Flashes & lighting
Vivitar 253 Flash User manual
User manual for Vivitar 253 Flash. 18 pages in German. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
18 pagesGerman1.6 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Vivitar
- Model / document
- Vivitar 253 Flash
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- German
- Pages
- 18
- File size
- 1.6 MB
- Category
- Flashes & lighting
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
ReadyLight
llluminatedCalculatorDial
AC/ DC Switch
BatteryCompartmentCover
MountingFoot
Description controls
ShutterCord Socket
AC Adapter Receptacle
Open FlashButton
Mode Selector
Sensor
DetachableShutterCord
AC Adapter(optionalaccessory,not included)View original page 2Page 3 · Read text
www.orphancameras.comTable of contentsCONGRATULATIONS. . . AND WELCOMEto the
ever-increasingnumberof photographersnow 2-4 Shortcourseof instructions
enjoyingVivitarelectronicflash.This Owner's
Manualis a handyreferenceguideand we suggest 5-6 Batteryoperation
you referto it wheneverquestionsarise. 6-9 AC ooeration
We thankyou for selectingthis productand we I The illuminatedcalculatordialwish you manyyearsof picture-takingenjoyment.
YourVivitarModel253 is an excitingnewway to 10 Formingthe capacitor
takeflashpicturesand becausewe knowyou'll 11 Attachingyourflashto the camera
wantto get startedimmediately,hereis a SHORT -l 12-13 Mode selectorCOURSEOF INSTRUCTIONSto showvou how
to take perfectlyexposed 13-15 Get readyto shoot . . . automatically
photographseverytime. 15-17 ManualoperationThe detailedinstructions
which followoffera more , 17-18 Cameraswith built-inautomatic
completeexplanationof flash control
how to use your new flash iI 18 Afteryou'vef inishedshootingunitand also provide
handyhintson flash 19-23 Helpfulhints
photography. .:W Shadows Synchronization
Bounceflash speed
Mirrors Groupshots
I Simulatingsunlight Flashfill
Open flash
24-26 Specifications,Model253
t l 1
,F:t':r" ; 111i. EAL{ ,lu**ra"u"'**a&oai* ."jView original page 3Page 6 · Read text
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Battery operation
7 1
Set ModeSelectorto the Remove the Battery
colorthat providesthe Compartment Cover @ by
automaticoperatingrangeor sliding it down and away f rom
depthof f ieldyou desire. the body of the flash unit in
(Seepage 12) the d irection of the arrow.
28 I n s t a l lo n e 9 V a l k a l i n e
Set camera lens to the f -stop battery in the compartment,
indicatedon the Calculator noting correct polarityas
Dial above the mode color s h o w n o n t h e l a b e l i n s i d e .
you selected. (See page 14) CAUTION.' Beware of *-o{lill
bargains!Performanceto specificationsis based
on the use of 9Y Alkalinebatteries(Mallory
I DuracellMN-1604or equivalent).
Focuscamera.Makesurethe unit is switchedon. e\,
Takethe picture afterthe ReadyLight g lows. To replacethe cover,push
the batteryintothe flash
slightlyand align the edgesof
the coverwiththe slotsin
the bodyof the unit.SlideView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
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the covertowardsthe AC/ DC Switchuntilit is A. 120-voltAC ( U.S.A.-Canada)
f i rmly seated. The SB-t has beenpre-set
to operatewherethe AC line
voltageis 120 voltsor less.4 To use yourf lashin theTo turnthe uniton, slidethe '120v'position:
AC/DCSwitch@ to the'DC' position. I
NOTE:Theoperating I Removethe batteryf rom yourinstructionsthroughoutthis flashunit.manualare f or batteryoperation.Whenusingthe
optionalAC Adapterbe sure to note the changes
detailedin the followingsectionon AC operation.
When to change the battery 2
lf, afterswitching the u n it on, the ReadyLight f ails Plugthe AC Adapterintothe
to glow after30 seconds,replacethe battery. Flash@ and any standard
120-voltwall outlet.
