there are two flashes I can't live without, and they are the Vivitar 285 and The Metz 28.
They are Rachel-proof, and that's saying a lot. I'm not very good with "the technology".

They are Rachel-proof, and that's saying a lot. I'm not very good with "the technology".
Et vous?

Nikon SB-26
cheap (at least till the strobist phenomenon started to take off), reliable, integrated photo cell - what more can you ask for?
I've got a little Nikon SB-22 that I use when i don't want to carry my full size honker of a Canon pro flash. It's the smallest flash I've used that still allows me to bounch and diffuse well... love that little thing.
I love my Sunpak 120J