S2 - SF 58 Flash and the M9

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Folks,

 

I am headed to UAE / Afghanistan / India and Greece for a little R&R... I know, Afghanistan? R&R... My wife thinks I am crazy.

 

Anyway, Like to take the S2 with the 70mm, M9 with the 24, 35 Lux and 50 Noctilux...

 

I am about to purchase a flash for the trip. I need to Make sure the flash is going to be compatible with the M and S.

 

How is the Leica SF 58, how does it perform with TTL?

 

I hear that I should consider the Metz 58 AF2. Is the Metz compatible with my cameras? I get mixed analysis from my searches on Google.

 

They looks the same, are they technically comparable or is the Leica version at end of lifecycle due to expected updates?

 

Your helps is much appreciated.

[dfarkas]

The SF58 on the S2 provides excellent TTL ability, with very little pre-firing delay. Just be sure to set the flash to TTL-HSS mode, not TTL - it won't fire.

 

One of the cool features is the ability to sync at any shutter speed up to 1/4000th. Bounce flash metering also works very well.

 

TTL on the M9 isn't quite as seamless, but works well nonetheless. The SF58 also balances on the S2 much better as the flash is quite large for the M9 and tends to tip it forward when around your neck on a strap.

 

Hope this helps.

 

David

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[Constable]

+1 to everything David says. SF 58 is well balanced on the S2.

 

I thought the Metz was equivalent specced but don't know if anyone (David?) has tried one

 

Enjoy the trip

 

Ed

[mwilliamsphotography]

Metz communications have always been difficult to decipher IMO. The Mecablitz 58 AF-2 is the more recent top level speed-light that supposedly improves upon the 58 AF-1 version that the Leica SF58 is based upon. Which begs the question: how do the previous model flashes benefit from the USB "update" port ... has anyone used the USB feature to update a SF58?

 

Apparently the shoe mount of the newer 58 AF-2 has been changed to metal, and as has an easier one movement mount/dismount with "Quick Lock" ... how that is achieved baffles me since it appears it still requires you to tighten the screw collar ... by comparison, the Sony speed-lights do use a lock/unlock button for one movement attachment/removal, and is very fast and secure in actual use ... to bad Sony doesn't make flashes for Leica like Minolta once did.

 

The guide number for the newer Metz flash is the same as the SF58 ... 58 (ISO100/21º), so no gain in power. Everything else seems useless improvements with lots of marketing spin added. Admittedly, I can't figure out what the additional Servo function for off-camera use brings to the party, or if it is even valid for the S2.

 

The one aspect that appears to be improved with the new Metz is that the head fully rotates/swivels, at least I think that is what Metz is saying in their obtuse documents ... if that is true, that is an improvement over the SF58 which is constrained and awkward when working quickly using an on-camera speed-light. However, the Metz heads and the SF58 suck when most any modern bounce diffuser is added ... and the Gary Fong units do not work on it at all since the swivel head is to loose and it just flops over ... usually throwing the diffuser to the ground. None of the Interfit speed-light modifiers work on the SF58 either.

 

The final level of mass confusion in the Metz communications is that it lists Leica with Panasonic and only indicates TTL operation ... so it is not clear if it would actually work on an S2 which requires HSS TTL to fire.

 

RANT:

 

Metz has a great reputation for speed-light innovation and manufacture which I think is somewhat undeserved. Once when you could change the foot to use the flash on different cameras it had its appeal. In reality, the main brands have far outstripped Metz in versatile functionality. Easy to use inferred triggering including separate trigger units like the Canon STE-2 and Nikon Commander place Metz users at a disadvantage for creative use of speed-lights ala the "Strobists Movement" so popular today. Question: is there a simple Metz off-camera cord that allows use of the SF58 in HSS-TTL? An accessory like that is a remedial need for anyone using a speed-light even with a Canon Rebel, let alone a $20K + S2 camera.