AC operation
TheoptionalVivitarSB-1 AC Adapteravailable 3fromyour localphotodealerallowsyou to fireyour To turnthe uniton, slidethe
AC operation household current.253 flash using AC/DC on the Switch@ or if you is low on power,is handy if your battery position. flash to the'AC'
wishto firemanyflashesfroma singleposition. Afterthe ReadyLightglows,
The adapterhastwo differentAC voltagesettings: your f lashin readyf or use.
6View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
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B. 220-vottAC (most other countries) 4
To useyourf lashwhere To turnthe uniton, slidethe AC/DCSwitch@ on
standardlinevoltage is 220 the f lashto the 'AC' position.Afterthe Ready
to 240voltsor less: Lightglows,yourf lashis readyfor use.
1 CAUTION:be set correctlyThe ACto preventAdapterdamagevoltagetoselectoryour unit.must
Removethe batteryf rom your f lashunit' A wall outletAC adaptermay be necessaryin
somecountriesas AC receptaclesvaryfrom
nz countryto country.
Removethe rubberinsert
f rom the AC Adaptervoltage
selectorand slidethe switch
to the'220v'position.
The illuminatedcalculatordial
YourVivitar253 hasan llluminatedCalculator
Dial@ *hich is easilyreadablein dim light.The3 Replacethe rubber insert,and attachthe AC d ial lights u p automaticallywhenthe 253 is
Adapter to both the Flash @ and any standard switchedon and goesout whenyou turnthe
220-voltwall outlet. unit off.
BView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
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Formingthe capacitor Attaching your flash to the camera
When yourf lashunit is new or when it has not
beenusedfor a longtime,the capacitormay lose 1T
some of its abilityto storeelectricity.You can Insertthe MountingFoot@'re-form' the capacitoras follows: intothe accessoryshoeon
the camera.
J.,,n,Mode DN:org,Date:cn=Mikec=US2024.04.21signedButkus,by17:22:13Mikeo=ButkusButkus-04'00'camera manuals, ou=butkus.org, email=mike@butkus. Selector Mike Butkus Digitally ' M' po sit io@n to I Ith e m a n u a l I I nz
rrz tolf youruse thecameraDetachablehas a hotShuttershoe,Cordit is not@ necessaryincludedlnsert the batteryand slidethe AC/DC Switchto with your f lashunit.Once attachedto the camera 'DC'the (On)position,or; set the AC/DCSwitch the flashis fullysynchronizedwiththe camera 'AC'to and plugthe optionalSB-1AC Adapter throughthe contactsin the shoe.
intoboththe f lashand the wall outlet.
\r,ee\, lf your camerais notAfterthe ReadyLightglows, equippedwith a hot shoe,f irethe f lashusingthe Open plug the pointedend of the
FlashButton@. n.peat this DetachableShutterCord intoabout5 timesallowingthe
the ShutterCord Socket@ReadyLightto glow5 to 10 on the flash.Plugthe otherend of the cord intothesecondsaftereachflash. 'X'. cameraflashterminalmarked (Referto your
Witheithermethodthe capacitorwill then be camerainstructionsfor specific information
formedand you are readyto beginshooting. regardingyour camera'sflashsynchronization.)
1 0 1 1View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
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Mode selector
The ModeSelector@ on your253 can be set to BLUE
threepositionsallowingyou to select'manual' Utilizesrelativelysmalllens
operationor one of two automaticmodes: openingsfor greaterdepthof
f ield.AutomaticoperatingM (Manual) rang e:In thispositionyourflashwill 2to 9Vz ft. (0.6m to 2.6 m).operatein the manualmode.
(Seepage15)
Get ready to shoot. automatically
Automatic modes
Whenusedfor automaticf lashphotography,the 1I
253'slightoutputvariesaccordingto the f lash-to- Set the camerato the correctsubjectdistanceand reflectivityof the subject.Two shutterspeedfor electronicdifferentautomaticmodesare providedto giveyou f lash.(Referto your cameracontroloverthe depthof fieldin your photographs. instructions)The modesare color-codedfor easyreference:
RED
Utilizeslargerlensopenings ,tlz
for relativelyshallowdepthof Set the correctASA or DIN
fieldand a longeroperating film speedby turningthe
range.Automaticoperating CalculatorDial @ untilthe
range: FilmSpeedIndicatorpoints
2to 17Vztt. (0.6m to 5.3 m). to the ASA or DIN of the film
1 2 1 3View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
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you are using.(Seeinsideback cover)The f ilm field,set the ModeSelectorto the 'BLUE'position,
speedcan be foundon the film box,cartridge,or and set your lensto f4.
on the datasheetthat comespackedwith the f ilm.
