Just got an SF40

[stevieboy]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I've been waiting for my camera store to get them in, seemed from what I've seen including here that it was going to be the right one.  A bit trepidatious because like many previous experiences with Leica flash units wasn't great.

 

Some people have mentioned that it's big.  The first thing I saw when it came out of the case was how small it is, not tiny but smaller than I expected.  Maybe I'm just used to bigger SLR flashes, but I don't know how anyone considers it too big!

 

Anyway, I picked it up at the store and then went on to somewhere I was heading.  When I got there I put in batteries, put it on my Q and was up and running immediately.  The controls are great IMO.  I like to tweak the exposure including auto exposures and it couldn't be better designed for that.  Other flashes I've used it's possible but a bit clunky with buttons and menus, the dials on the back of the SF40 are fantastic for this.  I go back and forth between full auto, auto setting shutter speed and or f stop, full manual, any combination really.  It's all really easy the way the SF40 is designed. 

 

And the exposures look pretty good.  All in all, assuming nothing disastrous crops out as I use it, I'm very happy.

 

Most of the pics I've taken are just testing type stuff, here's one that's okay for a picture.  No post processing at all other than resizing.

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Don't remember how I had things set for sure, but I think it was likely TTL on the flash with it dialed down a stop or so.  Info says 1/500th, f 1.7, ISO 200.

Edited August 30, 2016 by stevieboy

[esophoria]

The Leica SF 40 is made by Nissin.  It is the same as the Nissin i40.  The outward difference being the pin configuration on the plate that slides into the hot shoe.

 

I know this since I also own an i40 which works fabulously with my Panasonic GH4.  I am sure the firmware is different but the there is a hefty price difference for essentially the same flash.

 

I've had great luck with my i40 and a quick test showed great results with SF 40 with my Leica Q & Leica 240.

 

Like most of you who use flash- manual is the way to go...although the TTL function works surprisingly well in both the i40 and SF 40.

 

I aslo have a good luck using the Magmod attachments to the flash.....they perform outsandingly.

 

 

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Jeffry Abt]

Which Magmod attachments do you use?

[esophoria]

Which Magmod attachments do you use?

 

 

I have their kit...using the grip along with the sphere....works very well with the SF 40.  I have gotten very good results with the Q & 240.

[Mr.Q]

Thanks for the report.

 

So what are the benefits of paying the premium for the SF40, and are there any downsides in opting for the i40?

[dancook]

Thanks for the report.

 

So what are the benefits of paying the premium for the SF40, and are there any downsides in opting for the i40?

 

SF40 provides TTL, the i40 does not.

 

It has a matching Leica badge

[Mr.Q]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Is the TTL with the SF40 any good, or do you find yourself going manual often?

[stevieboy]

Is the TTL with the SF40 any good, or do you find yourself going manual often?

 

 

I think the TTL works well, especially with how easy it is to adjust it + or -.  (In my case almost always minus, but's that's true of SLR system flashes too.  Actually, any kind of auto exposure setting even with no flash involved I often find myself adjusting them to the minus side.)  

 

But TTL will always change if you change f stops, or I guess I should say stay the same as far as exposure goes.  Sometimes when I'm blending available light with flash, I don't want the flash to adjust along with the f stop, so I still like to use manual no matter how well the TTL works.

 

If I wanted to always use manual, I have 30+ year old Vivitar flashes lying around that would work just as well, really.  

[nick h]

First impressions are that I have found my SF40 disappointing. I love the size and shape, however it often doesn't fire - especially those shots where there is no reshooting(!) and the refresh time is slow - really slow compared with Nikon speed lights. Now, I haven't been back into Leica to look into it yet, so I don't know if there is a problem with the unit, so it's not impossible that I am being premature. If it is really made by Nissin, it is kinda expensive!