 

Their swivel heads are also more secure than Metz, and work with a wide variety of light modifying tools ... and in most cases, the dedicated camera flashes are much faster to control and are integrated into the camera systems. For example, the Sony HVL F58AM has the most innovative swivel head on the market today and works far better in portrait orientation when used with a modifier, it actually does mount/unmount in one motion via a release button, and the camera assumes control functions for very swift one button plus/minus compensation.

 

The Leica SF58 is okay but partially crippled for "Strobists" works ... it's too big for the M9, and Metz doesn't make a small speed-light with a full tilt/swivel head ... which is exactly what the M9 needs. Pretty backward if you ask me.

 

Metz innovates stuff one doesn't really need, and ignores actual basic needs. Speed-lights can and are used very well by many shooters ... to the point that it is difficult to tell flash was used at all. That is a harder goal to achieve with most any Metz light without work-arounds ... or use of another flash brand even if used in Auto.

 

-Marc

Edited February 24, 2011 by fotografz

[tom0511]

Metz communications have always been difficult to decipher IMO. The Mecablitz 58 AF-2 is the more recent top level speed-light that supposedly improves upon the 58 AF-1 version that the Leica SF58 is based upon. Which begs the question: how do the previous model flashes benefit from the USB "update" port ... has anyone used the USB feature to update a SF58?

 

Apparently the shoe mount of the newer 58 AF-2 has been changed to metal, and as has an easier one movement mount/dismount with "Quick Lock" ... how that is achieved baffles me since it appears it still requires you to tighten the screw collar ... by comparison, the Sony speed-lights do use a lock/unlock button for one movement attachment/removal, and is very fast and secure in actual use ... to bad Sony doesn't make flashes for Leica like Minolta once did.

 

The guide number for the newer Metz flash is the same as the SF58 ... 58 (ISO100/21º), so no gain in power. Everything else seems useless improvements with lots of marketing spin added. Admittedly, I can't figure out what the additional Servo function for off-camera use brings to the party, or if it is even valid for the S2.

 

The one aspect that appears to be improved with the new Metz is that the head fully rotates/swivels, at least I think that is what Metz is saying in their obtuse documents ... if that is true, that is an improvement over the SF58 which is constrained and awkward when working quickly using an on-camera speed-light. However, the Metz heads and the SF58 suck when most any modern bounce diffuser is added ... and the Gary Fong units do not work on it at all since the swivel head is to loose and it just flops over ... usually throwing the diffuser to the ground. None of the Interfit speed-light modifiers work on the SF58 either.

 

The final level of mass confusion in the Metz communications is that it lists Leica with Panasonic and only indicates TTL operation ... so it is not clear if it would actually work on an S2 which requires HSS TTL to fire.

 

RANT:

 

Metz has a great reputation for speed-light innovation and manufacture which I think is somewhat undeserved. Once when you could change the foot to use the flash on different cameras it had its appeal. In reality, the main brands have far outstripped Metz in versatile functionality. Easy to use inferred triggering including separate trigger units like the Canon STE-2 and Nikon Commander place Metz users at a disadvantage for creative use of speed-lights ala the "Strobists Movement" so popular today. Question: is there a simple Metz off-camera cord that allows use of the SF58 in HSS-TTL? An accessory like that is a remedial need for anyone using a speed-light even with a Canon Rebel, let alone a $20K + S2 camera.

 

Their swivel heads are also more secure than Metz, and work with a wide variety of light modifying tools ... and in most cases, the dedicated camera flashes are much faster to control and are integrated into the camera systems. For example, the Sony HVL F58AM has the most innovative swivel head on the market today and works far better in portrait orientation when used with a modifier, it actually does mount/unmount in one motion via a release button, and the camera assumes control functions for very swift one button plus/minus compensation.

 

The Leica SF58 is okay but partially crippled for "Strobists" works ... it's too big for the M9, and Metz doesn't make a small speed-light with a full tilt/swivel head ... which is exactly what the M9 needs. Pretty backward if you ask me.

