
Calculator Dial 11
Sufficient Light Indicator 13
Attaching The Flash To The Camera 14
Shooting Automatically t 4
On-Camera Direct Flash
On-Camera Bounce Flash
Off-Camera Direct And Bounce Flash
Shooting Manually 18
Direct Flash
Zoom
Bounce Flash
Van-Power
Fill-In Flash 21
Multiple Flash Lighting 22
4
Descnption of Flash Unit
Open Flash Button
Sensor Sockel
Battery Compartment Cover
Illuminated Calculator Dial
ASA/DIN Indicator Arrow
Lens/Filter Slot
7, Zoom/Bounce Flash Head
Zoom Setting Indicator
Bounce Angle Scale
Sufficient Light Indicator
Òaiculator Dial Light Button
On-Off Switch
Ready Light
Mounting Foot Lock Lever
Mounting Foot
Shutter Cord Socket
AC Adapter/HVP-1 /PPG-1 Receptacle
Van-Power Settings
Van-Power Dial (Black Arrow)
Distance Scales (fi & ro)
t-Stop Scale
ASA/DIN Film Speed Dial
Aulo Modes (colored wedges)
Mode Selector Dial
Mode Selector Window
Vari Sensor Module
Alkaline/NiCad Battery Holder
28mm Wide Angle Lens
Detachable Shutter Cord
Specifications 23
Power Specifications
General Specifications
Vivitar 2B5HV Zoom Thrynistor Flash
System Accessories 24
Manual Operation Guide Numbers 26
Automatic f-Stop Settings And Corresponding Ranges 27
Getting Acquainted With Your 285HV Flash Unit
The purpose of this Owners Manual is to familiarize you with
your flash and give you the basics for taking flash pictures.
After reading it, we suggest you experiment with the unit's
various features by shooting a roll of film. This will help you to
use your flash more effectively.
Once youve used your flash for a while, you may want more
in-depth information on flash lighting techniques. There is a
wealth of information currently available, and we suggest you
check with your local photo dealer, bookstore or library for
books on specific techniques.
Power Sources
Your Vivitar Model 285HV offers you the flexibility of working
with several power sources. It operates on four 1.5 volt size AA
alkaline batteries as a standard power source, If you'll be using
your flash frequently, you may want to consider any of three
other optional power sources:
1) Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (N/Cads) - In addition to
being rechargeable, NiCads also provide a faster recycling
time. Ask your dealer about the Vivitar NC-3 NiCad Battery
Pack and the Charge 12/20 unit for fast 20-minute recharges
of the NC-3.
CAUTION: When using NiCad batteries, firing your flash
continuously more than 25 times may damage your flash. Wait
5
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a few minutes before you resume firing.
The HVP-i High Voltage Battery Pack -Also available
from your Vivìtar dealer, this unit utilizes disposable high
voltage batteries or the rechargeable Vivitar RB-510 battery to
provide very fast recycle times and a greater number of
flashes than that provided by the other battery power sources
described above.
The Vivitar PPG-1 Power Pistol Grip -The PPG-1 Power
Pistol Grip is a detachable pistol grip/flash holder for off-
camera use and can provide supplemental power for faster
recycling and more flashes. lt uses four AA alkaline batteries,
NiCads, or the special Vivitar NC-3 NiCad Pack. It has a 360°
rotating shoe for added versatility.
The Vivitar SB-4 AC Adapter -This adapter allows you
to use standard electrical outlets as an optional and
economical power source.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When using the HVP-1, PPG-1
or SB-4 power sources, tour fresh AA aikailnes or
one properly charged NC-3 battery pack must be In
the flash unit to operate the synchronization circuit.
Ready Light
The Vivitar 285HV is equipped with a Ready Light (13) with a
3-stage operation: lt glows red when the flash is at 1/2 power,
glows green when the flash is at 3/4 power, and blinks
alternately red and green when the Battery Saving Circuit is in
operation and the unit is at full power.
The new 285HV has a modified triggering circuit which allows
you to tire the flash before the Ready Light goes on. But be
aware that underexposures may result when the unit is fired
before the Ready Light is on.
