Vivitar 285HV eBay AA Battery Holders

[linque]

I bought a couple of Vivitar 285HV flashes a couple of weeks ago, and one was missing the AA battery holder, so I went to eBay and ordered a five pack of them. They came in today, and I immediately tested them out with my NiMH rechargeable batteries. Unfortunately, it was way too tight to slip back into the flash unit once the batteries were in place. I had the same problem with Energizer rechargeables too. I was afraid to push the holder in all the way in fear that I would have to use needle nose pliers to get it out. Generic CVS alkaline batteries worked just fine - they would slip in and out with no problem.

I noticed a little screw on the end of the holder that held a butterfly support in place. Once I unscrewed it, and removed the support all the batteries went in smoothly, and would fall right out without having to use pliers.



They also did not have any indication as to which side was positive, and which was negative, but I have one original holder and was able to figure it out. I marked it with a silver sharpie so I didn't have to think about it.

Anyway, I have two extra that I will be posting soon if anyone needs them.

[Rick]

That's good to know, thanks. I am on brink of getting a couple if not three of those too. How do you like the 285HV's?

Rick

[linque]

I've only been able to use one up until now, but so far I like them. I have a 430EX flash too, so I'll be able to do a three light setup if I need to. I need to get a couple of decent stands, and some shoot through umbrellas. My list of things to buy keeps growing.

[scottalanphoto]

Man... the Vivitar 285 is what's called the cockroach of flashes... They can't be killed.... HAHA... I've had one for several years and I love it.... I'm about to get one or two more! Also, go to youtube.com and search for videos for the vivitar 285hv and you will find some tutorials on how to make a rechargable battery pack for them out of a $10 9 volt battery you can get from home depot... I'm about to try this as well!

[linque]

Hey Scott, when you're shooting into an umbrella (shoot through or normal), do you adjust your zoom, or do you usually leave it wide?

[scottalanphoto]

honestly i am not sure what or if there is a correct way to do that... but i leave it on wide