Vivitar 283 User manual

r
I Vivitan
  automatic electronic flash
  Model283
    Owner's Manual
    Gebrauchsanleitung
    Manueldu propri6taire
    Manualdel propietario

CONGRATULATTOiTS  . . . AND WELCOME to the ever-
 increasing number ol photographers now en joying Vivitar
 electronic llash. This Owner's Manual is a handy reterence
guide and we suggesl you reter to it whenever queslions
 arise on lhe use and care ol your llash.
 Your new Model 283 llash unit is the heart of an extensive
systern ol unique and sophisticated accessories that allow
you to exercise your creativity to its lullest potential. As
your experience with electronic tlash expands, look to
 Vivitar for quality products that help you take pictures with
 that " prolessional touch."
We thank you tor selecting this product and hope that the
 versatility ol the entire Vivitar 283 F/ash System bringsyou
many years of picture-taking en joyment.


Description of Controls
@llluminated Calculator Dial   @ Alt<aline Battery Holder
@Sensor Socket       @ Remote Sensor Cord                                  and Sensor Holder *
@Bounce Angle Scale
                          @Removable Sensor@ Sufticient Light lndicalor
               @ vooe Selector@ catculator Dial Light Button
                                            Holder Shutter              @ Sensor@ aattery Compartment Cover                                   Cord Socket
@ Shutter Cord Socket               @ Detachable Shutter
@ RC nOapter Receptacle              Cord
@on-otf switcn
@ Ready Light/Open Flash Button
@ Mounting Foot Lock Lever
                                            'optional accessory  in some countiles@ Mounting Foot

IMPORTANT
SAFEGUARDS
When using your photographic equipment,
basic safety precautions should always be
followed, including the following:
1. Read and understand all instructions.
2. Close supervision is necessary when
any equipment is used by or near children.
Do not leave equipment unattended while
in use.
3. Care must be taken as burns can occur
from touching hot parts.
4. Do not operate equipment with a
damaged cord or if the equipment has
been dropped or damaged-until it has
been examined by a qualified serviceman.
5. Do not let cord hang over edge of table
or counter or touch hot surfaces.
6. lf an extension cord is necessary, a cord
with a suitable current rating should be
used. Cords rated for less amperage than

the equipment may overheat. Care should
      be taken to arrange the cord so that  it will
      not be tripped over or pulled.
        7. Always unplug equipment from electrical
       outlet when not in use. Never yank cord to
        pull plug from outlet. Grasp plug and pullto
       disconne,ct.
       8. Let equipment cool completely before
       putting away. Loop cord loosely around
      equipment when storing.
        9. To protect against electrical shock
      hazards, do not immerse this equipment inA!
      water or other liquids.
       10. To avoid electric shock hazard, do not(
      disassemble this equipment, but take  it to a
       qualified serviceman when some
      service or repair work is required. lncorrect!   reassembly can cause electric shock
      hazard when the equipment is used
(     subsequently.
  SAVETHESE?   INSTRUCTIONS

Table of Contents
  2-3  Short Course of lnstructions
  4-5  Battery Operation
             Battery Saving Circuit
         When to Change the Batteries
  5-7  AutomaticOperation
          The Sensor
         The Mode Selector
            Thyristor Circuit
          The Sufficient Light lndicator
  7-B The llluminated Calculator Dial
 B-9  Forming The Capacitor
 9-10 Attaching Your Flash to the Camera
10-16 ShootingAutomatically
         On-Camera Direct Flash
         On-Camera Automatic Bounce Flash
          Off-Camera Direct and Off-Camera Bounce Flash
         The Bounce Compensalor Circuit
16-19 ShootingManually
             Direct Flash
           Manual Bounce Flash
  J9  Cameras With Built-in Automatic Flash Control
  20  After You've Finished Shooting
          Removing the Flash
            Batteries
20-23 Helpful Hints
          Off-Camera Direct Lighting
          Bounce Lighting
           Using the Sufficient Light lndicator
            Mirrors
            Simulating Sunlight
         Open Flash
           Synchronization Speed
          Group Shots
            Flash Fill
24-25 Model 283 Specifications

Short Course of lnstructions


       1
            Set the flash head  tilt at 0', slide back Battery Compartment
          Coverand insert batteries. (See page4)
        nz
            Flash unit 5 times to form capacitor. (See page B)
A
                            l-l\'
            Set camera to correct shutter speed for electronic flash.7
   4
            Set film speed on Calculator Dial. (See page 7)c
7         E\.,Mount the  f lash on camera.
           Attach Shutter Cord to flash unit and "X" terminal on
          camera. (See page9)

   o
         Aim the flash and/or set flash head  tilt to the desired
           shooting angle. (See page 12)c!

