Vivitar 285HV

In a previous post I said that I was going to get a LumoPro LP120(see "Shooting On Location With Speedlights").  I was about to pull the trigger, but at $139 plus shipping, I realized that I could get a Vivitar 285HV plus Honl Grid, and Speed Strap for the same price(with batteries).

I think I made a good choice.  The LumoPro has a few advantages over the 285HV, most notably the ability to sync it optically, or by PC port.  But, like most people today, my money is funny.  The Vivitar was only $89.99, so I couldn't pass it up.  I'm now thinking about using only 285HV's, but only time will tell.

I haven't played with the flash yet.  I plan on doing a self-portrait tonight for my "52 Weeks" project.  I'll see how well it performs once I put it to work.  It's a classic, so I figure it should perform well.  Here are some of the specs for the 285HV:

• Guide number 120 (ISO 100/feet).
• Automatic exposure range to 70 feet
• Accepts optional high voltage power sources for faster recycle time and more flashes.
• Four auto f/stop settings for controlling depth-of-field and maximum auto flash range.
• Zoom flash head has three positions for covering 35mm, 50mm and 105mm camera lenses.
• Bounce flash capability for softer lighting.
• Removable sensor can be camera mounted with the optional sensor cord permitting automatic exposure when using side bounce flash photography.
• Built-in vari-power for convenient fill flash and rapid sequence photography.
• Auto Thyristor circuitry for faster recycle time and greater number of flashes.

I shot these pictures using my newly acquired Honl Grid and Gels.  I'm impressed with the Honl products. Some people say that they are a little expensive, but I didn't mind paying the premium if it meant that I didn't have to spend time making light modifiers.  I really appreciate the look of quality that I get from the Honl products.  When I show up for a portrait shoot it simply looks more professional.

In the future, I'm going to get at least three more 285HV's, and a few more light modifiers.  I might even sell my Nikon SB-600, and get two more Vivitars.  I like the Creative Lighting System, but the price makes me shy away.   If you want an inexpensive, portable, lighting system - the Vivitar 285HV may be the way to go!