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Vivitar SB-4 or SB-6 power supply for 285 flash?

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Stevil

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Can anyone tell me how I know whether I should use the SB-4 or SB-6 AC power supply for my Vivitar 285 HV flash? One has a high-voltage output, and the other is low...how do I know which one I need?
 
The flash should say on the back which power supply is needed. But if not, I'm pretty sure the HV version uses the SB-4 (which is a high-voltage AC-DC transformer with a squared-off plug for the flash), while the 285 non-HV version uses the SB-6 (which has a rounded plug for the flash).
 
geerlingguy said:
The flash should say on the back which power supply is needed. But
if not, I'm pretty sure the HV version uses the SB-4 (which is a
high-voltage AC-DC transformer with a squared-off plug for the
flash), while the 285 non-HV version uses the SB-6 (which has a
rounded plug for the flash).
Click to expand...
Well, if "high voltage" is assumed to mean MAINS input voltage (120v or 240v) I can confirm that the above advice is otherwise correct. :-)

Now.. where can I get an SB-4, and two SB-6s, from? That's what I would like to know.
All suggestions appreciated. :-)
--
Regards,
Baz
 
In nice, clear, white print on the back of my flash it says "Use Vivitar SB-4 power supply only."

Thanks!
geerlingguy said:
The flash should say on the back which power supply is needed.
Click to expand...
 
I don't know about availability in the UK, but B&H Photo in the US has the SB-4 for US$15, and both the SB-4 and SB-6 abound on e-bay.
Barrie Davis said:
Now.. where can I get an SB-4, and two SB-6s, from? That's what I
would like to know.
All suggestions appreciated. :-)
--
Regards,
Baz
Click to expand...
 
JR_Sprawls said:
In case you're not aware, the SB-4 recycle time is pretty slow. I
can't give you numbers -- it's been too long since I used one --
but I'm pretty sure it's slower than a fresh set of AA
rechargeables.
Click to expand...
Hmmm... Yet MORE pertinent info from JR.
Thanks.
--
Regards,
Baz
 
Thanks for the tip. I think I'll just build a low-impedance 6V power supply and run the wire through the battery compartment door.
 
I've been thinking about building my own power supply, too (it's not that hard to do), but I still like the convenience of having one in a nice wall-wart package.

I am wondering, though, why did Vivitar have to use such a proprietary plug design on the flashes, and why aren't the electrical specifications of the flash readily available? Is this a common practice amongst flash companies, or is it because of the flash's age?
 
I have a couple SB-4s for my 285HVs. Recycle time is about 8-10 sec at full power. I tried to use mine at 1/2 power whenever possible to speed recharging.

The HV stands for the high voltage input (around 200V if memory serves) which differed from earlier LV models like the 263. I also have a pair of them from the mid-1970s and a rather nice LV external power pack powered by 4 - D cells.

CG
 
Among other things, the proprietory plug on the HV packs locks the power switch on the flash in the Off position -- necessary because high voltage input bypasses much of the internal circuitry. I'm sure it also helped protect Vivitar's investment, since they made several external power sources over the years.

While we're at it, the proprietary sync cord connection turns off the hotshoe when a cord is used, a convenience when using off-camera mounts and something very much appreciated by any of us older photogs who used the units with 270 volt trigger circuits.

--
J.R.

Somewhere south of Amarillo

http://jrsprawls.com
http://fotolocus.com
 
JR_Sprawls said:
Among other things, the proprietory plug on the HV packs locks the
power switch on the flash in the Off position -- necessary because
high voltage input bypasses much of the internal circuitry. I'm
sure it also helped protect Vivitar's investment, since they made
several external power sources over the years.

While we're at it, the proprietary sync cord connection turns off
the hotshoe when a cord is used, a convenience when using
off-camera mounts and something very much appreciated by any of us
older photogs who used the units with 270 volt trigger circuits.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the explanation - I think I can see why Vivitar did such things... but still, why couldn't there have been more industry standards? I guess it has to do with companies liking to make a buck or two on things such as AC adapters.
 
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