7
 Plug the Sensor @ into the flash. (See page 5)
ISelect an automatic f-stop from the Calculator Dial that
 provides the automatic operating range or depth of field
you desire. (See page 8)

9
Set the Mode Selector on the Sensor to the corresponding
 color. (See page 5)

10
Set camera lens to the auto f-stop you selected from the
Calculator Dial.


11
Slide the On-Off Switch @ to the RED "ON" position.
Focus camera.  lf desired, fire a test  f lash after the Ready
Light glows. (See page 6)

12
 lf Sufficient Light lndicator glows, wait for the Ready Light
and then take the picture.

Battery Operation

1
 Set the flash head  tilt to 0o and remove the Battery Compart-
 ment Cover @ Oy sliding it away from the body of the flash
 unit. A stop is provided on the cover so you can load the
 batteries without completely removing the cover  if desired.
2
Remove the Alkaline Battery Holder
@ from the Battery Compartment
and install 4 AA alkaline batteries
according to the diagram on the Holder.  lf the batteries are
not installed correctly the flash unit will not function.
CAUTION: Beware of bargains! Best results and
performance to specifications are based on the use of fresh
1.5V AA alkaline batteries.
3
 lnsert the Battery Holder into the
Battery Compartment, making sure
the squared-off corner of the Holder
aligns with the squared-off corner
of the Battery Compartment.
4
To replace the cover, push the
batteries into the flash slightly and
slide the cover forward until  it is
firmly seated.  lf the cover has been
completely removed, align  it with the body of the flash unit,
making sure lhe edges of the cover are in slots. Then slide
 it into place.
Batlery Saving Circuit
Your flash unit has a built-in circuit that acts lo signif icantly
prolong battery life. When this circuit is in operation, the
Ready Light @ will BLINK.
This Battery Saving Circuit only works with Alkaline or NiOad
batteries. The Ready Light will remain on (not blinking) when the
unit is being operated with AC (SB-4) or High Voltage Battery
Pack.                          4

When to Change the Batteries
The batteries should be replaced when the Ready Light fails
to glow after 30 seconds or when no sound can be heard
when the unit is switched on. lt's a good idea to periodically
clean both ends of the alkaline batteries and all other
battery contacts on the Battery Holder and inside the Battery
Compartment with a pencil eraser.
Automatic Operation
The Sensor
Your Vivitar 283 Electronic Flash is equipped with a
Removable Sensor @ tnat measures the light reflected from
the subject and other rellective surfaces near the subject.
This information is interpreted by a solid state computer in
the Sensor which programs the flash to provide just the right
amount of light required for a perfect exposure. The practical
advantage is that you don't have to change the f-stop on
your camera lens when you move closer to a subject or
farther away. As long as your subject is within the automatic
operating range of the flash for that f-stop, the computer
automatically makes the adjustment for you.
To remove the Sensor from the flash,
pull  it straight out from the body of the
flash. To mount the Sensor back on
the flash, align the black ridge at the
back of the Sensor with the groove in
the Sensor Socket @ and push the Sensorfirmly  into the flash.
The Mode Selector
The Mode Selector @ on the
Sensor allows you to set the 283
for "manual" operation, or for
automatic operation with four
different   f -stops on your camera
lens. This provides you with a
means for controlling the depth of field in your photographs.
Because the four  f -stops are determined by the speed of
the film you are using, each aulomatic mode is assigned a color.
The Mode Selector may be set to any one of the following
five positions:
                                    5

M "Manual"          l;'1 this position your flash will provide                                                 f-maximum  light- output regardless of the flash-to-subject                                                            i
distance. (See page 16)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i
YELLOWshallow depth-   Utilizesof field,theandwidestprovideslens theopeninggreatestfor automaticrelatively
operating range. Automatic operating range: 5 to 43 feet
(1.5 m to 13.1 m)

