Sunpack or Vivitar for OCF?

BethC · 08-16-2013, 08:57 AM

Curious to know if anyone has any experience with either the Sunpack 444D or the Vivitar 285HV flashes?

I'm still looking for a flash I can put off camera on a light stand, trigger with some cactus triggers mostly for wedding receptions for some rim light or dimensional lighting during reception. I'd love to have a flash were I can dial down the output to 1/8th or 1/4th power etc.... I think from everything I've been reading, either one of these flashes will work for what I need. I can get a used one of each for the same price, but I'm not sure which one. I think I've been reading and looking into flashes for too long. I've gotten to the Confused, overwhelmed, not sure what one phase.

any experience with either of these flashes??

Not a Number · 08-16-2013, 09:58 AM

Both flashes have the features you are looking for.

I have the Vivitar 285 (purchased new in the 1980s) and a couple of Sunpak 433Ds. The 433D is practically the same as the 422D with a slightly higher Guide Number and lacks the interchangeable module and auto shut-off.

As I recall the Vivitar has a higher Guide Number than the Sunpak. It also has a built-in Zoom head so you can change the area of coverage. It is much bulkier and heavy than the Sunpak, but it is built like a tank. The distance f-stop guides on the Sunpak are integrated with the power selector making it easier to use in manual mode but the switches are small and can be tedious or a bit fiddly to operate. The guide dial on the Vivitar is lighted which can help in low light situations.

I'm not sure how you wake up the 422D after it has auto powered down. You may not be able to do it remotely and have to press the test button on the flash. You can find the manual online.

Either unit should serve you well.

BethC · 08-16-2013, 10:01 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Both flashes have the features you are looking for.

I have the Vivitar 285 (purchased new in the 1980s) and a couple of Sunpak 433Ds. The 433D is practically the same as the 422D with a slightly higher Guide Number and lacks the interchangeable module and auto shut-off.

As I recall the Vivitar has a higher Guide Number than the Sunpak. It also has a built-in Zoom head so you can change the area of coverage. It is much bulkier and heavy than the Sunpak, but it is built like a tank. The distance f-stop guides on the Sunpak are integrated with the power selector making it easier to use in manual mode but the switches are small and can be tedious or a bit fiddly to operate. The guide dial on the Vivitar is lighted which can help in low light situations.

I'm not sure how you wake up the 422D after it has auto powered down. You may not be able to do it remotely and have to press the test button on the flash. You can find the manual online.

Either unit should serve you well.

Thank you for the reply. I was also curious about the beep on the Vivitar that I read about. I read it beeps when it is ready to fire and continues to beep until it is. I'm curious how loud it is and if it would be heard if up on a light pole a bit away from the action at a wedding reception. any input on that?

BethC · 08-16-2013, 10:44 AM

Also the 433d' s I found online says it is for Nikon. Is there one specifically for Pentax? Or will this Nikon one work?

Not a Number · 08-16-2013, 11:21 AM

Yes the 285 beeps continuously when it is fully charged. It is lot less louder than the focus confirmation beep on my K!0D, I can barely hear it an arms length away but my hearing isn't what it used to be.

There are Pentax modules for the Sunpak but the flash doesn't support P-TTL. These will set the shutter sync speed though. The module shouldn't matter that much. Mine are for Minolta cameras and work fine. The extra pins don't seem to matter and does not harm the Pentax circuitry. So a Pentax module would be desirable but not necessary. A couple of the *istD models support the older TTL flashes.

atupdate · 08-16-2013, 11:21 AM

Originally posted by BethC

Also the 433d' s I found online says it is for Nikon. Is there one specifically for Pentax? Or will this Nikon one work?

It won't matter if it is Nikon or Pentax, as the Cactus triggers will fire either (they use the center pin to fire). For off camera flash, you really want a flash with manual power level settings (1/64, 1/32, 1/8, 1/4 etc.) if you can get one. It comes in handy when trying to balance the light. This would make the Sunpack a better choice in my opinion.

Tim

Not a Number · 08-16-2013, 11:24 AM - **1 Like**

The Sunpak and Vivitar only go down to 1/16th power.

atupdate · 08-16-2013, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

The Sunpak and Vivitar only go down to 1/16th power.

I didn't see the adjustment dial on the Vivitar pictures, so that would make the Vivitar a better choice since it has the higher guide number.

Tim

Not a Number · 08-16-2013, 11:45 AM

The vari-power module is on the front with the sensor. This can be removed and used with a remote sensor cable. The module is an accessory on the Vivitar 283 and both the cable and module are not interchangeable between the 283 and 285. So make sure to get the proper cable/module. The Vivitars do not have swivel heads so that's where the cable comes in handy if you are using auto-modes.

My inclination would be to go with the higher GN. I seldom use my 285 any more - a little too bulky for most of the on camera stuff I do nowadays but I haven't sold it because of the GN.

