info on vivitar zoom thyristor 3500

I have one of these and it came with the interface module for Canon FD cameras. I don't recall any triangle on the lower slider as I think it just had 3 apertures plus manual. What is the abbreviation on the lower right of the bottom module? What camera is it for?

I sort of recall a small triangle as a pointer or cursor on the main body to select film speed and/or aperture. Could this be it?

Cheers,

Thanks for replying. The abbreviation is DM/O and i am using it on an v old om10. The triangle is like the one on the upper section. If it's not on yours it's obviously just a function dedicated for this model. I'll assume it's not too important. :). Thanks anyway martha.

Martha - The letters "DM/O" would most likely stand for "Dedicated Module / Olympus". Sorry I can't enlighten you regarding the triangle symbol, though.

Best of luck,

I also have a 4600 and I looked thru the instructions last nite. They are not clear and the Canon module doesn't have it so I can't confirm what it does.

If I understand correctly, the triangle on some modules indicates a 1/32 power function that is used with an autowinder for a rapid flash sequence or for fill flash. I don't believe this is an automatic mode but rather a manual mode where you have to use the triangle pointer on the slide to determine the subject distance and lens aperture.

BTW, when I looked at the position of the triangle pointer on the slide vis-a-vis the normal cursor, I saw that it was 3 stops away (100 ASA vs. 800 ASA) which indicates a power reduction to 1/8 rather than the 1/32 the instructions talk about. Confusing. This would make more sense as that is closer to a fill ratio.

Cheers,

Martha, the yellow triangle is for Autowinder Flash Operation according to my Vivitar dedicated module for my Pentax ME Super. Here is the description: Autowinder Flash Operation (not applicable for all flash modules). For using your flash with an autowinder (up to 2 frames per second), the flash will deliver up to 4 flashes in sequence at 2 frames per second. Allow your flash 30 seconds to recycle before every sequence. The autowinder setting also reduces the manual output to 1/8 power (-3 f-stops) for fill light applications. a) Set dedicated flash module to the yellow triangle position b) set slide rule calculator dial on flash head to correct ASA/DIN film speed you have in your camera, using yellow triangle index mark instead of white index line. c) Refer to flash-to-subject distance on calculator and set your lens accordingly, as discussed above. The one-stop compensation for using the 28mm panel, as mentioned in your flash Owner's Manual, also applies here. d) Note: the sufficient light indicator will light when you are using the Autowinder setting. Disregard it. e) In any flash operation mode without external power source, avoid more than 25 consecutive flashes, as this may cause damage to your flash.

Here's the contact: Vivitar Consumer Affairs 2700 Pennsylvania Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90406

Two years on (from November 4, 2002), I've just come across TUAN HOANG's clear, concise information about the yellow triangle on the Vivitar 3500.

I, too, have bought a used 3500. I, too, was unsure what the triangle meant. Now I have the data I need, thanks to Tuan Hoang and to Martha Taylor, who raised the matter in the first place.

It's a good little gun: lighter and smaller than the Vivitar 5600.

Can someone point me to an online manual for this flash? I have scoured the Vivitar site and Google without success.

Kindest Regards, Brent

More stuff for Martha. If you go to www.butkus.org-chinon-, you can download and/or print the instruction manual for your flash. Now I have a question. One of you mentioned initials on the lower R/H corner being the way to tell which brand camera your module is dedicated to. I have two 5200's and both of them have a nearly full width label which has as follows: Vivitar PM/N EM a switch FG Does this mean it's for a Nikon? If so, Does anyone want to trade a Pentax for a Nikon module.