Vivitar Auto Thyristor 283 ~ Shoe Mount Flash, Universal Flash Unit - Untested

NH Finds
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US $8.99
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Condition:
For parts or not working
“Untested, Selling as for parts.”
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US $8.59 USPS Ground Advantage®.
Located in: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States
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Estimated between Wed, Nov 12 and Mon, Nov 17 to 94104
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eBay item number:255974793510
Last updated on Sep 22, 2023 06:55:22 PDTView all revisionsView all revisions

Item specifics

Condition
For parts or not working
An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller’s listing for full details. See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tab
Seller Notes
“Untested, Selling as for parts.”
Mount Interface
Hot Shoe
Features
Flash Exposure Compensation, Tilt
UPC
0019643339521
Compatible Brand
Universal
Brand
Vivitar
Type
Shoe Mount
Model
283
MPN
233952
To Fit
Film Camera
Category

About this product

Product Information

The Vivitar 283, which was first manufactured in 1972, has been described as the Volkswagen "Bug" of flash units. It was manufactured for years and remained remarkably unchanged during its entire time in production. This flash has four automatic ranges, which allows for automatic operation with a choice of four aperture settings with your camera. With a guide number of 110, it can pack quite a punch for its compact size. The head of the Vivitar 283 tilts up to 90 degrees to allow for easy bounce lighting that will eliminate harsh shadows in your photography. The thyristor design conserves the four AA batteries that provide power and allows the 283 to recycle more quickly. Pointed directly at the subject, the 283 covers lenses up to 35 mm.An AC adapter and a number of third-party battery packs are available for the 283. The batteries slide into a small magazine for quick and easy changes, and extra battery holders are readily available for photographers to pre-load additional sets for heavy or extended shooting. The 283 operates effectively on alkaline and rechargeable batteries, so you can maintain a steady power supply no matter where you're shooting.The sensor that controls the choice of four apertures can be removed and used remotely with a special extension cord, and this sensor can also be replaced with a separate variable output module, allowing you to control the manual output. This can be useful if you're using the 283 as part of a setup with remote triggers and multiple flashes. When used in auto mode, the 283 has an operating range of 3 to 43 feet, and you'll be able to adjust the aperture selection for greater control of the depth of field in your photo.The extension cord has a hot shoe mount and also a PC cord outlet on the side. The PC cord can plug directly into the flash, and the cords are available in various lengths. The use of a device like the Wein safe sync is recommended unless you test the individual flash for high voltage. This unit was designed in the days when cameras were largely mechanical, and triggering voltage wasn't an issue whereas today's digital cameras are more sensitive to a high triggering voltage. Most 283's these days are used in multi-light setups.You may want to consider upgrading the mount if you plan to use the Vivitar 283 mounted on a light stand because it is relatively easy to replace and has multiple options for a strong metal one. Some of those replacement metal hot shoes also include a built-in optical slave, which is convenient if you want to use the 283 in a multi-flash arrangement.

Product Identifiers

Brand
Vivitar
MPN
233952
UPC
0019643339521
Model
283
eBay Product ID (ePID)
108231029

Product Key Features

Compatible Brand
Universal
To Fit
Film Camera
Type
Shoe Mount

Dimensions

Weight
13.5 Oz

Additional Product Features

Guide Number
120ft./Iso 100
Additional Features
Flexible Arm

Item description from the seller

About this seller

NH Finds

100% positive feedback•662 items sold

Joined Sep 2013
Thrift store & yard sale finds from New Hampshire and the Northeast area. We love physical media, electronics and collectibles. Doing our part to bring great items out of hiding and into your hands!
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Detailed seller ratings

Average for the last 12 months
Accurate description
5.0
Reasonable shipping cost
5.0
Shipping speed
5.0
Communication
5.0

Seller feedback (271)

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Product ratings and reviews

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4.8
43 product ratings
  • 37 users rated this 5 out of 5 stars
  • 4 users rated this 4 out of 5 stars
  • 1 users rated this 3 out of 5 stars
  • 0 users rated this 2 out of 5 stars
  • 1 users rated this 1 out of 5 stars

Easy to use

Consistent output

Flash recycles quickly

Most relevant reviews

See all 35 reviews
  • by guitarfoundation
    Nov 09, 2015Top favorable review

    Powerful, versatile flash at a bargain price

    I now own 2 of these Vivitar 283 flash units. One I bought back in the 70s, one recently. The guide number at ASA 100 is 120, so they have plenty of power. The auto thyristor sensor has five settings, and has always done a good job of giving proper light output. The multi-angle flash head automatically compensates (boosts) light output when it's not pointed directly at the subject. There are many accessories available very inexpensively. I own a vari-power module that replaces the auto sensor. It can be set anywhere from full power to 1/16 power. I also own a lens kit which changes the spread of the light beam. In 35mm terms, the lenses are 24mm, 28mm, 70mm, and 135mm. The 24mm and 28mm can be used as diffusion filters to soften the lighting effect. at any focal length. Also in ...

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: robertscamera

  • by zUkRrsZXQdK@Deleted
    Oct 17, 2018

    1970'S

    I am thrilled to be able to use this flash with to my 44 year old 35mm SLR camera. Product was in excellent condition when I acquired it. This flash is packed with features and is easy to use.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: sns-accessories

  • by motophotomark
    Jan 01, 2020

    Over 40 years and still happy

    You cannot buy a less expensive more reliable on or for use off camera flash unit. I bought my first one When they came out in the late 70s and now I have five sometimes I gang them all up or use them separately.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: sar1138

  • by monotypemaker
    Aug 23, 2016

    Vivitar 283 flash vintage

    Used with a remote trigger (of course, NEVER attached directly to new digital camera hot shoe!) old VivItar 283s and 285s function well. This unit seems in great shape, as described. Thanks for being honest & accurate!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: jerseydevle

  • by truckdriverdrives
    Sep 18, 2018

    Last almost forever. Watch out for high trigger voltage on digital cameras.

    Best old school manual flash I have used, Works well for slave flash. I have 4 of these.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: donbren77

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