Flashes & lighting
Vivitar 252 flash - 39 pages, more info User manual
User manual for Vivitar 252 flash - 39 pages, more info. 23 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Vivitar
- Model / document
- Vivitar 252 flash - 39 pages, more info
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 23
- File size
- 6.3 MB
- Category
- Flashes & lighting
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 1 · Read text
Vivitan Vivitanwww.butkus.us automatic electronic flash
Model 252
6/75 Pflnred in KoreaView original page 1Page 4 · Read text
Table of contents
2-3 Short courde of instructions
4-8 Your f lash will operate from several power sources
9-10 Detailed operating instructions
lnsert the batteries
When to change batteries
10-11 The illuminated calculator dial
The supplementary calculator dial
11-12 Form the capacitor
13-14 Attaching flash to camera
14-15 Multiple f -stop control
16-17 Get ready to shoot . . . automatically
18-19 Manual ooeration
20 You're ready to shoot . . . lF
21 Cameras with built-in automatic flash control
22 After you're finished shooting
22-28 Helpful hints
Eliminating shadows Flash fill
Bounce flash Simulating sunlight
Mirrors Open flash
Group shots Synchronization
Stop Action speed
28-29 Multiple flash with Vivitar slave units
30-33 Trouble shooting .
34 Information assistance
Warranty registration
35-37 Model 252 specificationsView original page 4Page 6 · Read text
Your flash will operate from several
power sources
attach the AC Cord to both the flash @ and
2 AA Alkaline Batteries any standard 120-volt wall outlet. When the Ready
To operate your flash on Light @ glows, your flash is ready for use.
replaceable AA Alkaline bat-
teries, slide the On-Off
Switch @ to the "ON" posi-
tion. When the Ready Light
@ glows, your flash is
ready to fire.
To preserve battery life be sure to switch your unit
to the "OFF" position immediately after shooting,
and remove the batteries when the flash will not ffiil!|
be in use for long periods of time.
Nofe: Whenever fresh batteries are placed in the
unit the flash recycle time should be approximately
7 seconds. However, the recycle time will become
longer as the batteries are used.
Replace the rubber insert and attabh the AC Cord
Multiple Voltage AC to both the flash @ and any stand ard 220v wall
AC operation is handy if your batteries are low on outlet. The Ready Light @ will glow when the
power. Your Vivitar 252 AC Cord @ has two flash is ready to be fired.
different AC voltage settings. Caution: The AC Cord Voltage Selector must be
A. 121-volt AC (U.S.A.-Canada) set correctly to prevent damage to your unit.
Your Vivitar 252 AC Cord has been pre-set to A wall outlet AC adapter may be necessary inoperate where the AC line voltage is 120 volts or some countries as AC receptacles vary fromless. To use your flash in the "120v" position, country to country.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
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2 lnsert the Nickel Cad-Rechargeable Nickel Cadmium Batteries and mium- Battery Pack into theMultiple Voltage Charger (optional accessories) battery comPartment withYour Vivitar 252 is designed to accept a special the metal prong down andrechargeable Nickel Cadmium Battery Pack which facing towards the front ofcan be fully recharged in only 3 hours using the the flash unit as shown.Vivitar 152/252 Multiple Voltage Charger. Both the
Vivitar Charger and Vivitar Nickel Cadmium
Battery Pack are available as accessories from 3 Replace the Battery Compartment Cover byyour Vivitar Electronic Flash dealer. For greater - the edges witn the slots in the body of aligningconvenience, you can carry one or more fully the unit and sliding the covertowards the flashrecharged battery packs in the event you until it is firmly seated. lt may be necessary toare traveling where AC outlets are not readily push the battery pack into the flash slightly beforeaccessible. the cover will slide into Place.