With batteries in the flash, slide the On-Off Switch (12) fo
the RED 'ON" position, or plug the optional SB-4 AC Adapter
into both the flash AC Adapter Receptacle (17) and the wall
outlet. NOTE: The flasha On-Off Switch must be in the 'OFF
position when using the AC Adapter. Make sure there are
batteries in the unit to work the synchronization circuit when
using the SB-4.
When the green Ready Light glows, fire the flash using the
Open Flash Button (1), allowing the Ready Light to glow 15 to
20 seconds first. After a sequence of 5 flashes, your capacitor
will then be formed and you are ready fo begin shooting.
Thyristor Circuit
Your Vivitar Model 285HV has a unique power conservation
sytem called a thyristor circuit. In any of the four auto modes,
this circuit saves the excess energy not needed for a proper
exposure, threby providing very fast recycling time and a
greater number of flashes per battery charge. The recycle time
and the number of flashes per charge varies depending on the
flash-to-subject distance and the auto mode used. As you
move the flash closer to the subject, the 285HV recycles faster
and is capable of providing more flashes per set of batteries.
Zoom/Bounce Flash Head
e
Zoom Position
The Zoom/Bounce Flash Head (7) allows you to coordinate
the field coverage of your flash with the field covered by your
camera lens Positions are marked on the Zoom Setting
Indicator (8) for wide, normal and tele -. equivalent to camera
focal lengths of 35mm, 50/55mm and 105mm. Extend or
retract the Zoom/Bounce Flash Head to the position which is
closest to the focal length of the camera lens you are using
Battery Saving Circuit
Your flash unit has a built-in circuit that actS to significantly
prolong battery life. When this circuit is in operation, the Ready
Light will blink alternately red and green.
Battery Operation
Inserting Batteries
Set the Flash Head to the straight-ahead 00 position.
Pushing with your thumb from the front of the unit, slide open
the Battery Compartment Cover (3) and fake ouf the Battery
Holder (27). NOTE: There is a stop built into the cover to
prevent it from coming all the way off the back. DO NOT
FORCE THE COVER.
Insert tour fresh 1.5 volt size AA alkaline batteries or
NiCads, following the battery positioning marked on the Holder
Insert the Holder info the battery compartment (align the
square corner) and slide the Battery Compartment Cover
closed.
There are some simple procedures to follow for getting the
most out,ot your flash and batteries. Always turn your unit off
right after you've finished using it to prolong battery life. Also,
when storing your flash for a period of time, remove the
batteries, Io prevent possible damage from battery corrosion,
Replace the batteries if the red Ready Light fails to glow within
30 seconds.
Forming the Capacitor
When your flash is new or when it has not been used for a
period ottime, the capacitor loses some of its ability to store
electricity. When this occurs, you can "form" the capacitor as
follows:
1. Set the Mode Selector Dial (24) fo the manual "Ivi" position
7
Vari Sensor Module
Your Vivitar 285HV Electronic Flash is equipped with a
removable Vari Sensor Module (26) that measures the light
reflected from the sublect and other reflective surfaces near
the subject. This information is interpreted by a solid state
computer in the sensor which programs the flash to
automatically provide just the right amount of light required for
a correct exposure. The practical advantage is that you don't
have to change the f-stop on your camera lens when you
move closer to a subject or farther away. As long as your
subject is within the automatic operating range of 'the flash for
that f-stop, the computer automatically makes the adlustment
for you.
To remove the Vari Sensor Module from the flash, pull it
straight out from the body of the flesh. To mount the Module
back on the flash, align the black ridge at the back of the
Module with the groove in the Sensor Socket (2) and push the
Module firmly into the flash.
a
I.e addition, a 28mm Wide Angle Flash Lens (28) is included
with your Model 285HV Flash Insert the flash lens into the
Lens/Filter Slot (6), with the tab on the lens at the bottom, The
28mm Flash Lens is designed to be used with the
Zoom/Bounce Flash Head in the wide position.
Bounce Angle
The Model 285HV will tilt to any attive click positions (9) (0°,
45°, 60°, 75°, 90°), depending on the lighting you want to
Create. When the flash is set at the 45°, 60°, 75° or 90°
position, you can bounce light ott a reflective surface fo create
softer lighting.
