Vivitar 283 Electronic Flash
Website: www.orphancameras.com
Product Titles: 283 Electronic Flash / 283 Elektronenblitz / Flash électronique 283 / Flash electrónico 283
Manual Titles: Pocket / Taschen Gebrauchsanleitung / Mode d'emploi / Libreta de Instrucciones
Cover Graphic: A repeating pattern of stylized circular starburst graphics.
Product Overview & Features
Image Description: Photograph of the Vivitar 283 Electronic Flash unit. Key components are labeled (A) through (M). An image of a coiled shutter cord is also shown.
- (A) Tilting Flash Head: The flash head can be tilted 45° vertically and 60° horizontally to cover camera lenses up to 35 mm, allowing for various positions for bounce flash. The BCC (Bounce Compensator Circuitry) provides extra power for bounce flash at 45°, 60°, or 75° positions.
- (B) Calculator Dial: A handy reference for calculating flash exposures. Color-coding on the dial indicates approximate auto ranges. Press the Dial Light Button (F) to illuminate the dial.
- (C) Range Selector: Features four color-coded auto ranges that correspond with the Calculator Dial for automatic operation. Includes an "M" position for manual operation.
- (D) Sensor: Used for automatic operation. It measures ambient light during exposure. Ensure that nothing covers or obstructs the sensor.
- (E) Sufficient Light Indicator: Used to check lighting conditions before taking a picture. Press the Open Flash Button (K). If the indicator light turns green, the lighting is sufficient for the photo. Note: This indicator does not function when the flash is set to manual mode ("M").
- (F) Dial Light Button
- (G) Battery Compartment Cover: Slides back to reveal the battery holder inside.
- (H) Shutter Cord Socket
- (I) AC Adapter Receptacle: Compatible with the Vivitar SB-4 AC Adapter (optional accessory).
- (J) On-Off Switch: The color RED indicates that the unit is "on."
- (K) Ready Light/Open Flash Button: This button serves a dual purpose. For maximum power or range, wait for the Ready Light to start blinking before taking the picture. Pressing the Open Flash Button fires the flash without activating the camera.
- (L) Mounting Foot Lock Lever
- (M) Mounting Foot: Features a built-in hot shoe contact.
Power Sources
The flash operates with any of the following power sources:
- Alkaline batteries: Four 1.5v size AA batteries. Provide approximately 75 flashes in manual mode, and up to 800 flashes in automatic mode. Recycle time ranges from 0.5 to 11 seconds.
- NiCad batteries: Four size AA rechargeable batteries. Provide approximately 45 flashes in manual mode, and up to 750 flashes in automatic mode. Recycle time ranges from 0.5 to 6 seconds.
- Vivitar LVP-2 Low Voltage Battery Pack (optional accessory): A portable unit with a shoulder strap. Uses four size D alkaline or NiCad batteries. Provides up to 600 flashes with alkaline batteries, or up to 100 flashes with NiCad batteries. Recycle time ranges from 0.5 to 8 seconds.
- Vivitar NC-3 NiCad Battery Pack & Vivitar Charge 15 (optional accessories): The battery pack can be recharged in approximately 15 minutes using the Vivitar Charge 15. Provides up to 50 flashes per charge. Recycle time ranges from 0.5 to 5 seconds.
- Vivitar SB-4 AC Adapter (optional accessory): Allows operation directly from electrical outlets. Recycle time is 10 seconds.
Note: The number of flashes and recycle times in automatic modes are influenced by factors such as flash-to-subject distance, room reflectivity, the auto f-stop used, and the type and condition of the batteries.
Additional Battery Information:
- Always turn the unit off immediately after use.
- When storing the flash for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent damage from corrosion.
- Replace batteries when the Ready Light fails to glow after 30 seconds, or when the high-pitched sound is not heard after switching the flash on.
Operation
Automatic Operation
1. Load batteries (G). Ensure they are inserted correctly for the flash to operate.
2. Turn the flash "ON" (J).
3. (This step is required only when the flash is new or has not been used for several weeks.) "Form" the capacitor. After the Ready Light (K) illuminates, fire the flash by pressing the Open Flash Button (K). Repeat this procedure five times.
4. Rotate the Calculator Dial (B) and set it to the film speed (ASA or DIN).
5. Select the color-coded auto range. (Approximate distances are indicated on the dial.) IMPORTANT: Stay within the selected range when taking pictures.
- Yellow: 5 to 43 ft.
- Red: 4 to 30 ft.
- Blue: 2 to 15 ft.
- Purple: 2 to 11 ft.
6. Set the Range Selector (C) to the corresponding color.
7. Set the camera lens to the f-stop number located above the color code selected on the dial. Set the camera to the correct shutter speed for synchronization with the electronic flash. (Refer to your camera owner's manual.)
8. Unlock the Mounting Foot Lock Lever (L). Mount the flash onto the camera and lock the lever. (If your camera does not have a hot shoe, attach the Shutter Cord.)
9. Check the camera's focus, wait for the Ready Light, and take the picture.
Manual Operation
1. Set the Range Selector (C) to "M."
2. Find the guide number corresponding to the film you are using.
Guide Numbers (ASA-Feet):
| ASA Film Speed | 25 | 64 | 80 | 100 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 400 | 800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Guide No. | 60 | 96 | 108 | 120 | 135 | 150 | 170 | 240 | 340 |
Guide Numbers (DIN-Meters):
| DIN Film Speed | 15 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 27 | 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Guide No. | 18 | 29 | 32 | 36 | 40 | 45 | 51 | 72 | 100 |
3. Compute the f-stop using the following standard formula:
guide number / flash-to-subject distance = camera lens f-stop setting
Other Accessories Available
- Variable Angle Lens Kit: Allows you to vary the angle of illumination of your flash to match the angle of coverage of your camera lens. The kit includes four lenses: two wide-angle and two telephoto. Includes a carrying case. Requires the optional Vivitar Lens/Filter Adapter.
- Flash Filter Kit: Allows you to vary the color and intensity of flash illumination for expanding the range of creative alternatives. The kit includes six filters and a carrying case. Requires the optional Vivitar Lens/Filter Adapter.
- Quick Release Pistol Grip: Designed for off-camera flash photography. The flash shoe rotates 360°. Features an adjustable strap. Use with the optional Vivitar 35mm or 6 x 6 camera bracket.
- Soft Light/Bounce Diffuser: A lightweight holder that snaps onto the 283. Useful for convenient bounce light portraits and still lifes.
- VP-1 Varipower Module: Provides continuously variable manual flash power. Features a dial with convenient markings for Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32 power settings.
- SL-2 Remote Flash Trigger: A wireless trigger for automatically firing remote flash units in multiple light set-ups. The shoe rotates 360°.
- PC-31 3-Foot Coiled Shutter Cord
- 1.2 Meter Remote Sensor Holder & Cord
- C-1 Soft Pouch Case
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Copyright and Donation Information
This manual is for reference and historical purposes, all rights reserved.
This page is copyright by M. Butkus, NJ.
The publisher has no connection with any camera company.
This is part of an on-line camera manual library.
If you find this manual useful, consider a donation of $3 to: M. Butkus, 29 Lake Ave., High Bridge, NJ 08829-1701. Please send your e-mail address so a thank you can be sent.
Donations can be made via PayPal at www.PayPal.me/butkus or via Venmo at @mike-butkus-camera.
Vivitar Corporation Information
Vivitar is an international Trademark of Vivitar Corporation, Santa Monica, CA 90406 USA.
Printed in Japan, 10/77. Part No. 300363.
