Considering the 285 has ratio control built in, plus the varifocal lens both of which cost extra for the 283, go for the 285. But, be warned they are both big and heavy. The also have a true GN of 80 (100ASA) which is a bit more powerful then the other flashs you mention.
280 is a nice unit. But requires the expensive Pentax cords for everything. It is/was built by Sunpak who made basically the same flash in the 422/433 (you need the 433 if you want TTL, I think). Sunpak cords and accessories are much cheaper than the Pentax ones (alas they have different plugs on the flash end). The 360 is newer than I have much knowledge of, but I think most of the features require a very new camera (MZ-S?) to use. Ciao, Graywolf http://pages.prodigy.net/graywolfphoto ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Bevers" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 11:02 PM Subject: flash needed > So, this weekend I was down in Washington, DC, taking a bunch of > photos. My brother works for the Secret Service, so he got us a tour > of the the White House. We weren't allowed to take photos inside the > West Wing (we saw the oval office and cabinet room), but we could shoot > in the press room. Unfortunately, it was absurdly dark in there, and I > probably didn't get many usable shots. > > This brings us to the point of the message. In the midst of taking > photos in the near dark, my wife says to me, "I think you need to buy a > flash." > > So, I need to buy a flash. > > I've got an MX and an ME Super for right now, but I could see myself > getting a Super Program for flash use, or even an AF Pentax by the end > of the year. My question is, what do I get? > > - A Vivitar 283 or 285: Is there any reason not to get the 285 instead > of the 283, considering that the price difference is negligible? > > - An AF280T - use auto with my MX and have a TTL flash if I get a > compatible camera later. I'm sort of leaning towards this one. > > - Go for the gold and consider the AF360FGZ - this is definitely the > flash I can grow into, but will it work my MX? Is it worth the price > considering it may be awhile before I can really use it? > > - Is there anything else I should consider? > > Sorry for the long post, but I'm pretty much lost when it comes to > flashes and I can use any help I can get. > > -Matt >