Automatic Operation
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Mode Selector Dial
The Mode Selector Dial (24) on the Vari Sensor Module allows
you to set the 285HV for manual operation or for automatic
operation with tour different f-stóps on your camera lens. This
provides you with a means for controlling the depth ot field in
your photographs. Because the four f-stops vary with the
speed of the film you are using, each automatic mode is
assigned a color.
The Mode Selector Dial may be set to any one of four d'uto
positions:
YELLOWUtilizes the widest lens opening for relatively
shallow depth of field and provides the greatest automatic
operating range. Automatic operating range with Zoom/Bounce
Head in NORM position: 6-60 feet (1.8-18.3 waters).
REDUtilizes a medium lens opening for somewhat more
depth of field. The automatic operating rabge is shortened
accordingly. Automatic operating range with Head in NORM
position: 5-30 feet (1.5-9.1. meters).
BLUEUflizes a smaller lens opening for greater depth of
field. Automatic operating range with Head in NORM position:
2-15 feet (0.7-4.4 meters).
PURPLEUtilizes the smallest lens opening for maximum
depth of field. Automatic operating range with Head in NORM
position: 2-Il feet (0.7-3.3 meters).
For operating details, see the section "Shooting Autornaticatly"
and the chart of automatic f-stops and corresponding ranges
at the rear of this manual.
In addition to the four auto positions, the Mode Selector Dial
has a manual position "M." When set in this position, your flash
unit will provide maximum light output regardless of'the flash-
to-subject distance. Operating details are given in the
"Shooting Manually" section of these instructidns.
To handle special situation needs, such as fill-in flash, multiple
flash set-ups or for freezing high-speed action, yourVivitar
lo
Select auto operating mode
There are four colored wedges (23) with trailing range lines on
the Calculator Dial. Each color represents an automatic
operating mode which corresponds fo an automatic f-slop.
Each mode takes into account a combination of two
thingsthe auto range and depth of field (greatest sharpness
in front and back of subject). Which colored mode you select
will depend on the combination you want.
Select the auto mode you want. The Calculator Dial will give
you the minimum and maximum auto range and correct f-stop
setting for the auto moda you've selected. To determine
operating rangen the selected mode, look on the dial and
find the colored wedge of the mode and the range line that
trails off from it. lt looks like this: 'ì The number at the end
of the line is the closest distance from your subiecf that the
flash can be properly used. The number in the center of the
wedge is the longest distance. The number above the colored
wedge is the f-stop number to set your camera lens to.
If the colored wedges fall between Iwo different f-stops, refer to
the Automatic Operation Chart at rear of this manual in order
to determine the best t-stop to use.
Example: You're using ASA/ISO 100 (DIN 21) film with the
Flash Zoom Head in the NORM position. You select the RED
mode. Your flash range would be 5 to 30 feet (1.5109.1
meters) and the f-slop setting would be f40. (See photo A.)
Select desired zoom position.
After you have set up the Calculator Dial with the
Zoom/Bounce Head in the NORM position, you may wish to
operate the flash unit with the Zoom/Bounce Head in the
WIDE or TELE position. When the Zoom/Bounce Head is
extended or retracted from the NORM position. the distance
scale on the Calculator Dial will change posilion automatically.
Example' With a setting of ISO/ASA 100 (DIN 21), when the
Zoom/Bounce Head is set in the NORM position, the operating
distance in the Red mode is 5-30 feet (1 5-9.1 ml. When the
2
Model 285HV features a variable power system. With this
syslerTi, you cari reduce the light. output from full power lo 1/2,
i /4 or i / 16 power by setting the Mode Selector Dial ìn the
corrspondingly marked position. For operating details, refer to
the "Van-Power" portion of the 'Shooting Manually" section.
Calculator Dial
The Calculator Dial (4) is a convenient built-in guide for
determining flash exposures. lt is not electronically connected
lu the flash. After familiarizing yourself with the meanings of the
numbers and colors, you will find the dial fo be a very versatile
tool. Under dim lighting conditions, press the Calculator Dial
Light Button (11), and the dial is illuminated,
Operation:
Set the Zoom/Bounce Flash Head to the NORM position.
Set the black arrow (19) of the Van-Power Dial (inner ring of
Calculator Dial) to the FULL position. (See photo A.)
