Vivitar PG-1 Flash Pistol Grip

Introduction: The PG-1 at a Glance

The Vivitar PG-1 Flash Pistol Grip is one of those small photography accessories that changes how a flash behaves. Instead of sitting on top of the camera, the flash is held in a contoured grip, so the light can come from the side, from above or from a bounce surface. This is the left-hand version.

The only source we have is the original Vivitar instruction manual for the Quick Release Pistol Grip (for left hand). It explains the idea in simple terms: a camera bracket clicks into the grip, a flash sits on a rotating shoe, and the two are linked by a PC cord. It does not mention the name PG-1, so we do not claim an exact match.

Moving a flash off the camera is one of the quickest ways to change the look of a photo. Side light creates shape, and a bounced flash is softer than one pointing straight at the subject.

Design and Background

A grip built around the flash

The Quick Release Pistol Grip manual describes a contour grip with a 3-position adjustable hand strap for extra comfort. The grip couples to a camera bracket by snapping the bracket end plate into the grip receiver. To take the bracket off again, you push the release button.

The base has its own socket for a light stand or tripod, and the grip is tooled for the optional Vivitar cable release.

Key Specifications

The Vivitar Quick Release Pistol Grip (for left hand) manual is the source for the details below. It does not name the PG-1, so compare your grip with it. The flash shoe on top of the grip rotates 360 degrees, which lets you aim the flash in any direction for bounce or direct lighting. Click stops are marked every 45 degrees.

The camera is held to the bracket with a large mounting knob and a rubber grip. The knob has a standard 1/4-20 tripod mounting socket, and an adapter can be removed for a larger thread. A PC cord connects flash and camera.

• Left-hand version
• 3-position adjustable hand strap
• Flash shoe rotating 360 degrees with click stops every 45 degrees
• Standard 1/4-20 tripod mounting socket on the camera knob
• Extra socket in the base for a light stand or tripod
• Prepared for the optional Vivitar cable release

Compatibility: Which Cameras It Works With

According to the manual, the contour grip couples to either the Vivitar 35mm or 6x6 camera bracket. The grip is one half of a system: the camera is fixed to the bracket through its tripod thread. The source lists no individual camera models.

The flash connects through a PC cord, so the camera needs a flash sync terminal, or a suitable adapter.

A general warning applies to older flashes. Some vintage flash units use a high trigger voltage that can damage modern digital cameras, so have an old flash checked before you connect it to a digital body.

• Make sure you have the matching Vivitar 35mm or 6x6 bracket.
• Check your camera has a sync terminal or adapter.
• Check that your flash fits the shoe and fires.
• Have older flashes tested before using them on a digital camera.

Modern-Day Use in 2026

Where the PG-1 excels

A pistol grip is a low-tech way to practise off-camera flash and learn how light direction changes a picture.

Use it for:

• Portraits with side lighting
• Bounce flash against a ceiling or wall
• Learning about flash direction with a film or digital camera

Practical tips

• Use the click stops to repeat a flash angle between shots.
• Bounce off a light-coloured surface; coloured walls tint the light.
• Use the base socket to place the grip on a light stand.

Buying and Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying used

• Press the release button and check that the bracket clicks in and out cleanly.
• Rotate the flash shoe through all positions and feel for the click stops.
• Inspect the hand strap and its three positions for wear or cracks.
• Check the tripod sockets for damaged thread and make sure the mounting knob turns smoothly.
• Look for cracks in the housing and corrosion on the contacts.

Basic care

• Wipe the grip with a dry cloth and keep contacts clean.
• Store it away from heat and damp.
• Keep a spare PC cord in your bag; see our photography accessories for more.

Conclusion: A Simple Grip with a Clear Job

The Vivitar PG-1 Flash Pistol Grip does one thing: it lets you hold the flash apart from the camera and aim it where you want. The Quick Release Pistol Grip manual describes a rotating shoe, click stops, an adjustable strap and tripod sockets.

With a suitable bracket, a sync terminal and a working flash, it is an easy way to explore off-camera lighting.

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Sources: the original Vivitar instruction manual for the Quick Release Pistol Grip (for left hand).