To insert the Vivitar Nickel Cadmium Battery Pack
into your Vivitar 252: Using the MultiPle Voltage
Charger, your flash can be1 Remove the Battery '120-volt on either recharged -Compartment Cover @ (U.S.A.-Canada) or 220- OV ACsliding it away from the body volt AC (most other coun-of the flash unit in the tries) currents. To chargedirection of the arrow. the unit, first set the Charger
Voltage Selector @ on the Charger @ to match
the line voltage You will use.
Caution: The Charger Voltage Selector must be
set correctly to prevent damage to the Charger.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Detailed operating instructions
Slide the On-Off Switch www.butkus.us Firsl, insert the batteries
to the "OFF" position and 1 Remove the Battery insert the Charger into the
OV Compartment - Cover @AC Recep- Cord/Charger sliding it away from the bodytacle @. Plug the Charger of the flash unit in theinto any standard AC wall direction of the arrow.outlet* and charge the 252
for 3 hours.
In countries where the standard voltage is between 2 Insert two 1.5v AA Alkaline batteries in the - noting correct polarity. Correct120 volts and 240 volts, set your Charger Voltage compartment
Selector to the "220v" position. Voltages less battery positioning is indicated in the battery
than 220 volts will extend the recharge time while compartment.
those exceeding 220 volts will lessen the Caution: Beware of bargains! Best results and
recharge time somewhat. performance to specifications are based on the
.Srnce wall outlets vary trom country to country, use of 1.5v AA Alkaline cells.
the Vivitar 1 52 /252 Multiple Voltage Charger 3 To replace the cover,is available in models to fit U.S.A. outlets, United align- the Battery Compart-Kingdom outlets, and Continental European ment Cover with the body ofoutlets. Your Vivitar dealer can special order the the flash unit making sureCharger that suils your needs. the edges of the cover are
in the slots. Slide the cover
towards the flash unit until it
is firmly seated. lt may be necessary to push the
batteries into the flash slightly before the cover
will slide into place.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
www.butkus.us
When to change batteries black pin at the center of the dial on the flash and
The batteries should be replaced when the recycle lift gently. (NOTE: Care should be exercised since
time exceeds thirty seconds or when no sound the pin springs out when removed.) With the pin
can be heard when the unit is turned to the removed the ASA-Feet dial will come out easily.
"ON" position. Then, place the DIN-Meter dial in position making
sure the stationary index arrow points to the DIN
scale. Re-insert the pin by aligning the prongs in the
The illuminated calculator dial slotted hole and push until it is securely in place.
Your Vivitar 252 has an
llluminated Calculator Dial
O which is designed for
use when you are taking
pictures in dim light. To
activate the lighted dial,press the Calculator Dial ffif
lllumination Button @ . fne light will go out when Form the capacitor
the button is released.
The Supplementary Galculator Dial The capacitor of the flash draws electrical energy
(optional accessory) from the batteries, stores it and discharges this
A Supplementary Calculator Dial @ is available energy to the flash tube when the circuit is
for your Vivitar Model 252. lt is designed for those triggered. When the flash is new or when it has
who prefer using DIN film speeds and Meters for not been used for a long period of time, the
determining flash to subject distances. To attach capacitor may lose some of its ability to store
this dial, carefully insert the flat edge of a thin tool electricity. When this occurs, the following steps
(such as a small screwdriver or knife) under the will re-build or "reform" the capacitor.
11View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
Attaching your flash to the camera
You can form the capacitor on either AC or 1DC power. Move the Mounting Shoe
A. AC Set the AC Cord Voltage Selector @ Locking Lever @ clockwiseon the -AC iord to match the line voltage you will until it stops on the side
use andtonnect the cord to both the flash @ and opposite from the word
any standard wall outlet. Fire the flash by pressing "LOCK. "
the Ready Light/Open Flash Button @. Repeat
this about 5 times allowing the Ready Light to
glow 5 to '10 seconds after each flash.