Set the ASA/DIN film speed.
To set the Calculator Dial for the ASA(ISO) or DIN number of
thefilm you are using, turn the outer edge of the dial until the
appropriate number on the ASA or DIN scale is opposite the
white Film Speed Indicator Arrow (5). lt the ASA or DIN number
of your film is not on the Calculator Dial, use the film speed
chart shown below to find the film speed location and align that
speed with the white arrow.
head is extended to TELE. the operating range for the Red
mode becomes 6-35 feet (1.8-10.6 mi. See photographs A arid
E for comparison.
Sufficient Light Indicator
FILM SPEED SCALE
The Sufficient Light Indicator (101 on your Vivitar 285HV lets
you know before you take a picture if the light output will be
sufficient for a proper exposure. lt may be used when shooting
in any of the tour automatic modes, and is especially helpful in
bounce light situations normallyrequiring complex exposure
calculations. To fest an exposure using fhe Sufficient Light
Indicator.
Position your camera, flash, and subject just as you wish for
the final picture.
Set the Mode Selector Dial on the Flash Sensor to the
automatic mode color which matches the mode wedge color
already selected on the Calculator Dial.
Set your camere lens to the f-stop indicated above that
colored wedge on the Calcuiator Dial.
Switch on the flash unit. After the green Ready Light glows
fire the flash by pushing the Open Flash Button (1). If the flash
exposure is adequate, the green Sufficient Light Indicator (10)
will glow for about 2 seconds immedialely atter firing the flash.
If it doesn't light up, do one of the following: Set your flash and
camera to an automatic mode that uses a wider f-atop
opening; or, decrease the flash-to-subject distance.
NOTE: The Sufficient Light Indicator is for use in any of the
four Automatic Modes and will not light if the Mode Selector
Dial on the Sensor is set on manual "M" or if the Sensor is not
connected to the flash.
The Sufficient Light Indicator will, however, also light up when
the Mode Selector is set to one of the tractional Van-Power
positions. This is of NO SIGNIFICANCE and should be
disregarded.
13
DIN 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15
ASA 400 320 250 200 160 125 100 80 64 50 40 32 25
Dial 400 I I I 160 I 100 I 64 I I I 25
11
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Attaching The Flash To The Camera
Move the Mountrng Foot Lock Lever (14) all the way to the left
(unlock position). Insert the Mounting Foot (15) into the
accessory shoe of your camera. Move the lever to the right
until it clicks into thè "LOCK" position.
Your flash has a built-in hot Shoe contact. lt your camere does
not have a hot shoe, connect the Shutter Cord (29) to the flash
Shutter Cord Socket (16) and to your camera's "X" sync
terminal. (Refer to your camera instructions for specific
information regarding your camera's flash synchronization
Shooting Automatically
As you select a wider lens opening (a smaller f/number), you
increase the amount of light entering the lens, thereby
increasing the flash range and the dumber o! flashes per
bettery set. You'll also benefit from faster recycling time
Therefore, always try to select the auto mode that provides the
greatest flash range. If your sub) ect distance is well within the
flash range selected, all the better. For example: your subject
distance is 15 feet, your lens is a 50mm f2.0 or faster, and you
are using ASA(ISO) loo film. The flash unit Calculator Dial
indicates a 15 toot maximum range in the Purple Mode, which
corresponds to fit. You decide to use this mode. White this
selection will give you proper exposure with significant depth ot
field, il will also use most of the energy in the flash capacitor.
As a result, the batteries must work harder and longer to re-
energize it, which causes long recycle time between flashes
and fewer flashes per set of batteries.
The best auto mode for fastest recycle time end most flashes
(but limited depth of field) is the yellow mode. (The next best is
RED, then BLUE, etc.) lt provides an enormous auto exposure
range to 60 feet (up to 70 feet with the Flash Head in the TELE
position). And because you must use a wider lens opening, it
takes less light to expose the film. The auto sensor shuts the
light oft sooner, so a limited amount of energy from the
14
7. Slide the On-Off Switch lo the RED "ON" position. Focus
the camera. lt desired, test the exposure using the Sufficient
Light Indicator (see page 13). Take the picture when the green
Ready Light glows Your tiash unit will automatically determine
correct exposures without further adjustments as long as you
remain within the automatic range you have selected.