depthRED - of Utilizesfield. Thea mediumautomaticlensoperatingopening rangefor somewhatis shortenedmore
accordingly. Automatic operating range: 4 to 30 feet
(1.2 m to 9.1 m)
BLUEof field.- AutomaticUtilizes a operatingsmaller lensrange:opening2 to 15forfeetgreater depth
(0.6 m to 4,5 m)
PURPLEdepth of field.-   UtilizesAutomaticthe smallestoperatinglensrange:opening2 to for11 feetmaximum
(0.6 m to 3.4 m)
Thyristor Circuit
Your Vivitar Model 283 has a unique power conservation
system called a thyristor circuit. This circuit saves the excess
energy not needed for a proper exposure thereby providing
incredibly fast recycling and a greater number of flashes
per charge. The recycle time and the number of flashes per
charge varies depending on the flash-to-subject distance. As
you move the flash closer to the subject, the 283 recycles
faster, and is capable of providing more flashes per set
of batteries.
The Sufficient Light lndicator
The Sufficient Light lndicator @ on your Vivitar 283 lets
you know before you take a picture  if the light output will be
sufficient for a good exposure.  lt may be used when shooting
 in any of the four automatic modes, and is especially helpful
 in bounce light situations normally requiring complex
exposure calculations. To test an exposure using the
Sufficient Light   I ndicator:

1
Position your camera, flash, and subject just as you wish
for the final picture.
                                 6

2
Set both your camera lens and the Mode Selector @ to the
desired automatic mode.
3
Switch on the flash unit. After the Ready Light glows, fire the
flash by pushing the Ready Light/Open Flash Button @.
 lf the flash exposure is adequate, the green Sufficient Light
lndicator will glow for about 2 seconds immediately after
firing the flash.  lf the light glows, you can be sure of getting
a good exposure provided you keep your subject and your
photo equipment in the same position. Make sure you wait
for the Ready Light to glow before shooting the actual
picture.
NOTE: The Suff icient Light lndicator  is for use in any of the
four Automatic Modes, and will not light  if the Sensor is
set on manual "M," or if the Sensor is not connected to
the flash.
The llluminated Calculator Dial
The llluminated Calculator Dial on your Vivitar 283 provides
you with vital information at a glance while shooting.
When the Ready Light on the flash is glowing, the Calculator
Dial can be illuminated for easy reading by pushing the
Calculator Dial Light Button @ on the back of the flash.
To set the Calculator Dial for the ASA or DIN number of the
film you are using, turn the outer edge of the dialwith both
thumbs until the appropriate number on the ASA or DIN
Scale is opposite the black Film Speed lndicator. The ASA
or DIN number of your film can be found on the film box,
cartridge, or on the data sheet that comes packed with the
film.  lf the ASA or DIN number of your film is not on the
calculator dial, use the film speed scale shown to find its
location and set the black indicator to the corresponding dot
on the dial.
               FILM SPEED SCALE
                                                            15DIN  27r 26rrrl25 24 23 22I 21tt20 19rtt18 17 16ttASA  400 320 250 200 160 125 100 80 64 50 40 32 25
                                   7

After the Dral is properly set, the four colored triangles on the
 Dial line up below lhe four automalic   f -stops for the  f ilm
you are using.  lf after setting the film speed on the Calculalor
 Dial, each colored triangle falls between two dilferent
f-stops, refer to the "Auto f-stop settings" chart on page24
 of the Specif ications for the best  f -stop to use. The numbers
 wilhin each triangle indicate in both feet and meters lhe
approximate maximum operating range for each
automatic mode.
EXAMPLE:Using ASA 25 tilm (DlN 15), the black Film Speed
 lndicator points to the 25 on the ASA Scale (15 on the DIN
Scale). The four automatic i-stops which now align with
the    colored             triangles                        are: Yellow                          Mode                                           15.6-     f 1.4, Red Mode -       Mode                      Modef2, Blue                      f4, Purple             -                 -NOfE: The automatic operating range for each of the four
automatic modes remains lhe same regardless of the type
of film being used. Only the corresponding  l-stops change.
Refer to page 24 for the exact ranges in feet and melers.

                                            f-stop scale purple triangle
                                          distance scales   blue triangle
                                                  film speed indicator    red triangle
                                    DIN scaleyellow triangle
                               ASA scale
                       Mike Butkus DigitallyDN:email=mike@butkus.org,Date:cn=Mike2026.05.26signedButkus,by00:57:58Mikeo, ou=Butkus.org,Butkusc=US-04'00'

Forminq the Capacitor
When your   f lash is new or when it has not been used for a
long time, the capacitor loses some of its ability to store
electricity. When this occurs, you can "form" the capacitor
as follows:

1
Plug the Sensor @ into the flash
and set the Mode Selector @ to the
manual "M" positjon. (See page 5)

2
 lnsert the batteries and slide the
 On-Off Switch to the RED "ON"
 position:           or
 SB-4 AC         Adapter-  plugintothebothoptionalthe flash and the wall outlet.
 NOTE:The flash's On-Off Switch must be in the 'OFF'
 position when using the AC Adapter
3
 After the Ready Light glows,  f ire the
 flash 5 times using the Open Flash
 Button @, allowing the Ready Light
 to glow 15 to 20 seconds after
each flash.
With either method your capacitor will then be formed and
you are ready to begin shooting.
Attaching your Flash to the Camera