BethC · 08-16-2013, 01:19 PM

Does the vivitar stay on? Or does it turn off after not being fired for a certain amount of time? (I'm trying to find the manual online, but figured I'd ask)

Not a Number · 08-16-2013, 03:21 PM

The Vivitar 285HV doesn't have auto-off as far as I know unless they added it to later units. It has been in production since the 80s.

Manuals:

http://www.cameramanuals.org/flashes_meters/vivitar_285hv.pdf
Sunpak Auto zoom 933, Sunpak 444D, Sunpak auto 383 super, sunpak auto 36dx, Sunpak Auto 3075G, sunpak auto 511, Sunpak 611, 422D, Sunpak 433D, Sunpak 622, Sunpak DC3, Sunpak Interface Module,

MPrince · 08-16-2013, 04:06 PM

My choice would be either a Nikon SB-25 or SB-26.

BethC · 08-16-2013, 04:15 PM

Originally posted by MPrince

My choice would be either a Nikon SB-25 or SB-26.

Ah! I thought I had it narrowed down! LOL I think it's one of those deals where I'm on information overload and I'm just confused! So, sell it to me. Tell me why you'd go that way... In the mean time, I'm going to look at the review section here and see what is posted about them.

Thanks!! I do appreciate the suggestions and comments everyone!

MPrince · 08-17-2013, 05:44 AM

Originally posted by BethC

Ah! I thought I had it narrowed down! LOL I think it's one of those deals where I'm on information overload and I'm just confused! So, sell it to me. Tell me why you'd go that way...

The Nikon SB-25 and SB-26 flashes are well made, high quality, and readily available on the used market for as little as $70 in excellent condition for the 25 and under $100 for the 26.

Both the SB-25 and SB-26 have a seven stop range, from 1/1 to 1/64.

Power zoom range from 20mm to 85mm.

Sleep mode can be bypassed.

Built-in bounce card.

The SB-26 has an optical slave.

They can be used on camera in manual or auto mode and off camera in manual mode triggered wirelessly and manual or auto mode triggered via pc sync cable.

Not a Number · 08-17-2013, 08:48 AM

The Sunpak 422D manual says this:

"Your auto 422D will remain ready to fire even after the circuitry is cut off as long as the orange Ready/Test light stays "on". To reset, just fire the flash again or push the Auto/Off Reset Button."

08-16-2013, 08:57 AM	#1
BethC Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pennsylvannia Photos: Albums Posts: 377	Sunpack or Vivitar for OCF? Curious to know if anyone has any experience with either the Sunpack 444D or the Vivitar 285HV flashes? I'm still looking for a flash I can put off camera on a light stand, trigger with some cactus triggers mostly for wedding receptions for some rim light or dimensional lighting during reception. I'd love to have a flash were I can dial down the output to 1/8th or 1/4th power etc.... I think from everything I've been reading, either one of these flashes will work for what I need. I can get a used one of each for the same price, but I'm not sure which one. I think I've been reading and looking into flashes for too long. I've gotten to the Confused, overwhelmed, not sure what one phase. any experience with either of these flashes??

08-16-2013, 04:15 PM	#13
BethC Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pennsylvannia Photos: Albums Posts: 377 Original Poster	Originally posted by MPrince My choice would be either a Nikon SB-25 or SB-26. Ah! I thought I had it narrowed down! LOL I think it's one of those deals where I'm on information overload and I'm just confused! So, sell it to me. Tell me why you'd go that way... In the mean time, I'm going to look at the review section here and see what is posted about them. Thanks!! I do appreciate the suggestions and comments everyone! Last edited by BethC; 08-16-2013 at 05:51 PM.

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08-16-2013, 09:58 AM	#2
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Both flashes have the features you are looking for. I have the Vivitar 285 (purchased new in the 1980s) and a couple of Sunpak 433Ds. The 433D is practically the same as the 422D with a slightly higher Guide Number and lacks the interchangeable module and auto shut-off. As I recall the Vivitar has a higher Guide Number than the Sunpak. It also has a built-in Zoom head so you can change the area of coverage. It is much bulkier and heavy than the Sunpak, but it is built like a tank. The distance f-stop guides on the Sunpak are integrated with the power selector making it easier to use in manual mode but the switches are small and can be tedious or a bit fiddly to operate. The guide dial on the Vivitar is lighted which can help in low light situations. I'm not sure how you wake up the 422D after it has auto powered down. You may not be able to do it remotely and have to press the test button on the flash. You can find the manual online. Either unit should serve you well.