Zoom settingsIf you wish to extend or retract the
Zoom/Bounce Head to the TELE or WIDE settings, this will not
affect the operation of the automatic sensing system of the
flash. lt will, however, alter your operating range and flash light
coverage. (See chart of automatic f-stop settings and
corresponding ranges in rear of this manual.)
EXAMPLE: Using ISO 100 film and the Zoom/Bounce Head n
the TELE position, set the Mode Selector Dial to the Blue
position and your camera lens to IB. Your automatic operating
range is now from 2 to 18 feet, instead of 2 to 15 feet as in the
NORM position of step 6 above, (See photos A and E for
comparison.)
B. ON-CAMERA BOUNCE FLASH
When the flash is set at 45°, 60°, 75° or 90°, the light can be
bounced off the ceiling or other reflective surfaces to create a
softer lighting. When using color film, keep in mind that the
bounced light witt take mn the color of the reftective surface.
So, unless you are creating a special effect, make sure you
only bounce the líght off white or neutral colored surfaces. As
a general rule, set the tilt angle of the head so that the tight is
directed at the midpoint on the ceiling between the flash and
the subject.
1. Set your camera 10 the correct shutter speed for electronic
flash. (Refer to your camera instructìons.)
2. If you have not already done so, set the Zoom/Bounce
Head lo the NORM position and set the ISO or DIN film Speed
on the Calculator Dial.
3. After positioning your subject, tilt the Flash Head to the
desired bounce angle.
la
capacitor is used and the thyrislor circuil holds the excess
energy inside il. The batteries aren't depleted as quickly, so
you get taster recycle time an.d more flashes.
Please note that while the f/number changes with the speed of
the film, the aulo range remains constant.
A. ON-CAMERA DIRECT FLASH
This method of operation with your 285HV allows you to
photograph subjects at maximum distances from the flash
while still maintaining automatic flash exposure control.
Set your camera to the correct shutter speed for electronic
flash. (Refer to your camera instructions.)
ft you have not already done so, set the Zoom/Bounce
Head to the NORM position, and set the ISO or DIN number of
the film you are using on the Calculator Dial (see page 1 1-). The
four colored wedges on the Calculator dial now line up below
the four automatic t-stops for the film you are using.
Select any one of the tour automatic mode color wedges
and corresponding t-stops on the Calculator Dial that provides
the automatic operating range or depth of field you desire.
Generally speaking, the yellow mode will provide the fastest
recycle time and most number of flashes. If your lens doesn't
have an f-slop that corresponds to the yellow mode, then use
the red mode.
4.' Turn the Mode Selector Dial on the Vari Sensor Module until
the color that corresponds to the f-stop you selected in step 3
above appears in the Mode Selector Window (25) on the side
of the Module.
Set your camera lens lothe auto l-stop you selected in slep#3.
Set the Flash Head to the 0° lilt (straight ahead) position.
EXAMPLE OF ON-CAMERA DIRECT FLASH. You wish to
photograph a subject 10 feet away and desire moderately
great depth of field. Using ASA/ISO 100 film and the
Zoom/Bounce Head in the NORM position, set the Mode
Selector Dial to the Blue position and set your camera lens to
f8. Your automatic operating range is from 2 to 15 feet (0.6-45
m See hoto A) 15
Select any one of the four automatic t-stops on the
Calculator Dial that provides the automatic operating range or
depth of field you desire.
Turn the Mode Selector Dial on the Vari Sensor Module until
thp color that corresponds to the f-stop you selected above
appears in the window on the side of the Vari Sensor Module
Remember that the automatic operating range must be
sufficient to include the entire flash-to-bounce surface-to-
subject distance.
Set your camera lens lo the auto t-stop you selected in step
4.
EXAMPLE OF ON-CAMERA AUTOMATIC BOUNCE FLASH:
Using ISO loo film, bouncing the light off an 8 foot high ceiling
onto a subject at a total flash-to-reflector-to-subject distance of
20 feet (6.1 m) from the flash, and desiring relatively shallow
depth of field:
Set the Flash Head tilt to the appropriate angle:
Set the Flash Head to the NORM zoom position;
Set your camera lens to f4,0;
Set the Mode Selector Dial lo RED.