B. DC After inserting the batteries in the u'nit,
slide the- On-Off Switch @ to the "ON" position
and fire the flash by pressing the Ready Light/
Open Flash Button @. Repeat this about 5 times
allowing the Ready Light to glow 5 to 10 seconds
after each flash.
With either method, your capacitor will then be
formed and you are ready to begin shooting. 3
lf your camera is equipped
with a Hot Shoe you can
leave the PC Cord @ on the
flash in its storage area with
the PC tip connected to the
built-in terminal. The flash unit will then be fully
synchronized to the camera through the contacts
in the shoe.H{ 13View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
www.butkus.us
The Auto/Manual Control Switch @ nas three4
lf your camera is not equip- positions:
ped with a Hot Shoe, plug M In this position your flash will operate in the
the PC Synchronization Cord manual- mode. (See page 18)
into the flash terminal on the
camera using the terminal l, BLUE - theIn thisauto- oosition marked "X.i' lf an "X" terminal is not provided, set matic range of your the camera synchronization switch to "X." unit is 2 to 17 feet (Refer to your camera instructions for specific (.6 to 5.2 meters) information regarding your camera's flash from flash to sub- synchronization.) ject. When in this mode, read the auto f-stop
setting in the BLUE triangle on the Calculator Dial
@ and set your ca.mera lens accordingly.
Multiple f-stop control RED In this posi-
- automatic tion theThe Vivitar Model 252 can be set to operate range of your unit isautomatically with your camera at two different 2 to 9 feet (.6 to 2.7f-stops. The BLUE f-stop position makes it pos- meters) from flashsible for you to use a larger lens opening allowing to subject. When inyou to decrease the depth of field (area in sharp this mode, read the auto f-stop setting in the REDfocus) and enabling you to take pictures at an triangle on the Calculator Dial @ and set yourextended automatic range. The RED f-stop posi- lens accordinglY.tion makes it possible for you to use a smaller lens
opening for taking close-up pictures with fast
films and in situations where you want to increase
your depth of field.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
Get ready to shoot. . . automatically
1 3
Set the camera shutter Read the f-stop within the
speed to 'l /60, 1/30 or color-keyed triangle for ,,x, _ the auto f-stop you prefer.
Note: You should refer to Set the Auto/Manual
your camera instructions Control Switch @ to tne
for the proper speed set- same color and set your
ting for electronic flash. lens to the correct f-stop.
Note; The correct auto
f-stop settings for most popular films are listed
for both auto ranges in the specifications, H page 35.
2
Set the correct ASA or
DIN film speed on the
Calculator Dial @. The 4
ASA or DIN fitm speed Slide the On-Off Switch
can be found in the data @ to the "ON" position.
sheet that comes packed Focus camera.
with your film. Your flash unit will auto-
Example: For Koda- matically give you a per-
chrome ll, set the ASA (DlN) mark to 25 (15). fect exposure of any
subject within the auto-
matic range you have www.butkus.us
selected without further f-stop adjustments.
17View original page 12Page 15 · Read text
www.butkus.us
After you're f inished shooting
Batteries You can get even softer lighting by ,,bouncing"
lf you're not going to use your flash unit for the light off a reflective surface onto your subject.
several weeks or if the batteries appear weak, White walls and ceilings that are not too high,
remove the batteries. This is a "just-in-case" large sheets of paper, and even bed sheets can
precaution in the event the batteries leak. be used as reflective surfaces.
Let it glow! Since bounce flash reduces the amount of light on
Do not discharge (flash) your unit before putting your subject, open your camera lens 2 additional
it away. Just turn the unit off. /l's better to leave f-stops. You can determine exposure more accu-
the Ready Light glowing. The next time you use it' rately by measuring the distance from flash to
your flash unit will "reform" faster and this pro- reflector to subject and divide the total into the
cedure will ensure the long life of your equipment. guide number.
