[KOML] Flash Recommendations

[Evan Ludeman <ludeman@gate.net>]

Hi all,

Looking for recommendations on manual/auto thyristor flashes to pair up
with my RO 100.  Digging around on the web, it seems like the Vivtar
283/285 or 4900 VT would be reasonable choices as well as various Sunpak
and Metz options.

My requirements are GN(asa 100) >= 120, auto f stops down to at least f8
and preferably f11 and f16, vertical bounce, variable power manual mode,
preferably < $160 (one sources price for the 4900 VT).

Things that would be helpful to know, in addition to any hands on
experience and recommendations for/against:

* Has anyone actually seen a 4900 VT?  Rumor has it it may not be available.
* What auto f-stops are available on various vivitar and Sunpak flashes?
* Does the 285 have variable power in manual mode (Vivitar's page indicates
it doesn't, but other pages indicate that it does).

Regards,
Evan (who just made his first 11x14's from RO negatives and is very, very
pleased!)