EXAMPLE;WhenusingASA 25 tilm,turn the 5Calculator Dial untilthe FilmSpeedlndicatorpoints Slide the AC/DC Switch@ 'DC'to 25 on the ASA Scale. (On)position. to the
Focusthe camera.Takethee\, pictureafterthe ReadyLight
Setthe Mode Selector@ to g lows.
the colorthatprovidesthe Yourflashunitwill automaticallydeterminecorrectautomaticoperatingrangeor I exposureswithinthe automaticrangefor thedepthof f ieldyou desire. Auto modeyou haveselectedwithoutf urtherf -stop
adjustments.(Seepage12) I
4Set your camera lens to the Manualoperation
f -stop indicatedon the Whenyou wish to use your Vivitar253 in theCalculatorDial within the Manualmode (for example,picturestakenbeyondmode color you selected. the automaticf lash range),proceedas follows:
NOTE:The correct automatic f -stopsfor most 1popular films are listed in the Specifications,
page24. Set the Mode Selector@ to
the manua l 'M p' o s i t i o n .EXAMPLE:UsingASA 25 tilm at a flash-to-subject
distanceof 7 feet,and desiringmaximumdepth of
1 4View original page 11Page 13 · Read text
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Helpfulhints
Shadows2 To avoidharshshadowsin your pictures,positionMakesure the Mode Selector@ is set to the your subjectsat least3 to 4 feetfrom wallsor use 'M'position.manual 'bounce flash'.
NOTE:Theproperflashguidenumberscorre- Bounce Flashspondingto bothASA and DIN film speedsare You can softenthe light,makingit lessharshandindicatedin the Specifications,page24.
directionalby simplyplacinga handkerchiefover
the f lash headand increasingthe exposureby a
full f-stop.
You can get evensofterlightingwith a minimumof
harshshadowsby bouncingthe lightoff a reflective
surfaceonto your subject.Lightcoloredwalls,
ceilings,largesheetsof paper,or evenbed sheets
makegood reflectors.Thistype of lightingis similar
light.NOTE:When\fter you've finished shooting to soft,hazysunlightor window usingcolorf ilm, be carefulaboutthe color of the
3attery reflectivesurface,as the bouncedlightwill take on
f you'renot goingto use your flashunitfor several the color of the reflector.Unlessyou are tryingfor
rueeks,or if the batteryappearsweak,removeit. specialeffects,it's a good ideato use a whiteor
-et it glow! gray coloredsurface.
)o not flashyour 253 beforeputtingit away.Just Firstset the Mode Selectoron the 253 to manual 'M'.urn it off. /l's betterto leave the ReadyLight To determinethe properexposurewhen using
Tlowing.The nexttime you use it, your f lashwill bounceflash,use any ONEof the following
re-form'faster,and its life will be extended. methods:
1 8 1 9View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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I - In roomsof averagesize and color,a good Mirrors
generalruleis to openyour lens2 f-stopswider Nevershootflashpicturesstraightinto mirrors,
than if you were shootingdirect. glassor otherhighlyreflectivesurfaces,as the
OR resultingreflectionsmay ruinyour pictures.Stand
2 - Findthe totalflash-to-reflector-to-subject at an angleso thatany reflectionswill be directed
distanceon the CalculatorDialand notethe f -stop awayfrom the camera.HINT:lf you can'tsee
indicatedabovethatdistance.Openyour lensone yourselfin the mirror,you'resafe. ,f-stopwider than indicatedon the dial. EXAMPLE:
UsingASA 25 film, photographinga subjectat a SimulatingSunlight
total bouncedistanceof 12 feet,set your lensto f2. Thereare timeswhenthe sun disappears,but the
picturecallsfor sunlight.Your electronicflashcan OR
3 - lf the totalbouncedistancedoes not appear then be used as the main light and very
on the CalculatorDial,firstmeasurethe total successfullysimulatesunlight.
