285HV compatibility for the K10D

jeff1101 · 04-29-2007, 11:05 PM

Sorry for the newb question...

Went to a store to purchase a Vivitar 285HV for my k10D. Store clerk said that the 285HV only works for Canon cameras and not the K10D.

Is that True or not?

stewart_photo · 05-03-2007, 06:13 AM

The store clerk is mistaken. The 285HV will indeed work with the K10D. You will use the "X" setting on the camera's mode dial, with a shutter speed of 1/180 seconds. The aperture value will be determined by the settings on the flash (see the flash unit's owners manual). Like all automatic flash units (non-dedicated/non-TTL), the 285HV will use it's own built-in sensor to measure proper exposure.

stewart

jeff1101 · 05-03-2007, 09:19 PM

hey thanks! I will try it.

davemdsn · 05-04-2007, 11:54 AM

The 285HV works with virtually every camera ever made. The Clerk is a fool. Also, you can use the flash with the camera in M mode as well. I almost never use the X position on my K10D, even when using my 285HV. It will work either way.

wmmk · 05-04-2007, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by davemdsn

The 285HV works with virtually every camera ever made. The Clerk is a fool. Also, you can use the flash with the camera in M mode as well. I almost never use the X position on my K10D, even when using my 285HV. It will work either way.

Exactly. by the way, will my old 285HV fry my K100D? I use it off camera with some pocket wizard equivalents now, but having one flash on camera and two or three in the stands or rafters when I shoot basketball would be nice.

davemdsn · 05-04-2007, 06:31 PM

The HV models are supposed to be safe. The non HV are safe after a certain manufacture date. The 283s are definite camera fryers. Oddly enough, I used my 283s with my *istD via sync cord and it kept working. It would occassionally stop working but would always bounce back. I didn't know about the voltage issues at the time and wouldn't try it again. I'm all wireless now, thank goodness.

wmmk · 05-04-2007, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by davemdsn

The HV models are supposed to be safe. The non HV are safe after a certain manufacture date. The 283s are definite camera fryers. Oddly enough, I used my 283s with my *istD via sync cord and it kept working. It would occassionally stop working but would always bounce back. I didn't know about the voltage issues at the time and wouldn't try it again. I'm all wireless now, thank goodness.

Just to clarify, would this include HV models made up to 15 years ago?

Thanks,
Will

davemdsn · 05-04-2007, 08:39 PM

According to Vivitar all the HV models are ~6 volts. This link gives more info, and some great lighting techniques.....

Strobist: The Return of a Classic

jeff1101 · 05-07-2007, 03:46 AM

Purchased the 285HV and am now using it on my K10d.

Hmmmm. I thought the 285HV was the 2007 re-issue of the 285. I didnt know there was 285HV model 15 years ago. I did test the trigger voltage of mine by touching the two contacts in the flash shoe using my analog tester and it barely registered 5 volts so I think Im safe.

One thing I noticed touching the two contacts using the tester closed the circuit and made the flash fire. Is that OK? Am I doing it right?

*walter* · 05-08-2007, 01:06 PM

I've had my 285HV for about 10 years now.

Yes, that is normal. The camera does essentially the samething to trigger the flash.

Heathglen · 05-13-2007, 09:26 AM

I've got a 285 that is quite old. The serial number is 7011177. Where does it stand?

Larry in Dallas

anomaly · 07-05-2007, 10:01 AM

I do believe that only the new ones will work.

I have read that the old versions can destroy the camera.

gremlindesign · 07-08-2007, 07:00 PM

The local registered pentax repair center has tested two seperate 285HV units to operate at between 7.5 and 8.2 volts. The same store told me that the K10d can handle up to 16 and that there should never be any problems related to voltage. I've been using my k10 and 285HV a lot over the last little while for macro shots.

Bryce · 07-22-2007, 11:47 AM

I have a std-s, not a K-10 D. Also two Vivitar 285 HV's which I have used extensively. One is a newer model, made in China, the other is older, made in Taiwan. Never a problem, though that isn't a guarantee...

jv6856 · 08-02-2007, 12:38 PM

i've heard many stories about people using vivi285 (not the HV ones) on-camera and it wound up frying the camera.

this is a little off topic, but for the k10d, if i'm using slaves and 2 off camera flashes, can i still only shoot at 1/180?