Vivitar 283 and Vivitar 285 voltage
Windsor, 15th November 2008
I have several flashes of which, 6 are Vivitar Flashes. Because everyone keeps referring to the high voltage of some of these Vivitars I decided to document the voltage of all the flashes I have.
Of the Vivitars the two 285 Zoom (not the HV) register just above 8V with a multimeter. They’re both Made in Japan and have the following SN 5847401 and 5084959
Of the four Vivitar 283 these are the readings:
SN 1071308, 8.32V, “Korea”
SN 1262073, 283V, “Made in Japan”
SN 5236480, 267V, “Made in Japan”
SN A463935, 267V, “Made in Japan”
Other Misc flashes:
YinYan, 5.23V
YinYan BY-480H Ring-flash, 5.4V
Hanimex CBX350, 165V
Bower SFDS, 4.6V
According to Pentax, the istD is safe up to circa 30V
Disclaimer – it is YOUR responsibility to confirm this and I will not be held responsible for actions you may take which may damage your equipment. Got it!
Et cetera!!! 
Hi there, I found your blog through google as I was looking for any websites that contain specs on Hanimex CBX350. I’m currently using Nikon D60 and I’ve used this flash for few weeks without knowing its voltage output. Will it be safe for me to use it on my d60?
I would suggest you fist find out the trigger voltage for your camera. Try http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=154&topic_id=36100&mesg_id=36100&page= for Nikon info.
yup; before i found your blog, i’ve visited that website and referred to Nikon’s manual page 153. It stated there that flash with trigger voltage >250V will fry the circuit. So i’m guessing 165V for CBX350 would be ok; period. I have to find myself a new flash though. Thanks for the advice btw.
I think there’s a mistake somewhere – 250V on a digital camera – I don’t think so. I would check again.
I would also suggest flickr.com and find a Nikon group or strobist group. If anyone has an answer for you strobist group members WILL.