Vivitar 285hv... Not what it used to be?

[scottalanphoto]

I've either read or saw on a you tube clip someone talking about the vivitar 285 hv and the fact that the "newer models" are not what the older models where... Because Vivitar company sold out or something and the newer Vivitars were made by someone else... Does anyone know this to be true? I know that on the model I have it was manufactered in China... and I know that there are other models that were manufactered in Japan... Does anyone know if there is a difference in makes/models and if so what?

Thanks

[The Loft Studios]

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/02...f-classic.html

[BEphoto]

Metal hotshoe mount on the old and plastic on the new. Only thing that I personally know of that is different. I've got a few of the newer ones and have nothing but good things to say about them.

[Daniel W.]

IIRC all 285's (both HV and non-HV) were plastic shoes, the metal shoe was an aftermarket add on by 3rd party manufacturers. It's a good mod if you aren't using the flash on camera (i.e. on a stand.)

As of late, the flash has been produced by a number of companies, most prominent being Cactus (of the cheap radio triggers.) Poor QC has led to poor models that fail after a number of uses. A better option might be the LumoPro 120 offered exclusively by Midwest Photo Exchange (MPEX, not MPIX).

[MRCPix]

Dan why do you think the LumoPro 120 might be better than the vivitar 285? is it becuase of QC issues? I aske because I was thinking about getting two of the vivitars.

[scottalanphoto]

ok... well today i just got the vivitar 285 hv that i ordered off e bay... First of all... this unit was made in japan... the unit i already had and was purchased about 7 or so years ago was made in china... the unit i go today (japan model) i can tell is made different... the battery door is a lot harder to get open... the zoom is a lot harder to pull in and out.. and it just seems like it's not built as well as the china made unit! also... the japan unit does not flash red and green on the back like my china unit does... there is a spot for a green light but it doesnt come on... but i can tell its charging because of the famous whine it has.. and i've popped the flash a few times already and seems to be working fine!

[Daniel W.]

Mike, I feel like the LumoPro may be better because they are offered from a single source, that is a reputable, U.S. based retailer. While the units themselves are not built in the US, they are supported by a trustworthy dealer who is probably more likely, and easier, to deal with than an overseas company.

In the end it may be a $$ tradeoff though.

[scottalanphoto]

I can see where Daniel is coming from on this... But right now I just think it's a gamble... You can spend $89 on a product that may or may not be built well... or spend $40 more on a product, like he said, you can purchase from a reputable dealer here in the U.S. and if in $30 days if goes bad you can most likely take it back and exchange it with no problem!

[Bill M]

I have zero problems with the 2 I bought earlier this year through B&H Photo. I do wish the AC function was better. From what I've read it isn't worth the trouble to buy the AC adapters when there is power present.

[scottalanphoto]

Here are some shots I took with one vivitar 285 yesterday!