The flash was acclaimed for its innovative design, but criticized for its use of expensive 9-volt batteries. Recognizing the problem, Max Ponder travelled to Japan to meet with the manufacturer, offering suggestions for improvements based on the feedback received from customers. The improved flash was introduced in 1970 as the Vivitar 283, which quickly became the number one professional and enthusiast flash unit, outselling all its competitors combined and selling 3,000,000 units by 1973. In production for over 30 years, it was twice returned to production in response to customer demand after having been discontinued. There was also the model 285, which featured a zoom head to cover different focal length lenses and a built-in variable power setting. Earlier made-in-Japan Vivitar flashes have a trigger voltage of 250 V, which can damage the circuits of some digital cameras. Newer units made in China and Korea are low-voltage units producing 5 to 12 volts. The 283 and 285 have a removable sensor; an optional remote sensor cord makes off-camera automatic flash possible. After Ponder and Best After the deaths of Max Ponder and John Best, company ownership was transferred to a variety of owners. Some digital compact cameras were launched but were not successful. In November 2006, the corporation was purchased by the public company Syntax-Brillian Corporation for US$26 million in stock and was operated as a wholly owned subsidiary. On August 21, 2008, subsequent to its filing for bankruptcy, parent company Syntax-Brillian completed the sale of the Vivitar brand name and intellectual property to privately held consumer electronics maker Sakar International, based in Edison, New Jersey. Sakar did not purchase Vivitar's equipment, facilities or accounts receivable. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Current Vivitar operations In August 2008, Sakar announced plans to position Vivitar as a brand for its current mass retail digital cameras in the midprice range of $70–$300, along with certain camera accessories. New Vivitar-branded products such as digital photo frames are also planned, as well as potential licensing opportunities. In January 2009 Sakar introduced three new Vivitar-branded cameras and a digital SLR lens series. The products are Sakar's first Vivitar-branded items since acquiring the brand. In addition to other electronics products, in 2013 they announced and then shipped the $150 XO Tablet, a 7-inch Android tablet designed for children, with a bilingual English/Spanish interface. Vivitar lenses Manual focus prime lenses Vivitar Series 1 7mm ƒ/3.5 Fish-eye