The popularity of classic Vivitar and Sunpak flashes went through the roof over the last year thanks to the Strobist movement, as they are cheap, powerful and reliable. But if you're in Europe then you'll be having trouble finding a new one and here's why: According to Speed Graphic (UK retailer) they have effectively been banned by European Union legislation on the use of lead. There was a rumour that the Vivitar 285HV might be re-issued in a lead-free version early this year but apparently that is now unlikely. So for European folk it's back to the bad old days of having to order from the US and pay import duty, although that's not such a bad thing as you'll still end up paying less than the extortionate European retail prices.