Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite Auto Thyristor Flash User Manual

1. Introducció

The Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite is an external flash unit designed to provide additional illumination for photography. This flash features an auto thyristor system for automatic exposure control and can also be operated in manual mode. It is compatible with cameras equipped with a standard hot shoe mount, including many Canon, Nikon, and Sony models. This manual provides instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite.

2. Característiques del producte

Dedicated Flash: Designed for specific camera systems to ensure proper synchronization.
Automatic Flash Range: Operates effectively within a range of 3 to 40 feet (approximately 0.9 to 12 meters).
Auto Thyristor: Automatically adjusts flash output for correct exposure based on ambient light and camera settings.
Bounce Functionality: Allows the flash head to be angled for indirect lighting, reducing harsh shadows.
Font d'alimentació: Requires 4 AA batteries for operation.

3. Configuració

3.1. Instal·lació de la bateria

The Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite requires four (4) AA batteries for power. Ensure batteries are inserted with correct polarity.

Locate the battery compartment cover, typically on the side or back of the flash unit.
Open the cover and insert four fresh AA batteries, matching the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals as indicated inside the compartment.
Tanqueu bé la tapa del compartiment de la bateria.

Figura 1: lateral view of the Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite, showing the general form factor and potential battery compartment location.

3.2. Muntatge del flaix a la càmera

The flash unit is designed to attach to a camera's standard hot shoe mount.

Assegureu-vos que tant la càmera com el flaix estiguin apagats.
Feu lliscar el peu de muntatge del flaix a la sabata d'accés ràpid de la càmera.
Secure the flash by rotating the locking ring or tightening the locking screw on the flash unit until it is firmly attached. The flash features a "LOCK" indicator for secure attachment.

Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite top view with hot shoe mount

Figura 2: superior view of the Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite, illustrating the hot shoe mount and locking mechanism.

4. Instruccions de funcionament

4.1. Controls sobreview

Familiarize yourself with the controls on the flash unit:

Figura 3: Frontal view of the Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite, highlighting the control panel.

Interruptor d'alimentació: Turns the flash unit on or off.
FILM SPEED / ISO Dial: Sets the film speed or ISO sensitivity.
AUTOMATIC / MANUAL Selector: Switches between automatic and manual flash modes.
f/STOP / RANGE Dial: In automatic mode, this sets the aperture and corresponding flash range. In manual mode, it may indicate guide number related settings.
AUTO OK Indicator: Lights up when the flash has achieved correct exposure in automatic mode.
READY / TEST Button: Lights up when the flash is fully charged and ready to fire. Pressing it fires a test flash.
C/R Switch: Likely a control for specific camera compatibility or mode.
TTL A1/A2/M Selector: Selects between different automatic (A1, A2) or manual (M) modes, potentially related to TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering if supported by the camera.

4.2. Automatic Mode Operation

In automatic mode, the flash's built-in thyristor sensor measures the light reflected from the subject and automatically cuts off the flash output when sufficient light has been provided for correct exposure.

Attach the flash to your camera and power on both devices.
Estableix el AUTOMATIC / MANUAL selector to "AUTOMATIC".
Estableix el FILM SPEED / ISO dial to match your camera's ISO setting.
Select an appropriate f/stop on the flash using the f/STOP / RANGE dial. This will also indicate the effective flash range. Set your camera's aperture to match this f/stop.
Espereu el READY / TEST indicator to light up, signifying the flash is charged.
Take your photograph. The AUTO OK indicator will light briefly after the flash fires if the exposure was correct.

4.3. Funcionament en mode manual

In manual mode, the flash fires at full power, and exposure is controlled by your camera's aperture and shutter speed settings.

Attach the flash to your camera and power on both devices.
Estableix el AUTOMATIC / MANUAL selector to "MANUAL".
Consult the flash's guide number (usually found in a separate table or on the unit itself) to determine the correct aperture for a given distance and ISO.
Set your camera's aperture and shutter speed accordingly.
Espereu el READY / TEST indicator to light up.
Take your photograph.

4.4. Bounce Flash

The Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite supports bounce flash, allowing you to direct the light indirectly off a ceiling or wall for softer, more natural illumination.

Gently tilt the flash head upwards or to the side to bounce the light.
Adjust camera settings as needed for the increased light path and diffusion.

Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite angled view showing tilt

Figura 4: Angle view of the Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite, demonstrating the ability to tilt the flash head for bounce photography.

5. Manteniment

Neteja: Feu servir un drap suau i sec per netejar l'exterior de la unitat de flaix. Per a la brutícia persistent, netegeu lleugeramentamp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth. Do not use strong solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cura de la bateria: Remove batteries if the flash will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage and corrosion.
Emmagatzematge: Guardeu el flaix en un lloc fresc i sec, allunyat de la llum solar directa i de temperatures extremes.
Hot Shoe Contacts: Mantingueu els contactes de la sabata calenta nets i lliures de residus per garantir una comunicació correcta amb la càmera.

6. Solució De Problemes

Problema	Causa possible	Solució
El flaix no es dispara.	Flash is not powered on. Les piles estan esgotades o inserides incorrectament. Flash is not securely mounted to the camera hot shoe. Flash is not fully charged (READY indicator not lit).	Turn on the flash unit. Canvieu les piles o assegureu-vos de la polaritat correcta. Re-mount the flash and tighten the locking mechanism. Wait for the READY indicator to light up.
Flash fires but images are too dark (underexposed).	Incorrect f/stop or ISO setting. Subject is out of flash range. Flash head is angled incorrectly for bounce.	Verify camera and flash f/stop/ISO settings. Move closer to the subject or use manual mode with appropriate settings. Adjust flash head angle or use direct flash if bounce is not effective.
Flash fires but images are too bright (overexposed).	Incorrect f/stop or ISO setting. Subject is too close for the selected settings.	Verify camera and flash f/stop/ISO settings. Increase f/stop, decrease ISO, or move further from the subject.

7. Especificacions

Model: 550 FD
Marca: Vivitar
Fabricant: VIVITAR
Font d'alimentació: 4 AA batteries (Note: Product specifications also mention "2 AA batteries required." in some places, but "4 AA" is more consistent with typical flash units and feature bullets. User should verify.)
Automatic Flash Range: 3 - 40 ft. (0.9 - 12.2 m)
Velocitat de sincronització del flaix: 1/250 de segon
Muntatges compatibles: Standard Hotshoe (Canon, Nikon, Sony compatible)
Color: Llum del dia
Dimensions del producte: 6.3 x 3.4 x 2.6 polzades (16 x 8.6 x 6.6 cm)
Pes de l'article: 0.353 ounces (approximately 10 grams) - Note: This weight seems unusually low for a flash unit and may be a data entry error. Actual weight may be higher.

8. Garantia i Suport

Specific warranty information for the Vivitar 550 FD Speedlite is not provided within this manual. For details regarding warranty coverage, technical support, or service, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact Vivitar customer service directly.

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Vivitar 550 FD