SF 58 Flash with NiZn

[craigie_r]

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Has anyone tried using the SF 58 with the new generation of NiZn Rechargeable batteries?

 

Im just about to add a M9 to my toolbox for shooting weddings. I currently shoot with a D3X and a D3s which I really like but I am not so happy dragging such heavy cameras around for a whole day at a wedding. So I am hoping to augment there use with a M9. A lot of the venues I shoot are at night and very dark so flash is required some of the time. I am interested in getting the SF 58 but I am worried about its recycle time. Has anyone tried the new NiZn batteries with the SF 58 and if so how has it worked out for you?

[Rick]

I have the 58 and it is a fantastic strobe. But, I am not using it for weddings. I have shot weddings. I know that the slow recycle time would be a problem. The solution, I am convinced, is not batteries. You are going to need to explore an external battery pack.

 

I'd be curious to know what the recycle time is with an external pack. Has anybody done this and what kind of times are you getting?

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[wparsonsgisnet]

The Metz 54 with a 2X2 pack is faster than streaked lightning. I expect the 58 is similar.

[craigie_r]

Thanks for the feedback hoping to keep things simple and light so I will try and avoid an external pack if at all possible.

[Rick]

The Metz 54 with a 2X2 pack is faster than streaked lightning. I expect the 58 is similar.

 

Can you quantify "streaked lightning" (that jet was a little before my time)?

[marknorton]

What are you using with your Nikons - SB-800/SB-900? Both of these will work well on an M9 but only in conventional auto mode, not the Leica/Metz GNC mode.

 

If you're used to the SB-900 with its quick release foot and excellent functionality, the SF-58 will likely disappoint - old screw down foot, weak display, iffy build quality. It's a bit more powerful than the SB-900 and its main redeeming feature is the secondary flash which is good for front-fill.

 

I think the battery requirements will be broadly similar in intensive use - if you use an external pack for the SB-900 (such as the SD-8A/SD-9), it's likely you'll need to use the Metz equivalent. Both flashes have connectors for external battery packs.

[Rick]

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Hi Mark. Why do you feel the SB900 is such a great flash on the M? You say it has excellent functionality. What does this mean? It sort of implies that the SB58 has lesser functionality? Yet, the 58 can be used in ttl which I find very functional, whereas the 900 can not. (By the way, I still wonder if they have that sensor crammed into the battery and it is causing the sensor to flex).

[d_brown]

I tried PowerGenix NiZn cells in the SF 58 flash. It recyles in 3 seconds after a full-power, and 1 second after 1/2 power flash.

[giordano]

Has anyone tried using the SF 58 with the new generation of NiZn Rechargeable batteries?

 

If these are as good as they are cracked up to be they'll be a big help: voltage like alkaline cells, power like NiMh ones. But I'd be cautious about putting them in an expensive flashgun.

 

The point is that when producing the high current needed to recycle a biggish flashgun such as the SF58, NiMh and NiCd cells will deliver almost their nominal 1.2V; alkaline cells, thanks to their high internal resistance, will deliver much less than their nominal 1.5v, in practice about the same as NiMh - while NiZn cells will deliver almost their nominal voltage of 1.6.

 

This means that the NiZn cells can put maybe 25% or 30% more power into the flashgun's charging circuit than it's designed to expect. This should provide faster recycling - but could also provide faster overheating and failure. (Probably the SF 58 specifications say something about duty cycle, e.g. how many full-power flashes per minute it's rated for.) So I wouldn't put these cells in an expensive flashgun unless its manufacturer confirmed that doing so wouldn't affect the warranty.

 

Also I'd be very cautious about putting them in a Mecablitz 45. These have different circuits for alkalines and rechargeables: the first assumes a high internal resistance and the second assumes 1.2V per cell.

 

But I'm certainly going to buy some to use in other devices, especially in moderate-current electronic devices for which 1.2V per cell is not enough.

[craigie_r]

Im currently using the sb 900's with sanyo eneloop batteries which I have been real pleased with I do have the external battery pack but I keen to try and simplify my equipment. Thanks for the feedback on the recycle times it sounds promising. I have already ordered some PowerGenix NiZn batteries so just have to decide wether to use the SB900 or get the SF 58.

 

I have heard of one flash getting fried from the use of NiZi but it was under unusual circumstances so I will proceed with caution.