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2026-08-02 - Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 Camera + Vivitar 283 Auto Thyristor Flash

 

Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 Camera

The Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 Camera is a fully manual 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) film camera released in 1986 by Kyocera. (Kyocera officially acquired Yashica in October 1983).

Key Specifications:

  • Shutter Speeds: Mechanical, vertical metal focal-plane shutter ranging from 1s to 1/2000s, plus Bulb (B) mode.
  • Lens Mount: Contax/Yashica (C/Y) bayonet mount, allowing compatibility with both budget-friendly Yashica ML lenses and high-end Carl Zeiss T* optics.
  • ISO Range: Manual selection from ISO 25 to 3200.
  • Power Requirements: Completely mechanical, it functions without a battery. Two LR44 or SR44 button cells are required to power the built-in light meter.
  • Exposure Metering: A simple, intuitive 3-LED display (-, o, +) visible directly inside the viewfinder.
  • Weight: Exceptionally light at roughly 450 grams due to its polycarbonate/plastic outer shell built over a rigid metal chassis.

 

Vivitar 283 Auto Thyristor Flash

The Vivitar 283 Auto Thyristor Flash is one of the most reliable electronic flashes ever made. Introduced in the 1970s, it is renowned for its power, durability, and modular system. It uses a built-in sensor to measure reflected light and automatically cut off exposure when the scene is properly lit.

Key Features:

  • Guide Number: 120 feet / 36 meters at ISO 100
  • Power Source: Operates on four standard AA batteries.
  • Lens Coverage: Covers fields of view down to 35mm lenses without adapters.
  • Bounce Head: Flash head tilts upward at 0, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees.
  • Auto Modes: Features a colour-coded dial that corresponds to different auto-exposure zones.

o   Set your ISO/ASA: Dial your film speed into the calculator on the back of the flash.

o   Choose a Colour: Select a colored mode (e.g., Yellow, Orange, Blue, Purple). The dial will show you the corresponding camera aperture you need to set (e.g., Blue mode at ISO 100 requires f/5.6) and the maximum distance the flash will reach.

o   Shoot: The thyristor circuit will read the light bouncing off your subject, automatically cutting off power the exact millisecond your subject has received enough light.

o   Fast Recycle Time: Instead of dumping the leftover electricity, the thyristor redirects it back into the capacitor, allowing for incredibly fast recycle times and drastically longer battery life.


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