NOTE: Bouncing off surfaces such as curtains or acoustical
tile ceilings will add to the effective distance between flash,
bounce surface and subject because they absorb light. Make
sure,the auto mode operating distance covers this effective
distance.
Your flash unit will automatically determine correct exposures
without further adjustments as long as you remain within the
automatic range you have selected.
6. Slide the On-Off Switch to the RED "ON" position. Focus
the carriera, If desired, test the exposure using the Sufficient
Light Indicator (see page 13). Take the picture when the green
Ready Light glows.
17
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C. OFF-CAMERA DIRECT and BOUNCE FLASH
An entirely new realm of photography opens up Io you when
you use your Vivitar 2B5HV off the camera for more pleasing
direct lighting or for extra soft automatic bounce flash lighting.
The Sensor on the flash may be removed and mounted on
your camera accessory shoe via the optional Vivitar SC-3
sensor connecting cord. The flash can then be aimed either
directly at the Subject or at many different types of reflective
surfaces such as ceilings, walls or photo umbrellas and still
maintain fully automatic exposure control. From an operating
standpoint, off-camera bounce flash is the same as on-camera
bounce flash.
For your convenience, various Vivitar accessories are currently
available for use in off-camera flash work:
The Vivitar SC-3, a 1.2 meter coiled extension cord, enables
mounting of the removable flash sensor onto your camera
accessory shoe. Provides flash synchronization with camera.
The Vivitar PPG-1 Power Pistol Grip, or the PC-2 Pistol Grip
Kit, for ease of handling. The PPG-1 also provides auxiliary
power for faster recycle time and more flashes. The Kit
includes the Pistol Grip, the 35mm Camera Bracket and the
Cable Release.
Shooting Manually
A. DIRECT FLASH
If you wish to use your 285f-tV in the Manual Mode (for taking
pictures beyond the automatic flash range or when using
multiple flash lighting), proceed as follows:
Set the Mode Selector Dial (24) to the manual "M" position.
Estimate the distance from the flash to the subject. The
easiest way to do this is to focus your camera and refer to the
distance indicated on the camera tens barrel after focusing.
t8
In rooms of average size and color, a good general rule is
to open your lens TWO t-stops wider than if you were shooting
direct.
OR...
After setting the proper ISO/DIN number on the Calculator
Dial, find the total flash-to-reflector-to-subject distance on the
Calculator Dial and note the f-stop indicated above that
distance. Open your lens ONE f-stop wider than indicated on
the dial.
EXAMPLE: Photographing at a flash-reflector-subject distance
of 20 feet with ISO 100 film, flash t-stop is t5.6, but you must
set your camera lens to f40.
OR...
If the total bounce distance exceeds the maximums
appearing on the Calculator Dial, first measure the distance
from the flash to the reflecting surface to the subject. Then,
divide that total distance info the flash Guide Number for the
film speed you are using and the Zoom/Bounce Head position.
Note the resulting number (round off the the nearest t-stop),
and open your lens ONE f-stop wider.
NOTE: When tiguring flash to subject distance using manual
bounce flash, be sure Io consider the light absorption of the
reflective surface. Bouncing off surfaces such as curtains, for
example, will add to the effective distance between the flash,
the reflector and the subject. To ensure properly exposed
pictures when bouncing off curtains or acoustical tile ceilings.
open your lens ONE additional f-stop over the setting
delermined by any of the above methods.
VARI-PCWER
There are cases where you may wish to go beyond the basic
"normal" manual operation as explained above Such cases
might be for tlash fill-in outdoors, multiple flash light with light
ratio control, need for faster recycle time, faster action freezing,
or when you want fo use a specific f-stop not available in auto
mode tor depth of field control.
20
Find the flash-to-subject distance on fha Calculator Dial
Distance Scale and set your lens fo the f-stop indicated above
that disfance. (Disregard the colored wedges on the Dial when
shooting in the manual mode.)
EXAMPLE: If you are 40 feet from your subiect and are using
the NORM flash head position and ISO tOO film, set your lens
f-stop to f28. (See photo A.)
