Cheap flashes: Vivitar 285 vs. Sunpak 383 comparison

Started Feb 3, 2008 | Discussions thread
OP il_alexk Senior Member • Posts: 2,875
Avoid new Vivitar 285HV at all cost

Well, after less than a month of a moderate usage ( 200 shots) my 285HV controls ceased to function. The flash now always fires at full power both in Manual and Automatic modes.

A visual inspection of the sensor unit (inside out) has not revealed any mechanical/ electrical damage.

Vivitar is built to last, huh? I guess good and solid plastic is not always an indication of a high quality electronics.

Well, I can see now that I'm not alone, other users has started to complain lately about the quality and the service of the Vivitar.

http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B00004TVSP/ref=cm_cr_pr_recent?%5Fencoding=UTF8&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
and

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=61441&is=REG&si=rev#anchorToReadReviews

Interesting, those review mention that the flash is "discontinued" and are not properly supported by Vivitar. I still have to experience the warrant of Vivitar.

As for you, do yourself a favor and stay away from NEW Vivitar 285HV flashes.

Best
Alex

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