Hot-Shoe Flash w/ AC Adapter?

[Neuner]

I like to stay mobile and utilize a hot-shoe flash with remote trigger for portraits. If the situation allows for it, it would be great to be able to have AC power for the flash instead of worrying about batteries. Does anyone know of a battery op flash that can also be utilized with some sort of AC adapter?

Thanks!

 

[henryp]

A Vivitar 285 plus a Pearstone SB-4 AC Adapter would do what you want. That said, IMO you'd be more mobile and worry less about tripping over the AC adapter's extension cord if you considered a Quantum battery. YMMV.

 

[Big Mike]

I agree, you aren't really going to be too mobile if you are plugged into AC power.

I've used the Quantum (turbo) batteries and they do give you faster recycles and more flashes.

 

[Neuner]

Thanks, I also see that the Sunpak 383, which I might prefer since it has a swivel head, may have an AC adapter. Know what it may be called? Not having any luck searching for it except people saying that it does accept it.

 

[icassell]

I have an ac adapter with my Vivitar 283

 

[henryp]

Thanks, I also see that the Sunpak 383, which I might prefer since it has a swivel head, may have an AC adapter. Know what it may be called? Not having any luck searching for it except people saying that it does accept it.

The venerable Sunpak 383 competed with Vivitar's 283. Both have been discontinued for years. Even if you find one on eBay, I'd have to wonder at its age.

 

[Neuner]

Dang it. Was wanting the 285HV but with a swivel head. What's the next best?

 

[icassell]

There must be some hot-shoe adapter available that will allow a flash to swivel. They certainly make them to put your flash on a light-stand and I'll bet there's one that will allow it to mount on your flash bracket

EDIT: Swivel Hot Shoe Folding Adjustable Flash Bracket (No15)

 

[Neuner]

EDIT: Swivel Hot Shoe Folding Adjustable Flash Bracket (No15)

Holy S, that's huge!

 

[Dao]

I have the Vivitar 285HV and the AC adapter. It really cut down the recycle time!

 

[icassell]

EDIT: Swivel Hot Shoe Folding Adjustable Flash Bracket (No15)

Holy S, that's huge!

Well, this was the result of a 2minute google search. It wouldn't surprise me if their were easier solutions. I'm not sure if this is any bigger than a typical flash bracket such as a stroboframe.

 

[Derrel]

Seriously...look into a Quantum Battery, like the Quantum Battery 1, which will allow you to power two flashes, since it has two power outlets, and is relatively small. In the mid-1980's, I put together my first portable flash + umbrella kit,and I bought Vivitar 285 AC adapters, thinking along the lines you are. Those adapters are now 27 years old,and are 1-use, in the box,somewhere in the house, and not missed a bit. The Quantum Turbo I bought died around 1991. The Quantum Battery 1 though is STILL WORKING, on its original cells!!!!

 

[henryp]

It wouldn't surprise me if their were easier solutions.

There are:
Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter plus a shoe adapter. I think the Manfrotto 026 is almost perfect.