Having acquired a Canon 199A flash—and having a Vivitar 285 flash already—a comparison of these two 4-AA battery flash could be a good idea.
Canon 199A right, Vivitar 285 below
They seem to have more similarities than differences.
Comparing the calculators, the Canon seems a little less powerful, but that would have to be tested to be sure.
199A right, 285 below
The Canon has a hidden switch—required because its dedicated pins switch the flash to the camera’s sync speed—to allow you to choose manual speeds between 60 sec and 30 sec.
The Vivitar’s battery door is captive, while the Canon’s door comes off.
The Vivitar flash is a little bigger (and heavier). Some of that weight is the Vivitar can be zoomed. Also the Vivitar has an accessory filter/lens holder installed (and some Velcro attached).
The Canon also turned out to be broken, while the Vivitar still works fine!
Update:
Recently acquired a working 199A
Auto range at ISO 200 Vivitar 285 Canon 199A
closest inches-10 feet at f/16 1.5-10 feet at f/11
middle range(s) inches-15 feet at f/8 3.5-18 feet at f/5.6
3-30 feet at f/4
longest range 3.5-60+ feet at f/2 6-40 feet at f/2.8
Weight 442 g 372 g
4-AA Battery cartridge yes yes
Wide panel yes yes
Range selector front back
Sensor detaches yes no
Extensive accessories yes no
Foot lock yes yes
Dedicated pins no yes
Tilts yes yes
Variable power yes no
Zoom head yes no
Canon 199A right, Vivitar 285 below
Below—Canon 199A left, Vivitar 285 right
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