1. What can I use for a flash unit?
2. How do I shorten the duration of the flash?
3. How do I build a sub-microsecond light source?
4. Where can I get a Vivitar 283?
5. Where do I get flash accessories?
6. My flash doesn't have a PC cord.  How do I connect it to a trigger?
7. Can I use a Vivitar 285 flash unit?
8. What are the pinouts for the light sensor socket on the Vivitar 283?
9. How can I connect a variable resistor in place of the light sensor socket on the Vivitar 285? 

1.  What can I use for a flash unit?

Nowadays, most if not all flash units that you buy at photo stores have automatic exposure control.  That's the main requirement if you want to use a flash unit for high-speed photography.  It also helps to have high light output.  (The higher the guide number, the better.)  Most flash units in the $75 and higher range are going to do the job. 

Other features to look for:  1)  It helps if the unit has a PC cord.  Otherwise, you'll have to buy a special adapter for the flash foot.  That's another $10-$15. 2)  If the unit has variable-power adjustment, that will make it easy to control the flash duration.

For details on the above, go here.

2.  How do I shorten the duration of the flash?

This requires that your flash have automatic exposure control and/or variable-power control.  These are discussed in detail in the Flash section.

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3.  How do I build a sub-microsecond light source?

This is the question that comes in most frequently.  Our advice:  don't try... unless you're an electrical engineer who knows what she's doing.  The high voltages needed can be dangerous.  Unfortunately, it's not easy to come by such light sources (common flash units like those from photo stores have around 20 microsecond durations at the shortest).  So what do you do if you want to stop Mach 2 bullets in their tracks?  If you're lucky, maybe you can pick up an EG&G microflash in surplus.  If you're rich or have connections, you can hire someone one to make one for you. Otherwise, stick with cheaper units with multi-microsecond durations.  No, it's not as glamorous as stopping bullets.  Still, you can take great photos.  We're not bragging, but all the photos on this web site were taken with $50 - $75 flash units at 20 microsecond duration or greater.  We think they look pretty good.  A little blur doesn't hurt either. It shows that something is actually moving!

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4.  Where can I get a a Vivitar 283?

These are excellent flash units for high-speed photography.  Their use is described in detail in the Guidebook. Fortunately, this classic unit is still available.  You should be able to find them at most any photo store. Prices will vary widely, from about $70 to more than a hundred dollars, so do some shopping.  And check out sources on the web, too.  If you want to keep the price down, look for used units.  They can work just as good as new ones.

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5. Where do I get flash accessories?

Try your local camera store or mail order from places like Adorama, B&H Photo & Video, and Porter’s Camera Store.  We've usually been able to find what we need at these places, but there should be others for the looking.  For information on useful accessories, go here and here.

6.  My flash doesn't have a PC cord.  How do I connect it to a trigger?

Not a problem. Adapter shoes are available that have a PC cord.  A photo and description are given here.

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7.  Can I use a Vivitar 285 flash unit?

Yes.  The 285 is similar to the 283.  Both have a removeable photo sensor on the front of the unit.  The 285 has a feature that allows for variable power settings.  This makes it easy to decrease flash duration just by decreasing the power setting.  For the shortest duration, one should select the lowest power setting.  (There is an accessory available for the 283 that provides variable power settings.  See Appendix B of the Guidebook.)

8.  What are the pinouts for the light sensor socket on the Vivitar 283?

See the article, Using the Vivitar 283s Light Sensor Socket.

9.  How can I connect a variable resistor in place of the light sensor socket on the Vivitar 285? 

The diagram of the 285 pinouts is shown below. Use pins 2 and 3 to connect a fixed or variable resistor in order to control flash duration.

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