 

Metz innovates stuff one doesn't really need, and ignores actual basic needs. Speed-lights can and are used very well by many shooters ... to the point that it is difficult to tell flash was used at all. That is a harder goal to achieve with most any Metz light without work-arounds ... or use of another flash brand even if used in Auto.

 

-Marc

 

The Metz 54i works fine with the Leica SCA adapter, except a) you can not use the second reflector when doing HSS and (and here I am not sure) the delay between preflash and flash might eventually be a little longer. I think the Metz 54 might be somewhat smaller than the SF58.

 

In the end I feel the Metz with SCA most of the times works maybe 85% as well as the original flash from Nikon/Canon/Leica. Its fine if you are not using it too often, and if you do have several systems but do want only few flashes. I have used the Metz 54 on my Hy6 with adapter, on the K5, one the M9 and S2.

 

There is a small Metz flash with swivel head available - but it is not an sca flash and you only have 2 auto apartures available. I think its called cf20 or something like that.

 

I allways wondered why the sf24 cant have a swivel head. Canon can do it, Nikon can do it, Sony can do it. Leica and Metz cant ;(

[mwilliamsphotography]

The Metz 20 C-2 has a 90º tilt reflector but doesn't swivel, and there are no modifiers made for it that I know of because of the design ... which makes it semi-useless for portrait oriented work. Plus, it only takes two AAs.

 

-Marc

[marknorton]

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I agree with Marc's assessment of Metz, both the product and the company. Their other main product line is flat screen TV's which hints at a loss of focus...

 

Using an SF-58 is a rather dismal experience after a Nikon SB-900 - just tightening it down on the hot-shoe gets you off to a bad start. True, it's powerful and has the useful forward-facing secondary flash but it's otherwise an underwhelming product. It's also rather expensive and much too big for the M9 though I expect fine for the S2. It will be interesting to see whether it's updated to reflect the changes in the underlying Metz product, I doubt there's much beyond a badge and firmware to separate them.

 

I expect that developing their own flash technology is a non-starter for a company of Leica's size so turning to Metz is their only option which is a pity.

[mwilliamsphotography]

IMO, the S2 alters the need for better lighting options. Traditionally, Leica users tended to fall into the available light camp and lighting has beed a secondary priority. However, MFD changes that need level as these bigger sensor CCD cameras tend to love light ... the more the better. The very form factor of the S2 increases the need because it is a likely candidate to replace 35mm DSLRs for a lot of mobile applications ... not to mention that even the fastest S lens is relatively slow in low light compared to fast aperture 35mm primes.

 

I personally use three levels of lighting solutions ... 1) full blown Profoto studio ... 2) Portable Elinchrom Quadras (two generators for 800 w/s) ... and 3) speed-lights both on and off-camera, or in combination with the Quadra. The speed-light application is by far the most used, however, I almost never use a speed-light as is ... it is frequently off-camera, and usually includes some form of modifier.

 

For those interested in mitigating the dreadfully flat and often specular look of speed-light work, here's my off-camera set-up for the S2.

 

The SF58 is mounted to a standard PC hot-shoe (one with a 1/4" receptacle on the bottom), and the whole rig is mounted to an inexpensive Lowell light-grip handle. An Elinchrom Skyport Universal Transceiver is velcro'ed to the back of SF58 and connected to the PC Shoe (all needed connectors are included in the Skyport Universal kit). The PC shoe adapter is necessary because the SF58 inexplicably doesn't provide a simple universal PC Port.

 

The SF58 speed-light is set to A, and I use a Harbor-Light W/A diffuser to broaden/soften the light. The S2 has a Skyport sender in the hot-shoe. I use a hand-strap to allow easier one handed work with the S2 ... which isn't any harder to do than with a Nikon or Canon Pro camera. The strap shown is from Camadapter which has a Arca style QR plate with dual lugs so I can also have a shoulder strap.