08-16-2013, 10:01 AM	#3
BethC Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pennsylvannia Photos: Albums Posts: 377 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number Both flashes have the features you are looking for. I have the Vivitar 285 (purchased new in the 1980s) and a couple of Sunpak 433Ds. The 433D is practically the same as the 422D with a slightly higher Guide Number and lacks the interchangeable module and auto shut-off. As I recall the Vivitar has a higher Guide Number than the Sunpak. It also has a built-in Zoom head so you can change the area of coverage. It is much bulkier and heavy than the Sunpak, but it is built like a tank. The distance f-stop guides on the Sunpak are integrated with the power selector making it easier to use in manual mode but the switches are small and can be tedious or a bit fiddly to operate. The guide dial on the Vivitar is lighted which can help in low light situations. I'm not sure how you wake up the 422D after it has auto powered down. You may not be able to do it remotely and have to press the test button on the flash. You can find the manual online. Either unit should serve you well. Thank you for the reply. I was also curious about the beep on the Vivitar that I read about. I read it beeps when it is ready to fire and continues to beep until it is. I'm curious how loud it is and if it would be heard if up on a light pole a bit away from the action at a wedding reception. any input on that?

08-16-2013, 10:44 AM	#4
BethC Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pennsylvannia Photos: Albums Posts: 377 Original Poster	Also the 433d' s I found online says it is for Nikon. Is there one specifically for Pentax? Or will this Nikon one work?

08-16-2013, 11:21 AM	#5
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Yes the 285 beeps continuously when it is fully charged. It is lot less louder than the focus confirmation beep on my K!0D, I can barely hear it an arms length away but my hearing isn't what it used to be. There are Pentax modules for the Sunpak but the flash doesn't support P-TTL. These will set the shutter sync speed though. The module shouldn't matter that much. Mine are for Minolta cameras and work fine. The extra pins don't seem to matter and does not harm the Pentax circuitry. So a Pentax module would be desirable but not necessary. A couple of the *istD models support the older TTL flashes.

08-16-2013, 11:21 AM	#6
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,724	Originally posted by BethC Also the 433d' s I found online says it is for Nikon. Is there one specifically for Pentax? Or will this Nikon one work? It won't matter if it is Nikon or Pentax, as the Cactus triggers will fire either (they use the center pin to fire). For off camera flash, you really want a flash with manual power level settings (1/64, 1/32, 1/8, 1/4 etc.) if you can get one. It comes in handy when trying to balance the light. This would make the Sunpack a better choice in my opinion. Tim

08-16-2013, 11:24 AM - 1 Like	#7
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	The Sunpak and Vivitar only go down to 1/16th power.

08-16-2013, 11:29 AM	#8
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,724	Originally posted by Not a Number The Sunpak and Vivitar only go down to 1/16th power. I didn't see the adjustment dial on the Vivitar pictures, so that would make the Vivitar a better choice since it has the higher guide number. Tim

08-16-2013, 11:45 AM	#9
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	The vari-power module is on the front with the sensor. This can be removed and used with a remote sensor cable. The module is an accessory on the Vivitar 283 and both the cable and module are not interchangeable between the 283 and 285. So make sure to get the proper cable/module. The Vivitars do not have swivel heads so that's where the cable comes in handy if you are using auto-modes. My inclination would be to go with the higher GN. I seldom use my 285 any more - a little too bulky for most of the on camera stuff I do nowadays but I haven't sold it because of the GN.

08-16-2013, 01:19 PM	#10
BethC Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pennsylvannia Photos: Albums Posts: 377 Original Poster	Does the vivitar stay on? Or does it turn off after not being fired for a certain amount of time? (I'm trying to find the manual online, but figured I'd ask)

08-16-2013, 03:21 PM	#11
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	The Vivitar 285HV doesn't have auto-off as far as I know unless they added it to later units. It has been in production since the 80s. Manuals: http://www.cameramanuals.org/flashes_meters/vivitar_285hv.pdf Sunpak Auto zoom 933, Sunpak 444D, Sunpak auto 383 super, sunpak auto 36dx, Sunpak Auto 3075G, sunpak auto 511, Sunpak 611, 422D, Sunpak 433D, Sunpak 622, Sunpak DC3, Sunpak Interface Module,

08-16-2013, 04:06 PM	#12
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	My choice would be either a Nikon SB-25 or SB-26.

08-17-2013, 05:44 AM	#14
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	Originally posted by BethC Ah! I thought I had it narrowed down! LOL I think it's one of those deals where I'm on information overload and I'm just confused! So, sell it to me. Tell me why you'd go that way... The Nikon SB-25 and SB-26 flashes are well made, high quality, and readily available on the used market for as little as $70 in excellent condition for the 25 and under $100 for the 26. Both the SB-25 and SB-26 have a seven stop range, from 1/1 to 1/64. Power zoom range from 20mm to 85mm. Sleep mode can be bypassed. Built-in bounce card. The SB-26 has an optical slave. They can be used on camera in manual or auto mode and off camera in manual mode triggered wirelessly and manual or auto mode triggered via pc sync cable.

08-17-2013, 08:48 AM	#15
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	The Sunpak 422D manual says this: "Your auto 422D will remain ready to fire even after the circuitry is cut off as long as the orange Ready/Test light stays "on". To reset, just fire the flash again or push the Auto/Off Reset Button."