distancefrom the flashto the reflectingsurfaceto Whenyou wish to simulatesunlightoutdoorsin
the subject.Then,dividethattotaldistanceintothe dull weather,firstdeterminethe properexposure
flashguidenumberfor the film you are using. for the naturaldaylightand then stop down one full
Notethe resultingnumber(roundedoff to the f-stop.Determinethe correspondingflash-to-
nearestf -stop),andopenyourlensonef -stopwider. subjectdistancefor that f -stop.Set your f lash at
EXAMPLE:UsingASA 25 film at a total bounce thatdistance.The flashwill then serveas the -: '15 ft. : 2.3; dominantlightsource,and the naturallightwilldistanceof 15 feet,GuideNo. 35
set your lensto t2.0or a littlewiderif the bounce serveas fill light.
surfaceis heavilytextured. Be sureto set the ModeSelectorof your 253 to 'M' For bounceflash,removethe flash unit from your manual for simulatingsunlight.
cameraand aim it at a midpointon the reflecting Open flash
surfacebetweenthe f lash and the subject. Thistechniqueinvolvesfiringthe flashmanually
20 21
,.-*iF-"&;View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
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hilethe camerashutteris open.You can use it for Flash fill
varietyof creativeeffects.For example,while the Electronicflashcan be usedoutdoorsto 'fill-in'
rutteris openthe film recordsboththe imagelit shadowareas.lt softenshard shadowsresulting
y the existinglightand the imagelit by the flash. from brightsunlightand is particularlyusefulwith
ou can capturebotha sharpand a blurredimage colorslidefilm,whichcan recordonly a limited
rthe samepictureto createa feelingof movement. contrastrange.Hereis a simpleprocedurewhich
Or, in a largedark interioryou can open the shutter you can modifyaccordingto your preference.Set
your camera'sshutterspeed and f-stop for a properand fire the flash severaltimesf rom different
positionsuntilyou havelit the entirescene. exposureof the subjectwithoutflash.Keep in mind
that only some shutterspeedscan be synchronized
Synchronizationspeed with the flash.Dividethe flashguidenumberfor
Whentakingpictureswith yourVivitarelectronic the film you are using by the f-stop you haveset.
flash,alwaystry to use the fastestshutterspeed Thiswill giveyou the flash-to-subjectdistancefor
that providesfull electronicflashsynchronization a brightfill. For a normalfill, movethe flashback(referto your camerainstructions for this informa- halfagainthe distanceand for a weakerfill (not 'ghosts'
tion).Thiswill eliminate or blurryimages recommendedwith colorslidefilm) doublethe
of brightlylit objectsin the background. brightfill distance.
Group shots Setthe ModeSelectorof your253 to manual'M'
Don'tlosesomeof yourfriendsin the shadows!Be for flashf ill.
surethatthe wholegroup is aboutthe same
distancefrom the camera.lf you're not careful
peopleclosestto the camerawill be overexposed
or'washedout' and thosefurthestawaywill be
underexposedbecausenot enoughlightreached
theirspot in the picture.
,"rd&s*ifu*;'*r*;. j ^ ] . - . . . , - . . i x , q . , .View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
1#
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Vivitar Model 253 specifications
Manual operation General specifications
GuideNumbers(ASA-Feet): BCPS(Beam CandlePowerSeconds):980in
manualmodeASAFilmSpeed 25 64 80 100 125 160 200 400 800 RecycleTime(AC or DC):5 seconds
FlashGuideNo. 35 56 63 70 78 89 99 140 198 (Whenusing batterypower,recycletime is
GuideNumbers(DlN-Meters): basedon an averageof the fifth flashwith a fresh
battery.Recyclingtakeslongeras the battery
DINFilmSpeed 15 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 30 drains.)