1
Move the Mounting Foot Lock Lever
@ all the way to the left (unlock
position).
2
lnsert the Mounting Foot @ into
the accessory shoe on the camera
and tighten by moving the Mounting
Foot Lock Lever to the right until
it clicks into the "LOCK" position.
3
lf your camera has a hot shoe, it is not necessary to use the
Detachable Shutter Cord included with your flash unit.
Once attached to the camera, the flash is fully synchronized
with the camera through the contacts in the shoe.
NOTE:When using the flash on a camera hot shoe, the
Sensor @ must be connected to the flash or the flash will
not fire when the camera's shutter release is pressed.
                                    9

4
 lf your camera does not have a hot
shoe, plug the pointed end of the
Detachable Shutter Cord @ into
the Shutter Cord Socket @ on the
flash. Plug the other end of the cord
 into the camera flash terminal
marked "X." (Refer to your camera
instructions for specific information
regarding your camera's electronic flash synchronization.)
Shooting Automatical ly
On-Camera Direct Flash
This method of operation with your
283 flash allows you to photograph
subjects at maximum distances      P.--:----:-Q
from the flash while still maintaining
automatic flash exposure control.

1
Mount the Sensor @ onto the fronl
of the flash. (See page 5)    32
Set your camera to the correct
shutter speed for electronic flash.
(Refer to your camera instructions.)         #rsz'
3
Set the ASA or DIN number of the  f ilm you are using on the
Calculator Dial (see page 7). The four colored triangles on
the dial now line up below the four automatic   f -stops
for the film you are using.
4
Select any one of the four aulomalic
f-stops on the Calculator Dial that
provides the automatic operating
range or depth of field you desire.
                                                     't0

5
Turn the knurled dial on the Mode
 Selector @ until the color that
corresponds to the f-stop you
selected in step #4 above appears
 in the window on lhe side of the Selecto
6
Set your camera lens to the auto
f-stop you selected in step *4.          fl7
Set the flash head  tilt to the 0
 (straight ahead) position.
EXAMPLE OF ON-CAMERA DIRECT
FLASH:You wish to photograph a
subject 15 feet away  f rom the  f lash
and desire moderately great depth
of field. Using ASA 25  f ilm, set
the Mode Selector to the Blue position, and set your camera
lens to f4. Your automatic operating range is  f rom 2 to 15 feet.
8
Slide the On-Off Switch to the RED
"ON" position. Focus the camera.
 lf desired, test the exposure using
the Sufficient Light lndicator (see page 6). Take the
picture after the Ready Light glows.
Your flash unit will automatically determine correct
exposures without further adjustments as long as you remain
within the automatic range you have selected.

On-Camera Aulomatic Bounce Flash
When mounted on-camera, your
283 allows you to bounce light off
the ceiling or other reflective
surfaces above the flash for extra
soft illumination, while maintaining
the convenience of automatic flash exposure control

                                            11

applications  it is recommended that you mount your  f lash
on the optional Vivitar Quick Release Pistol Grip, available
 at your local Vivitar dealer.

hfi,,i*:t#nriili*,,       #\v/2
Set the ASA or DIN film speed on
the Calculator Dial (See page 7)

3
Remove the Sensor @ from the
flash by pulling  it straight out from
the body of the  f lash.
4',
Mount the Sensor on the Sensor
Holder @ bV aligning the black
ridge at the back of the Sensor with
the groove in the front of the Sensor
Holder and pushing the Sensor
firmly into the Holder.
5.
Plug the small end of the Sensor
Cord @ into the Sensor Socket C
on the front of the flash, makingsure the ridge in the plug aligns with g
 lhe groove in the Sensor Socket.
6.
Slide the Sensor Holder @ onto
your camera's flash accessory shoe
with the Sensor facing forward.
lf your camera is equipped with ahot shoe, full flash-to-camera  il.G'Optional accessory in some countties  .14 K

