accessory
Vivitar Auto Thyristor 283
The classic universal auto-thyristor flash; fits any standard hotshoe, guide number around 36.
No photos yet. They will appear here once added.
- Maker
- Vivitar (Japan)
- Year
- 1970s to 1980s
- Type
- Flash, universal hotshoe
The legendary Vivitar 283 auto-thyristor flash. Universal hotshoe plus PC sync, with its own auto sensor or manual control, guide number around 36 (m, ISO 100), four AA cells. A staple of 1970s and 1980s photography that fits almost any film camera with a standard hotshoe, including the EOS-1 and EOS-10 here. Its label warns to use only the Vivitar SB-4 power supply.
Private reference notes
Usable today. Yes on a standard hotshoe in auto or manual. Runs on 4 AA cells.
Indicative value (private). £18 to £45
Condition. The famous auto-thyristor 283. The label warns to use only the Vivitar SB-4 power supply; do not connect a generic high-voltage pack, which can damage it.
To check. Measure the sync trigger voltage before using it on the digital 5D, as vintage 283 units can be high and risk the camera. Safe on the film EOS bodies.
Compatible with
Universal centre-pin hotshoe plus PC sync, with its own auto sensor or manual control. Fits any camera with a standard ISO hotshoe (and others via a PC cord). Keep it off the digital 5D until its trigger voltage is confirmed low, and use only the Vivitar SB-4 external power supply as the label marks.