Question Home

Position:Home>Visual Arts> Is the Sunpak 383 discontinued?


Question: Is the Sunpak 383 discontinued!?
I use a Fujifilm Finepix S9100, and was looking into the Sunpak 383!. A few months ago, I could find it in some online stores, but now I can't seem to find it!. Was it discontinued!? If so, is there a newer version of it at about the same price point!? I'm not looking to spend a lot on an external flash - would prefer to keep it $150 and under if possible (just a hobbyist)!.

Any recommendations on what might work with my camera would be greatly appreciated!. (link to camera, if you are unfamiliar: http://www!.amazon!.com/Fujifilm-Finepix-D!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Another vote for the Vivitar 285HV!. It works very well in it's auto mode, and the variable output dial is great for fill flash situations!. It has a socket near the hot shoe mount where you can plug in a remote trigger device!. I believe Vivitar also makes an accessory battery pack, though I do not have it!. Overall, a really great flash at a decent price!. I agree it is not the most pretty thing in the world!. The only thing I wish it had was a rotating head!. The head does tilt, but I would like it to rotate so I could use my Gary Fong Lightsphere on it in portrait orientation!.

And yes, I am pretty sure the Sunpak 383 is gone!. You may get lucky and find one left in stock somewhere, possibly on Ebay!.

steveWww@QuestionHome@Com

The Sunpak 383 is no longer listed on the homesite or at Adorama!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I heard from a dealer that it is in the "transitional" stage to being discontinued -- unofficially right now!. Therefore, you'll have a hard time finding it from most major markets!.

Thus, I would recommend the Vivitar 285HV!. You can find it at Adorama, or for cheaper at B&H:
http://www!.adorama!.com/VV285HV!.html
http://www!.bhphotovideo!.com/c/product/61!.!.!.

This is a great flash unit for the price! I have 2 that I solely keep as backup units in case my Q-Flash goes down!. These were introduced to me when I attended Brooks Institute of Photography by one of my Instructors!. They are very reliable, popular in many countries (which makes finding replacements & accessories easy while traveling), & still in production (which means parts are still available for repair &/or warranty replacement)!. My only complaint is that the unit is a little on the large side!.

On a side note, these units have the removable sensor!. I used these as quick portable location lights with umbrellas -- while still on automatic, simply by removing & aiming the sensors correctly!. Now that's something that can't be accomplished easily with a Nikon or Canon -- you have to shoot on Manual mode because the sensor faces into the umbrella!. It honestly is just as capable as my $400 flashes (just not quite as powerful, nor as sleek & beautiful)!.
Www@QuestionHome@Com