I have a 35mm manual focus yashica fx103 and am looking for a decent (but relatively inexpensive) flash for this camera. I thought I might want to get a unit that can also be used on a Nikon N70, while I save up for a Nikon speedlight. The non-dedicated Vivitar 285HV or the Promaster 5500-with yashica and nikon AF modules--seem to fit the bill. The flash would be used mostly for indoor family snapshots, and outdoor portrait fill. I've read good things about the 285 but there aren't any threads discussing the Promaster. I think the promaster can handle the TTL flash-metering from both cameras, while the 285 has its own sensor. Does anyone recommend one over the other? Thanks.

-- Mark (amadeo@erols.com), May 14, 1999

Answers

It looks as though you've got the pros and cons figured out already, hence the lack of response. The Promaster will give you dedication with both cameras (although I don't know what that does for the Yashica), and, I would imagine, the ability to use the N70's cool flash features. It is, however, not a first-rate brand -- long-term reliability may be an issue. The Vivitar 285HV is a great system flash, very rugged and dependable, and you may well keep it as a second flash even after you get your Nikon Speedlight. However, it lacks any TTL dedication.

-- John Kuraoka (kuraoka@home.com), May 15, 1999.