Use the case For bounce flash, remove the flash unit from your
Storing your flash unit in the convenient pouch camera and aim it at the reflective surface.
case will protect it from accidental damage and Automatic electronic flash units should be out rn
keep it looking like new. the manual ("M") mode.
Helpful hints
Shadows
To avoid harsh shadows in your pictures, position
your subjects at least 3 to 4 feet f rom walls or \t
use "bounce flash."
Bounce flash
You can soften the light, making less harsh and Open camera lens
less directional, by simply placing a handkerchief 2 additional f-stops.
over the flash head and increasing the exposure.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
Mirors stopping effects.can easily be achieved.
Never shoot flash pictures straight into mirrors, For proper synchronization, set your cameraglass, or other highly reflective surlaces. Reflec- shutter speed to "8" operation, photograph your
tions will result and cause poor pictures. Stand at subject in a dark area, and short circuit the pC
an angle so that any reflections will be directed contacts of the flash using hand-made switches
away from the camera. Hint: lt you can't see wired to the tip of the PC cord. You can makeyourself in the mirror, you're safe. switches from aluminum foil or other small oieces
or wire and attach them in such a manner thatGroup shots
Don't lose some of your friends in the shadows! contact is made at the moment it is most desirable
Be sure that the whole group is about the same to obtain an exposure. For example, a thin piece
distance from the camera. lf you're not careful of aluminum foil could be taped to the underside
people closest to the camera will be overexposed of a balloon and wired to act as one of the
or "washed out" and those furthest away will be contacts. A pin could be wired as the second
underexposed because not enough light reached contact. When the pin punctures the foil and the
their spot in the Picture. skin of the balloon, the flash will fire freezing
the action.
Stop action
The flash duration of Your Flash fill Yivitar 252 varies in the Outdoors, electronic flash is used extensively by automatic mode from professionals to "fill-in" shadow areas. lt softens about 1 /2000.sec. to hard shadows resulting from bright sunlight and is about 1/30,000 sec. This particularly useful with color film which can only extremely fast flash dura- www.butkus.us record a limited contrast range. tion can be used advan-
tageously to obtain creative close-up pictures. Here is a simple procedLire which you can modify
Pictures of balloons bursting, glass breaking or according to your preference. Set your camera's
shattering, water splashing and other motion shutter speed and f-stop for a proper exposureView original page 16Page 17 · Read text
www.butkus.us
of the subject without flash. Keep in mind that only Simulating sunlight
some shutter speeds can be synchronized with There are times when the sun disappears, but the
the flash. Divide the flash guide number for the picture calls for sunlight. your electronic flash can
film you are using by the f-stop you have set. then be used as the main light and very success_
This will give you the flash to subject distance. fully simulate sunlight.
Then, for a bright fill place the flash at that
When you wish to simulate sunlight outdoors indistance. For a more normal fill, move the flash dull weather, first determine the proper exposureback half again the distance; for a weaker fill (not
for the natural daylight and then stop down 1 fullrecommended with color film) double the bright f-stop. Determine your normal flash to subiectfill distance.
distance for that f-stop. Set your flash at that
Automatic flash units should be put in the manual distance. The flash will then be the main light, and
("M") mode for flash fill. your reduced exposure on the natural light will
convert it to fill light.
Automatic flash units should be put in the manuar
("M") mode for simulating sunlight.
Open flash
This technique involves firing the flash independ_
ently while the camera shutter stays open. you
can use it for a variety of creative effects. For
example, while the shutter is open the film records
both the image lit by the existing light and the
image lit by the flash. you can capture both a
sharp and a blurred image in the same picture to
Hard shadows result Electronic flash fills in create a feeling of movement. Or, in a large dark
from direct sunlight. shadow areas. interior you can open up the shutter and fire
26 27View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
several electronic flashes from different positions Vivitar Slave Units are solid state light sensitive
until you have lit the entire scene. devices which when attached to the PC cord of a
remotely positioned llash unit automaticallySynchronization speed trigger the flash in perfect synchronization withWhen taking flash pictures with your Vivitar elec- the main flash unit without external cablestronic flash, always try to use the fastest possible or wires.
camera shutter speed that provides full electronic
flash synchronization (refer to your camera Example: Here is a typical arrangement using a
instructions for this information). This will elimi- main flash and three remote flash units to balance
nate "ghosts" or blurry images of brightly lit the light.
objects in the background.