 

Using this rig, you can apply directional light control by hand, or by placing the speed-light anywhere you wish. You can fire as many speed-lights with radio receivers you want, placed anywhere you want ... and NONE of the speed-lights need be the SF58 or even a Metz ... I just use the SF58 this way to cut down on how many things to carry ... so I can revert back to the SF58 in the hot shoe for outdoor fill via TTL-HSS sync.

 

Another configuration can be a SF58 in the hot shoe, and the Elinchrom Skyport on a Kirk grip mount, and connected to the PC outlet of the S2 ... which will then remotely fire any other radio equipped speed-light or strobe for directional light ... with the SF58 providing controlled fill. The S2 shutter speed must be set to the standard sync of 1/125th for this application.

 

In actual practice, this radio set-up is far more reliable than any inferred system like those from Canon and Nikon which are line-of-sight dependent, and almost useless at distance. This set-up give you access to most all of the Strobists techniques that have become so popular with enthusiasts and pro alike.

 

I primarily use these wireless configurations for weddings and location portraits.

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[tom0511]

Thank you Marc!

 

One question-what hand strap is it on the image?

 

And I allways wonder with the off camera flash - can you use the S2 one handed , hold the flash in the other hand and still frame compfortable?

 

I have a slave adapter for my Metz54 - so I tried comparable thing with having a small flash on the S2 and having the 54 with the slave adapter and A mode off camera (on a tripod).

 

I have to say that my results still looked like ugly hard flash light. (but I didnt use a diffuser).

 

I never liked flash but I am interested to learn more about flash and good lighttning.

I am afraid if I buy prof. light I wouldnt use it much because its too bulky for my hobby photography.

So I find optimizing flashlights and maybe experimenting with some diffusers should be the way to go.

Tom

[mwilliamsphotography]

You are welcome Tom.

 

The hand strap is from Camdapter

 

According to their compatibility chart, their proper Arca Quick Release plate for the S2 is the Arca XT, Item # CDR-A (which has the dual lugs for both a hand strap and a shoulder strap).

I use the slightly larger Arca Neoprene, Item # CDN-A which I already had from a different camera ... it works, but is a wee bit tight to the S2 battery compartment with the straps installed, but works fine.

 

I would never use any camera this size without a hand-strap. It is also what makes hand-holding with one hand possible ... I wouldn't even attempt it without a hand-strap like the Camdapter. Suffice it to say that I've used a Hasselblad H4D/40 one handed using one of these straps ... not something I'd do for hours on end, but it is possible. The S2 is easier to manage than the H camera, however, it is obviously not a technique for longer lenses ... the 70mm would be my limit.

 

Tom, using off-camera flash need not be restricted to hand holding. It can be just one of many ways to keep mobile. I frequently use a Mono-Pod equipped with a high-capacity Monopod head from Really Right Stuff -

 

I highly recommend their MH-01 Monopod head with Screw Knob style QR clamp over the Lever Release version because the above Camadapter Arca QR plates are slightly different from some other Arca plates, and adjusting the lever tension is a PITA.

 

I do not use a RRS L plate on the S2 like some other photographers do because the S2 version apparently does not accommodate dual lugs for a hand-strap and shoulder strap. Admittedly, my preferences are influenced by the nature of my work, which is candid wedding photography and portraits. When shooting more spontaneously, the Mono Pod head goes from landscape to portrait orientation faster anyway.

 

Your notion of using speed-lights verses studio type stobes for additional S2 work is a common one among enthusiasts ... which is why the "Strobists" movement has gained in popularity. For detailed reading try Strobist for an amazing resource on creative speed-light use and the myriad accessories available. Click on Lighting 101 to get started.

 

IMO, you will quickly find using the Metz optical trigger remote system to limiting, but equipping speed-lights for the S2 with radio triggers is a relatively easy and inexpensive next step.

 

Good luck ... remain patient and you'll be rewarded by extending the use of your S2 quite a bit.

