I read in a magazine that Pentax reps have hinted about a 8-12 megapixel slr in the pipeworks.

Epson r300 or r1800
The 300 has built in memory card slots.

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!!!

Thank you.
It was a gift from my friend and mentor who got me started in photography.
I had thought it gone for good, but one of my kids found it at my ex's place and surprised me with it. I need to list it on our insurance.

It's not for sale, has sentimental value to me, but what do you guys think it might be worth? It is not mint but very good condition.

A good chunk of my portrait business is about to go by-bye.
My business won't go under, but I don't want to stagnate either...
A Walmart has set up shop in our town.
I had two types of clientel here. Those that wanted artistic portraits that Walmart couldn't do, and those that felt the time/cost to drive to the city offset the savings, Walmart offered.
Now that Walmart is here, our portable studio, basic portraits in your home packages is to be no more.
I want to get into Advertising...
Any advice on how to market...Our town is growing rapidly and being the first might pay off.

anybody know much about this one?

The other part of my legacy..did I mention I have alot of kids?
By the way, if I don't die a rich man, it won't be for lack of effort on my part.

Honesty is the best policy-with God, with people, it's guaranteed to leave you broke, homeless, friendless, and maybe even lynched.
As a photographer image is everything. Not just the image you create on paper, but you have to sell yourself also, so your equipment and even your shoes say something.
Be aware of that when trying to get the job, but always allow the vision in your minds eye dictate the equipment/tecniques you use to create an image, and to hell with everthing else. A hundred years from now some rich lunatic (that wouldn't have lowered himself to give you the time of day) may be happily paying millions for your work. Your legacy

Hi Terri1100.
Here would be my advice for a school concert at 25m...
raw capture.
Manual focus.
manual exposure. set your shutter speed to the slowest you can handhold, use the widest aperture that'll allow sufficient dof, (spot metering).
(Ideally a fast normal to moderate telephoto.)
playback mode set to display Bright Portion on instant review, histogram on.
work quickly when the first anouncer starts.
focus take your first reading off the anouncer and adjust your exposure from there (look for clipping in histgram, and washed out highlights).
If you're quick, you'll have your optimum settings in three test shots, before he/she is done welcoming you to the show, and you can fire away for the rest of the evening, with no problems.
odds are you won't even need flash.(or you can use it for fill.)