flash

[jackal]

i need to get a simple flash unit... just for a bit of fill on grouop people shots
mainly outdoors so can't really bounce... diffuser would be nice though

does anyone know of a suitable cheap-ish unit I could use ?


thanks

Rich

[jaapv]

I got a Metz MZ off the Internet for 5$, bought an SCA adapter (3502M4 if memory serves) and it works like a dream.

[ArtZ]

I have the Leica SF-24D but I use more often the Panasonic DMW-FL28 with my M8s.

The Panasonic DMW-FL28 was the recommended flash for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 It is small, very easy to use, it bounces, it has AUTO mode (no TTL), SLAVE mode, wide angle diffuser and you can use rechargeable AA batteries. I use it mainly for daylight flash fill.
.

[jackal]

ok thanks

so presumably i couldn't just fit the panasonic and the snap away in auto mode on the m8 ?

[jaapv]

You can do that with nearly every flash unit.

[jackal]

ok great

i have an opportunity to buy the Leica unit for ~150 gbp

would it be superior in any way to the Panasonic ?

[marknorton]

I'm using the Nikon SB-15, small flash, with tilting head for bounce (I know you said you don't need it but others reading this might).

[jaapv]

If it is the SF 24D you get M-TTL,which is a distinct advantage for fill-in flash, Otherwise, no advantage and no tilting head.

[jackal]

a quick search seems to suggest that the 24D TTl is not necessarily that desirable with a distracting pre-flash

[Shootist]

Originally Posted by jackal

a quick search seems to suggest that the 24D TTl is not necessarily that desirable with a distracting pre-flash

Actually when I want fill flash I use the 24D in Auto or manual mode and dial it down to what I want. In Auto or manual there is no preflash.

Let me add that I also use a Nikon SB800 if I want bounce.

[jaapv]

The pre-flash is actually not that bad. Far less that red-eye reduction. A matter of personal taste if one finds it distracting.I find flash in general quite bothersome and will avoid it whenever I can.

[ArtZ]

Originally Posted by jackal

ok great

i have an opportunity to buy the Leica unit for ~150 gbp

would it be superior in any way to the Panasonic ?

- The Panasonic is a discontinued model and not very easy to find. There're still some in the Internet. I found mine in Zurich (I just paid 70 Euros new).

- I like to be able to bounce the flash. That's for me a most important inconvenience with the Leica.

- I hate to throw away batteries (not very ecological)

- I use the Panasonic with the Ricoh GRII, with a Canon G9 (the Canon 580 is too big) and sometimes as slave with other cameras.

Hope that helps you
.

[jackal]

ok thanks chaps

i just went to my local shop and they had a used Nikon SB-26

its probably overkill for what I need but tried it in the shop and it seemed to do fill in ok

it swivels and tilts and has a built in diffuser and all sorts of options

was only 70 quid with 6 months warranty so all is well