 

-Marc

 

Strictly for demonstration purposes ... here is a typical spontaneous shot using two lights in a pretty dark environment ... one off-camera light set to full manual as the main (positioned camera right), and the second in the Hot Shoe set to TTL for fill. No award winner, but it illustrates one simple notion ... if the shoe mount speed-light had been the ONLY light, the foreground subjects hugging would have received a full blast of harsh flash, and shadows would have been all over the place ... which is what you typically see when speed-lights are in the hot shoe alone, and used without modifiers or dragging the shutter. Because you need to stop down a Medium Format camera more than a 35mm DSLR to get any reasonable DOF, the need for additional light becomes more critical in lower light scenarios.

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Edited February 26, 2011 by fotografz

[HaraldL]

Folks,

 

I am headed to UAE / Afghanistan / India and Greece for a little R&R... I know, Afghanistan? R&R... My wife thinks I am crazy.

 

Anyway, Like to take the S2 with the 70mm, M9 with the 24, 35 Lux and 50 Noctilux...

 

I am about to purchase a flash for the trip. I need to Make sure the flash is going to be compatible with the M and S.

 

How is the Leica SF 58, how does it perform with TTL?

 

I hear that I should consider the Metz 58 AF2. Is the Metz compatible with my cameras? I get mixed analysis from my searches on Google.

 

They looks the same, are they technically comparable or is the Leica version at end of lifecycle due to expected updates?

 

Your helps is much appreciated.

 

1) your wife is right - at least about Afghanistan

2) just purchased a SF58, balances and feels well in my (big) hands on a M9

3) any reason not to put a SF 58 (Metz) in such a bag?

 

cheers,

Harald

[plevyadophy]

+1 to everything David says. SF 58 is well balanced on the S2.

 

I thought the Metz was equivalent specced but don't know if anyone (David?) has tried one

 

Enjoy the trip

 

Ed

 

Equivalent specced????

 

You should have framed the question the other around.

 

It's the Leica that is the clone, not the other way around. If you buy the SF-58 you are essentially buying a Metz flashgun and paying more for a red dot.

[plevyadophy]

Metz communications have always been difficult to decipher IMO. The Mecablitz 58 AF-2 is the more recent top level speed-light that supposedly improves upon the 58 AF-1 version that the Leica SF58 is based upon. Which begs the question: how do the previous model flashes benefit from the USB "update" port ... has anyone used the USB feature to update a SF58?

 

Apparently the shoe mount of the newer 58 AF-2 has been changed to metal, and as has an easier one movement mount/dismount with "Quick Lock" ... how that is achieved baffles me since it appears it still requires you to tighten the screw collar ... by comparison, the Sony speed-lights do use a lock/unlock button for one movement attachment/removal, and is very fast and secure in actual use ... to bad Sony doesn't make flashes for Leica like Minolta once did.

 

The guide number for the newer Metz flash is the same as the SF58 ... 58 (ISO100/21º), so no gain in power. Everything else seems useless improvements with lots of marketing spin added. Admittedly, I can't figure out what the additional Servo function for off-camera use brings to the party, or if it is even valid for the S2.

 

The Servo Mode is simply their way of saying optical slave trigger.

 

The one aspect that appears to be improved with the new Metz is that the head fully rotates/swivels, at least I think that is what Metz is saying in their obtuse documents ... if that is true, that is an improvement over the SF58 which is constrained and awkward when working quickly using an on-camera speed-light. However, the Metz heads and the SF58 suck when most any modern bounce diffuser is added ... and the Gary Fong units do not work on it at all since the swivel head is to loose and it just flops over ... usually throwing the diffuser to the ground. None of the Interfit speed-light modifiers work on the SF58 either.

 

They are saying that the head swivels further as you rightly suspect.

 

The final level of mass confusion in the Metz communications is that it lists Leica with Panasonic and only indicates TTL operation ... so it is not clear if it would actually work on an S2 which requires HSS TTL to fire.

 

I am a bit confused as to why one would need to select HSS TTL given that the S2 with it's current lenses can't flash-sync beyond 1/125 secs. I was playing with the S2 and SF-58 last Friday, but didn't check this aspect. I will check this out to make certain.

