Some interesting under-$200 speedlights to check out...

[AstroImager]

If you're looking for a new flash for off-camera (or on-camera) use for summer, you might like to check out a quick roundup I did of 6 under-$200 flashes on my blog:

http://makingitasapro.blogspot.com/2...t-roundup.html

You can get a lot of bang for the buck these days

Paul

[drh681]

blogpimp!
Thanks though; I had not seen some of those.

You can get a lot of bang for the buck these days

Flash for the cash!

[AstroImager]

"blogpimp!"

Yeah, a little bit...but it's not spam, and I post other stuff too

Paul

[suci]

Thanks Paul. I have been debating the problem of two 285 HVs, with broken feet (and one of those already had a new foot installed).. I don't know if that problem has ever been fixed.
As much as I like the Vivitars I will look at your alternatives here.

[drh681]

"blogpimp!"

Yeah, a little bit...but it's not spam, and I post other stuff too

Paul

You know I love you as another brother.

[MrFujicaman]

Suci, the metal feet on Ebay (I buy mine from American Eagle in FL) are easy to install and I've got them on 5 of my 283's and I've never had a problem with them.

[AstroImager]

RE: Metal Feet...
I have two 285HVs, and (knock on wood) have manged not to break off any plastic feet/shoes yet. Which is amazing, given that both of them have taken tumbles from 9-foot+ light stands numerous times (one split the case and stuff popped out all over the place, but when I put it back together everything still worked, and it didn't even crack the flash tube!).

I like 'em, but with the newest versions being made "somewhere" undisclosed, and QA being a real problem, I probably won't buy any more. Shame.

Paul

[BobF]

Can others add to the list, Paul?

Sunpak Auto 383 Super. I don't think it's manufactured any longer but eBay is probably the place to find one.

[suci]

I have the 383. Bought it to replace the Vivitar. It neither functions through the hot shoe contact, or the pc connection. Took it apart, but it's too flimsy to get a good repair.
For PC connectors I prefer the two prong 110 volt type plugs that Sunpak used on the 120j.

[BobF]

That's odd, Janos. Mine works fine. Have had it for years. And it's not flimsy at all. It's actually quite a hefty little unit. Feels much more solid than my larger, more expensive Sigma EF 530 DG Super.