FlashGuideNo. 11 17 20 21 24 27 30 43 61 FI ash Du ration ( approx.) :
1 / 1000 second(manual)
Automatic operation 1 / 1000 to 1 /35,000 second(automatic)
Autof-stopsettingsto the closesthalff-stop: Color Temperature;5500" Kelvin
FilmSpeed:ASA25 64' 80. 100' 125.160*200.400 800 Ang les of I I I umination:
DIN 15 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 30 55overtical,55o horizontal
Ope rating Position: VerticalREDMode 2 3.4 3.4 4 4.8 4.8 5.6 I 1 1
Power Sources:BLUEMode 4 6.7 6.7 8 9.5 9.5 11 16 22 DC - One 9V alkalinebattery(MalloryMN 1604
*These ASA film speeds differ by only lz of an f-stop. The or equivalent)(not included)
re sulting c h a n g e in e x p o s u r ei s s o s l i g h t th a t a ch a n g e in AC - 120/220Vwith optionalAC adapterthe Auto f-stop may not be indicated.
Autom atic operati ng ranges: F/ashesper Battery:170*
REDMode 2 ft. to 17Vzfl. (0.6m to 5.3 m) Camera/ ElectronicFlashSynchronization
BLUEMode 2 ft. to B1/ztt. (0.6 m to 2.6 m) Connections:ShutterCord, Hot Shoe
Automatic SensorMeasuri ng Angle: 20o Weight(withoutBattery):4-3/4 oz. (135 g)
2 4 i 25
rk.,,"-*-;ddi..n"i ,U,,r*rj.i*1,#;r.,..,rt::,t*..,'.,.:t,r,,.,;;;Sidt$SbrdiJ .',#;,r*,., .;;M&i&l,lriue*1,. ,.rr ......:. .r,View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
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'Thawamty
Dimensions:1 -1 /4" x3-11/16tt x3-5/16t1 Your purchase of this new amd,VercaieVivitar Model 253 Automatic(32 mm x 94 mm x 84 mm) (lessthe mounting Electronic Flash is an expression of your confidence in the
foot) y0uqualityis expressedproducts fromin theVivitar*.ourstatement pledgeof warrantyof supportand theto
Accessorieslncluded:VivitarPC-1 12" Shutter servicePARTS AIIDinformationLABOR WARRAI{TYlisted below.
Cord Best,For TwoInc.Yearsandlorfromitsthesubsidiarydate of originalcorporationspurchase,warrantPonderthat&
AccessoriesAvailable:VivitarPC-313-foot Shutter anymanship,part which,fails tobecausefunctionof properlymanufacturingunder defectsnormal orusework-will
Cord,VivitarRemoteFlashTriggers;VivitarSB-1 be repaired or replaced at Ponder & Best, Inc.'s option
AC Adapter tionwithoutprepaidchargeto foran partsauthorizedand labor,Ponderif delivered& Best, Inc.transporta-Saryice
Center, accompaniedwith an owner's PurchaseRecord Card
andlor evidence of date and place of purchase. The sole
and exclusive remedy under all guarantees and warranties,
expressed or implied, is strictly limited to repair or
Specifications subiect to change without notice. replacementas herein providedand neither ponder & Best.
Inc. nor its subsidiarycorporationsshall be liable for conl
sequentia-ldamages, damages from delay or loss of equip.
ment or for damaged film.
SERVICE
Should your product require service, please package it
car€iuily. ustng amptg padding material t0 prevent damage
in transit, and send it prepaid and insured to an authorizdd
Ponder & Best, Inc. Service Center listed in the Vivitar
Authorized tlistributors and lnternational Service Centers
Folder. In your package,please include the followins:
l. A dated Owner's Purchase Card and/or evidence of
date and place of purchase.
2. A detailed description of the problem.
3. Samplefilms, if they relate to the problem.
AUTHORIZEDSERVICECENTERSFOR VIVITAR
PHOTOGRAPHICPRODUCTSARE LISTED IN THE
VIVITAR AUTHORIZEDDISTRIBUTORSA}ID
INTERI{ATIONALSERVICECENTERFOLDER,
*Viyitar is an international trademark of Ponder & Best, Inc.
26
.:,i;dr:tl:*i*rl**ir&rld!.&M&1!i;is&, Elisiirgi*.View original page 17From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.