 

As for Metz documentation, I find it excellent and have hardly ever found it difficult to understand what they mean. In any event, the guys at Metz Germany are excellent and you can always email them and you will get a direct and extremely prompt response to your questions.

 

RANT:

 

Metz has a great reputation for speed-light innovation and manufacture which I think is somewhat undeserved. Once when you could change the foot to use the flash on different cameras it had its appeal. In reality, the main brands have far outstripped Metz in versatile functionality. Easy to use inferred triggering including separate trigger units like the Canon STE-2 and Nikon Commander place Metz users at a disadvantage for creative use of speed-lights ala the "Strobists Movement" so popular today. Question: is there a simple Metz off-camera cord that allows use of the SF58 in HSS-TTL? An accessory like that is a remedial need for anyone using a speed-light even with a Canon Rebel, let alone a $20K + S2 camera.

 

The Metz flash guns have PC sync sockets, if my memory serves me correctly, therefore if you wanna do the "strobist" thing you can easily do so with a range of radio triggers.

 

The Metz 54 has an off-camera flash cable for it, I am not sure about the Metz 58 AF guns.

 

Their swivel heads are also more secure than Metz, and work with a wide variety of light modifying tools ... and in most cases, the dedicated camera flashes are much faster to control and are integrated into the camera systems. For example, the Sony HVL F58AM has the most innovative swivel head on the market today and works far better in portrait orientation when used with a modifier, it actually does mount/unmount in one motion via a release button, and the camera assumes control functions for very swift one button plus/minus compensation.

 

I don't find the heads of other flashguns so greatly superior to that of Metz 58 AF guns in terms of secureness. But their unusual shape and size, as you rightly point out, does make it difficult, and nigh on impossible in most cases, to buy third-party modifiers.

 

I don't find the mount-unmount issues to be a problem with the Metz guns.

 

But yeah, I did find it weird that on a 20 grand camera Leica didn't set up the firmware so that the SF-58 flash could be controlled via the camera body.

 

 

The Leica SF58 is okay but partially crippled for "Strobists" works ... it's too big for the M9, and Metz doesn't make a small speed-light with a full tilt/swivel head ... which is exactly what the M9 needs. Pretty backward if you ask me.

 

Metz innovates stuff one doesn't really need, and ignores actual basic needs. Speed-lights can and are used very well by many shooters ... to the point that it is difficult to tell flash was used at all. That is a harder goal to achieve with most any Metz light without work-arounds ... or use of another flash brand even if used in Auto.

 

-Marc

 

I think you are being little harsh on Metz in your last comments. Perhaps due to being a little spoilt by the whizz bang features of the likes of Canon, Sony, and Nikon, especially Nikon

 

Regards,

 

plevyadophy

[dfarkas]

I am a bit confused as to why one would need to select HSS TTL given that the S2 with it's current lenses can't flash-sync beyond 1/125 secs. I was playing with the S2 and SF-58 last Friday, but didn't check this aspect. I will check this out to make certain.

 

Actually, the S2 can sync at any shutter speed up to 1/4000th of a second when using the SF58 in HSS-TTL mode. The 1/125th of a sec limit is when using studio strobes and the focal plane shutter.

 

The Metz flash guns have PC sync sockets, if my memory serves me correctly, therefore if you wanna do the "strobist" thing you can easily do so with a range of radio triggers.

 

The easiest way is to use the PocketWizard Mini TT1 and Flex TT5 to accomplish this. The SF58 will mount in the hot shoe on the TT5 and eliminates the need for cables. This doesn't maintain TTL or HSS, but does work very well.

 

The Metz 54 has an off-camera flash cable for it, I am not sure about the Metz 58 AF guns.

 

For an off-camera TTL cord, I'd recommend a Nikon SC-17 or the newer SC-28. The pin connections are the same as Leica's and for cabled, off-camera operation the SF58 maintains full TTL control and HSS.