Slide the On--OfI Switch to the RED "ON" position. Check
camera focus. Take the picture when fhe green Ready Light
glows.
CAUTION For rapid sequence flash pictures in the manual
mode, you may fire your 285HV as soon as the green Ready
Light glows, However, fo prevent possible damage, avoid a
continuous series of more than 25 flashes and allow the unit to
"rest" for 4 minutes between series.
Zoom
If you want to extend or retraof your Zoom/Bounce Head to
the TELE or WIDE setting, it will affecf your f-stop and/or
operating range, and you should recheck your Calculator Dial
for new information.
NOTE.' It you wish to mathematically calculate your f-stops,
divide the Guide Number by the flash-to-subject distance.
Remember that the Guide Number will change with extension
or retraction of the Zoom/Bounce Head. See the Manual
Operation Chart for a complete listing of Guide Numbers for
various films speeds (ASA/ISO and DIN) tor each of the three
zoom head positions and the Super Wide Angle Flash Lens.
B. BOUNCE FLASH
Your 285HV can be used in the manual "M" mode for bounce
flash at distances beyond the maximum automatic operating
range.
First, set the Mode Selector Dial to manual "M." To determine
the proper exposure when using bounce flash in the manual
mode, use any ONE of the following methods: t9
To handle these needs, your Vivitar Model 285HV has a
variable power system. With Van-Power, you can reduce the
light output levels from full power to 1/2, 1/4 or 1/16 power.
To operate the Van-Power system'
2 3
Set the black
arrow of the Vari- Set the Mode Increase (open)
Power Dial (inner Selector Dial fo: camera aperture:
ring of the
Calculator Dial)
to. 1/2 1/2 1 f-stop
1/4 1/4 2 t-stops
1/16 1/16 4 f-stops
As you turn the inner ring, the Calculator Dial will automatically
indicate the new f-stop above the flash-to-subject distance.
Fill-in Flash
Your flash can be used outdoors in the daytime, either for
better lighting on overcast days or to reduce shadows on bright
days.
Set your camera fo Ihe correct shutter speed for
synchronization with electronic flash. (Refer to your camera
instructions for the correct speed.)
Using your built-in or hand-held meter, determine the f-stop
required for a daylight exposure al the flash sync speed
Set the Vail-Power Dial (19) to align the camera-to-subject
distance with the f-stop indicated by the meter.
EXAMPLE: Zoom/Bounce Head in NORM position, ISO 100
(DIN 21), synchronized at 1/60, meter reading f16, camera-to-
subject distance 5 ft. You want strong fill-in flash. Rotate the
Van-Power Dial (inner ring of Calculator Dial) until f16 aligns
with 5 tI., and your resulting Vail-Power reading is i I?. (See
photo B) Recheck the film speed setting to make sure it hasn't
21
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been inadvertently moved.) You then change your Mode
Selector Dial to read 1/2. For normal rather than strong fill,
change the Van-Power settings to t /4.
NOTE: By zooming the Head from NORM to WIDE, you can
change exposure by 112 f-stop.
Multiple Flash Lighting
The Vari Sensor Module on your Model 285HV makes multiple
flash lighting easier, because when you use your flash as a fill-
¡n light with main flash, you can "dial in" the lighting ratios.
Set up your main flash and determine the f-stop you're
going to use.
Set up your secondary flash unit at a distance equal to the
main flash-to-subject distance.
EXAMPLE: The main flash unit must be in the manual mode
and have the same power as your fill-flash unit. Setting the Vari
Sensor Dial on the fill-flash unit to the FULL position gives you
a main-flash/fill-flash ratio of 1:1. Setting the dial on the fill unit
at 1/2 gives you a main/fill ratio of 3:1 because the main flash
unit is putting out tw/ce as much light as the fill flash, i.e. the
main flash gives out two units of light and the fill flash gives out
one unit of light, thus giving out a total of 3 units of light and
creating an overlap of one unit of tight from each. A setting of
1/4 gives you a ratio of 5:1 and 1/16 gives you 17:1.
With this flexibility and accuracy, a multiple flash lighting set-up
can be tuned to achieve delicate nuances of creative effects.