synchronization is now achieved
through the Sensor Cord.  lf your
camera is not equipped with a hot
shoe, plug the pointed end of the
Detachable Shutter Cord @ into
the Sensor Holder Shutter Cord
Socket on the side of the Sensor
 Holder, and plug the other end of the Shutter Cord into the
"X" terminal on your camera. (Refer to your camera
 instructions for specific information regarding your camera's
  f lash synch ronization.)
7
Select any one of the four automatic
f-stops on the Calculator Dial that
provides the automatic operating
range or depth of field you desire.
Remember that the automatic operating range must be
sutticient to include the entire llash-to-ref lector-to-subject
Idistance.Turn the knurled dial on the Mode
Selector @ until the color that
corresponds to the f-stop you
selected in step #7 above appears
 in the window on the side of the Sel  RISet your camera lens to the auto
f-stop you selected in step #7.
10              ector.nAfter positioning your subject, aim
the flash for the desired lighting
effect. The adjustable head of the
283 tilts upward 90' from the 0"
(straight ahead) position, with click stops at 0", 45., 60.
75' and 90'. (See "Helpful Hints," page 20)
EXAMPLE OF OFF-CAMERA AUTOMATIC BOUNCE

                                       15

FLASH: Using ASA 25 film, you wish to use side lighting on
your subject for a dramatic effect. The total bounce distance
from the flash to the wall to the subject is 12 feet and you
want relatively great depth of field;
I  Set the Mode Selector to BLUE (automatic operating
   range 2-15 feet).
r  Set your camera lens to f4.
r Aim the flash at the midpoint on the wall between the
   llash and the subject.
11
Slide the On-Off Switch to the RED
"ON" position. Focus the camera.
 lf desired, test the exposure using
the Sufficient Light lndicator (see page6). Take the picture
after the Ready Light glows.
Your flash unit will automatically determine correct
exposures without further adjustments as long as you remain
within the automalic range you selected.
The Bounce Compensator Circuit
Your Vivitar 283 tras a built-in
Bounce Compensator Circuit
(BCC) that automatically increases
the light output of the flash when
the 283 is set to the 45', 60', or 75' positions on the Bounce
Angle Scale @. These three positions are enclosed in the
red rectangle on the Scale. The BCC feature supplies the
extra power usually required to compensate for light
dispersion when bouncing light off the ceiling or other
reflectors above the flash.
NOTE: The BCC functions with any of the four automatic
modes, and does not activate when shooting in the manual
"M" mode.

Shooting Manually
Direct Flash
Should you wish to use your 283 in the Manual mode (for

                                   16

taking pictures beyond the automatic   f lash range or when
 using multiple flash lighting), proceed as follows:

1
Mount the Sensor @ontothertash
 unit. (See page 5)               3
2
Set the Mode Selector 0o) to tne
Manual "M" position.


,3., uo,.. camera,"
shutter speed for ek
(Refer to your came         *iffik, #\izl
4
Set the ASA or DIN film speed on
the Calculator Dial. (See page 7)
5
Focus your camera and estimate
the distance from the  f lash to the
subject. You can usually do this "by
eye" or you can refer to the distance indicated on the
camera lens barrel after focusing.
6
Find the flash-to-subject distance
on the Calculator Dial Distance
Scale, and set your lens to the
f-stop indicated above that
distance. (Disregard the colored triangles on the Dial when
shooting in the manual mode.)
EXAMPLE:  lf you are 45 feet from your subject and are using
ASA 64 film, set your lens f-stop to f2.

7
Slide the On-Off Switch to the RED
"ON" position. Focus the camera.
Take the picture after the Ready
Light glows.
CAUTION:For rapid sequence flash pictures in the manual
mode, you may fire your 283 as soon as the Ready Light
glows. However, to prevent possible damage avoid a
continuous series of more than 25 flashes and allow the unit
to "rest" for 4 minutes between series.
Manual Bounce Flash
Your 283 can be used in the manual
"M" mode for bounce flash at
distances beyond the maximum
automatic operati ng range..
First set the Mode Selector on the 283 to manual "M".
To determine the proper exposure when using bounce flash
in the manual mode, use any ONE of the following methods:
1
ln rooms of average size and color, a good general rule is to
open your lens 2 f-stops wider than if you were shooting
direct.
OR
2
After setting the proper ASA number on the Calculator Dial,
find the total flash-to-reflector-to-subject distance on the
Calculator Dial and note the f-stop indicated above that
distance. Open your lens 1 f-stop wider than indicated on
the dial.
EXAMPLE: Photographing a subject 20 feet from the flash
with ASA 100 film, set your lens to f4.
OR
A\'
 lf the total bounce distance does not appear on lhe
Calculator Dial, first measure the distance from the flash to
the reflecting surface to the subject. Then, divide that total
distance into the flash guide number for the  f ilm you are
                                   18