 

David

[dfarkas]

Equivalent specced????

 

You should have framed the question the other around.

 

It's the Leica that is the clone, not the other way around. If you buy the SF-58 you are essentially buying a Metz flashgun and paying more for a red dot.

 

While the SF58 is indeed a Metz 58AF-1, Metz doesn't offer this flash in a Leica TTL model. With the older Metz 54, you could interchange SCA modules to get TTL control on different camera brands. The 58 is dedicated to one system. So, the only way to get a 58 for a Leica is to get the Leica SF58.

 

David

[plevyadophy]

Actually, the S2 can sync at any shutter speed up to 1/4000th of a second when using the SF58 in HSS-TTL mode. The 1/125th of a sec limit is when using studio strobes and the focal plane shutter.

 

 

 

The easiest way is to use the PocketWizard Mini TT1 and Flex TT5 to accomplish this. The SF58 will mount in the hot shoe on the TT5 and eliminates the need for cables. This doesn't maintain TTL or HSS, but does work very well.

 

 

 

For an off-camera TTL cord, I'd recommend a Nikon SC-17 or the newer SC-28. The pin connections are the same as Leica's and for cabled, off-camera operation the SF58 maintains full TTL control and HSS.

 

David

 

Hi,

 

Thanks very much for the various clarifications.

 

Regarding the Nikon off-camera TTL flash cords, what's the difference between the Nikkon SC-17 and the SC-28 variant? Is it that one offers a AF assist lamp/beam? If so, will that AF assist work on the Leica S2.

 

And may I take this opprotunity to also recommend a off-camera flash cable to Leica S2 users. This one is excellent for folks who shoot more than one system, as this single cable is compatible with Nikon, Canon, Olympus and Panasonic (by virtue of the fact that the Four Thirds system flash pins are in the same place as those of Canon), Leica (due to the pins being in the same place as for Nikon flash) and others. It also enables you to house the flash on-camera or off-camera without having to remove the cable. Here it is: Nissin Digital Flash:

 

Regards

[mwilliamsphotography]

A further question for David ... do you know if the Nikon SC29 off-camera cord would work with the S2 and SF58? It would be great if it did since I have one left over from my Nikon days.

 

Thanks for all the help you provide David ...

 

Marc

[dfarkas]

A further question for David ... do you know if the Nikon SC29 off-camera cord would work with the S2 and SF58? It would be great if it did since I have one left over from my Nikon days.

 

Thanks for all the help you provide David ...

 

Marc

 

Marc,

 

No problem. Happy to help.

 

Yes, the SC-29 would work fine. I wouldn't suggest buying it new as the IR illuminator won't do anything and the SC-28 is a fair amount less expensive. But if you already have an SC-29, then by all means, go for it.

 

David

[tom0511]

This is probably a stupid question and I dont expect there is a solution but I ask anyways:

Is there any wireless solution which also provides all the functions like ttl/hss/iso and f-stop???

If not I wonder why

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[mwilliamsphotography]

This is probably a stupid question and I dont expect there is a solution but I ask anyways:

Is there any wireless solution which also provides all the functions like ttl/hss/iso and f-stop???

If not I wonder why

 

Nikon, Canon and Sony all provide infrared systems with TTL&HSS ... possible because the camera itself enables it. Nikon and Canon users can also use the newer TTL radio system from Pocket Wizard that increases distance over the more limited ability of infrared.

 

In actual practice just setting the off-camera speed-light to A and firing it with any radio control device works just as well. If shooting outdoors in bright sun where you want HSS, the actual ability of a speed-light to become a key light is next to zero. Most speed-lights top out at 70 or 80 w/s and HSS diminishes that considerably.

 

Strobes are far more effective for this type off-camera lighting application with the average battery unit putting out up to 400 w/s and some going to 1200 w/s. The reason why people want the Leica CS lenses is to gain shutter sync speeds to 1/500th over the focal plane shutter's 1/125th when shooting outdoors.

 

-Marc