Another use of the Van-Power capability is in its "action-
freezing" potential. As the power output is reduced, the flash
duration is shortened, thus resulting in greater action-stopping
ability.
22
24
Color Temperature: 6,000°K
Camera/Flash Synchronization Connections:
Hot Shoe, Shutter Cord
Weight (withOUt batteries): 14.9 oz. (423 g)
Dimensions (Head in 00 position): 4" W x 52" H x 4.2" D
(100 mm W x 130 mm H x 105 mm D)
Accessories Included: 28mm Wide Angle Flash Lens,
PC-1 Shutter Cord
speOltIcotl025 subieci io change without notice.
Vivitar 2BSHV Zoom Thynstor Flash
System Accessories
CHARGE 12/20
20 minute recharger for NC-3 NiCad Battery Pack,
NC-3
Rechargeable NiCad Battery Pack. Use only with Charge
12/20 or discontinued Charge 15.
SB-4
Adapts 285HV for use with AC current.
PC-31
3 foot coiled shutter cord for extended distance between flash
and camera.
cifteations
Power Specifications
BCPS (Beam Candle Power Seconds): 2,500 (Manual)
before Nc3 requres recharging
"bcforc Air Aikaiine batieiies musi be repinces
All specifications are with the 285HV set in the manual mode.
rn most cases, recycle time and number of flashes will improve
n the automatic mode if the subject is at less than maximum
auto distance.
All specifications are approximate and number of flashes and
recycle time will vary according to baltery condition,
temperature and other variables.
General Specifications
Flash Duration (approx.):
Auto -1/1,000 lo 1/30,000 second
Manual -. 1/1,000 second 23
AP-1
Spare Battery Holder for AA alkaline or NiCad batteries.
SL-2
Wireless remote flash trigger. Automatically fires remote flash
units in multiple lighting set-ups. Shoe rotates 360° horizontally.
1/4x20 tripod thread on bottom.
HVP-1
High Voltage Battery Pack holds disposable high voltage
battery (type E497) or Vivitar rechargeable FIB-Sb. The
Battery Pack comes with a strap and pad for convenient and
comfortable shoulder rest. Requires HVC-1 connecting cord.
c-1Soft Carrying Pouch Case for flash unit.
FK-2
Kit includes 6 filters: Uy, ND4, 85B, Red, Yellow, Blue. Includes
carrying case.
WFK-2
Kit includes 6 filters: Extra Wide Angle Diffuser, ND4, Blue,
B5B, Yellow and UV. Includes carrying ease.
SC-3
1.2 meter coiled Sensor Extension Cord for use .between flash
unii and remote sensor for creating special effects.
25
Power Source No. of
Flashes Recycle Time (seconds)
HVP-1. RB-5t0, NC-3 170 1 50
HVP-1 E497, NC-3 430 1.25
PPG-1, NC-3 ¡n grip & flash 85 3.8
PPG-1, Alk. in grip & flash 200 5.5
NC-3 in flash alone 50 6.0
AA Alk. in flash aione tOO 10.4
SB-4, NO-3 in flash 1,410W 4.0
SB-4, AA Alk. in flash 1,480 48
Angles of Illumination:
Zoom Setting Horizontal Vertical
Super WIDE (28mm) w/Wide
Angle Flash Lens inserted 700 53°
WIDE (35mm) 600 450
NORMAL (50mm) 46° 340
TELE (105mm) 270 20°
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Manual Operation Guide Numbers
NJC, (ASA-Fe et)
ASA Film Speed: 25 64 80 100 125 160 200 400 1000
Super Wide (28mm) 35 56 62 70 80 90 loo 140 230
Wide (35mm) 50 80 90 inn 112 12A 140 20fl 25
Normal (50mm) 60 96 107 120 134 152 170 240 400
Tele (105mm) 70 112 125 140 156 177 200 280 460
(DIN-Meters):
DIN Film Speed: 15 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 31
Super Wide (28mm) 11 17 19 21 24 27 31 43 65
Wide (35mm) 15 24 27 31 34 38 43 61 100
Normal (50mm) 18 29 33 37 41 46 52 73 115
Tele (105mm) 21 34 38 43 48 54 61 85 135
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