Ii 4 feet
Multiple flash with Vivitar stave units '
/1
When taking portraits groups, of pictures large of
prefermany photographers more to use than one I^>r_) Main Flash Key Flash F-
flash unit to produce a better light balance. same height 2 ft. higher than
To do this, you must be able to fire both the main as subject subiect, same dis-
llash and each remote flash simultaneouslv. tance as main flash
28 29View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
Trouble shooting www.butkus.us
Your new Vivitar Electronic Flash has been de- B) Check to see that the unit signed to provide many years of trouble free is properly attached to the operation. Occasionally, as with any electronic camera accessory clip.device, a problem may develop which requires
special attention. Here are a few points you can
check yourself before sending your unit for service. Unit Does Not A) Make sure your batteries
in the Flash Does Nof A) Make sure the On-Off PowerOperate On DC arebatterycorrectlycompartment.positionedFire When Switch is "ON" and Ready (AA Alkaline)Camera Shutter Light is glowing. B) Your batteries may be dis-
Fe/gase /s n\
j:,T:Ji3',1j5,'*'" set of alkaline batteries.Trigsered 31,.'iJ^::^L ^ ^, - r - - charged. Try inserting a fresh
terminal on your camera. C) Check the contacts in the
battery compartment. Clean C) The synchronization con- with a pencil eraser if tacts in your camera may be necessary. t fault. "Short out" ihe PC
contact on the PC Cord of
your flash. lf the unit flashes,
the problem is in the camera. Unit Does Not A) Your batteries may be dis-
Operate On DC charged. Try recharging your
Power (Optional unit.
Nickel CadmiumFlash Does Nof A) Make sure the PC tip is B) Make sure the Charger Battery Pack)Fire On Hot Shoe connected to the built-in ter- Voltage Selector matches the
minal in the PC Cord storage line voltage you are using.
area.
30
31View original page 19Page 22 · Read text
General specifications Camera/Electron ii
Flash synchroniza-BCPS (Beam Candle tion connection(s) . . pC Synch. Cord or Hot ShoePower Seconds) ... 700 Weight without AC-Tseconds(average) batteries . . . . 5-1 /4 oz. (150 gr.)Recycle time .. . . . . DC-7 seconds (average) Dimensions . 3-1 / 2, x 1-9 / 16,, x 3-1 116,,
(Recycle times are based on fully charged batteries. (BB.Smm x 39mm x77mm)
Recycling.takes longer as the batteries drain.) Accessories
Flash duration included Multiple Voltage (120v/220v) AC
(approximate) . . . . . 1/2000second (Manual) Cord, Pouch Case
1 12000 to 1 /30,000 second Accessories
(Automatic) available Vivitar Nickel Cadmium Battery
Colortemoerature . .6000' Kelvin Pack (NC-1 ), 1 52 / 252 Muttipte
Angle of Voltage Charger (MV-1), Suppte-
illumination(s) .....55' horizontal, 55' vertical - mentary DIN-Meter Calculator Diaf
Operating positions. vertical
Power sources . . . . AC DC - Multiple2 AA AlkalineVoltage1.5v(120v1220v)batteries
- OR
Vivitar Nickel Cadmium Bat-
tery Pack (NC-l) (optional
accessory, not included)
Flashes oer set of AA '
Alkaline batteries . . . 160+
Flashes per 3 hour
charge with optional
Specifications subject to change without noticeNiCad Battery Pack . B0*View original page 22Related documents and language editions
From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.