Rookie Question re Vivitar 2500

Hi Folks,

I hope this is a rather generic question as it doesn't relate directly to Pentax gear. I can't seem to find anything online - so here I am - again -groan.

I have acquired an old Vivitar Zoom Thyristor 2500 flash with no instruction manual.

It has the usual red, blue auto settings with M (They all seem to work OK). (On the PC cord - hot shoe Kaput.)

Now, it also has a yellow triangle setting (making 4 in total).

Up on the sliding scale (ASA 800 - 25), three ASA divisions higher than the indicator, is the yellow triangle again. If I set the indicator at 100 ASA, the yellow triangle is pointing at 800.

When using the yellow setting, am I supposed to point the triangel at my film speed ie: 100 ASA?

The test firing on the yellow setting seems to produce a very soft blink - making me think it is for extreem close-up work? Macro?

Anyhoo, if anyone has the patience it will be very much appreciated by:

Hi Mac,
Will get back to you in a day or so but I think I may have the manual somewhere! I sem to rememder the yellow triangle is for use when using the wide angle adapter or similiar. Leave it with me and I will find out.

Kim

Thank's, again and again, Kim. (I had even looked at the flash manuals on your site, but then realized - ah wern't talkin' Pentax.)

'preciate it!

I don't have you're exact vivitar, but the 285's (285hv's (which by the way are safe with the ist d series)) still use several 283's and the 2800. I used to manage a small 1 hr photo place and sold a few used 2500's.
Mac, Kim is right there are Two sets of markers on the unit with one representing increased exposure for the wide angle adaptor.
Wein makes a hotshoe adapter for 285/283 series worth checking to see if it'll replace the hotshoe on your 2500. (easy do it yourself job) else try thier inexpensive peanut slave for using as an off camera auto flash. You'l be amazed how well a couple of inexpensive flashes used properly can achieve true professional results!!!

Don,

Thank's - I think this unit has a hot shoe adapter that isn't working except for the PC connection.

Out with the trusty Phillips to see what I can see and maybe clean up.

I don't have a wide angle add-on, so will ignore the yellow triangle for now.

Kim,

If you should come accross the manual, I'd love to arrange something.

This has a two position "zoom" extension, which I assume is to allow the flash some reach with a normal or short telephoto lens. Anything special here? Or do I just let the Thyristor take care of it?

(I've shot a short roll with varoius exposures - we'll see something in three days).

Thank's for the great help!

Cheers

Hi Mac,
The good news is that I found the manual but the bad news is that it is for the 2800. I suspect it is much the same gun but slightly more powerful. To save me scanning the manual you can download a copy from Vivitar here http://www.vivitar.co.uk/CustService/drivers2.html#flashes

Kim

Kim,

Thank you very much - off to scan.

Have a great evening.