D2 - SF24 Flash?

[wilfredo]

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I'm considering purchasing a Leica SF 24 flash for use with my D2. Any thoughts? Sample shots? I hardly ever use the flash on the D2 but when I do, I'm not very pleased with the results so I'm wondering if this overpriced flash will make a difference?

 

That aside, I've grown very fond of this camera.

[ho_co]

SF24 and Digilux 2 were designed to work together. All the functions of the one couple with the other.

 

I seldom use external flash with the Digilux 2 because I find the bounce facility of the built-in flash very useful.

 

If you need more power, the SF24 works excellently, and can be used on M8, M9 etc as well, though not with full functionality on Digilux 3 or D-Luxes.

[wilfredo]

Thanks Howard. When I use the bounce

feature on my D2 I don't get an even illumination, half of the frame is not properly exposed.

[ho_co]

Yeah, I had the same problem till I figured out I had to remove the hood when using the 45 degree position, particularly for wide-angle shots.

 

 

An accessory to consider for the SF24D is the Leica Goodies "sfill" diffusion screen (http://www.leicagoodies.com/sfill.html). I've seen several favorable mentions of it here, though I've never bought it. The general suggestion is to use the wide-angle adapter with the sfill for the softest illumination.

[wilfredo]

Howard,

 

Thanks for the tip.

 

Does anyone have any D2 - SF24 photos they care to post? They don't have to be masterpieces, just something that will give us an idea of how this flash works on the D2.

 

Thanks!

[wilfredo]

No brave souls? I promise my aim is not

to critique I would just like to see something before spending the money.

 

Thanks

[John Thawley]

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No brave souls? I promise my aim is not

to critique I would just like to see something before spending the money.

 

Thanks

 

Actually, I have one and have never had it on the camera.

 

Regarding the built in flash, check this out:

 

http://www.johnthawley.com/journal/2009/7/15/bounce-with-me.html

[wilfredo]

John,

 

Thank you. I will try this. From the looks of it, the SF24 does not have a lot of fans. This thread has not generated any interest. I'm going to try your method before going out and spending any money. Where did you buy the styrene stock?

[LDM]

Wilfredo, I've used the SF24 with both my D2 and M8. It works fine with both. Big improvement is the ability to put on an extension cord (Nikon SC-17, in my case) and use off camera for improved modeling on the light. Need to go through by files to pick out some with the SF24. Only downside is that it's a small flash and doesn't produce a lot of light. On the other hand it's small enough and light enough you can use it as a take anywhere to supplement the on-camera. For heavy-duty flash needs I have a Metz 54-MZ4 with a 3502 M4 adapter.

[LDM]

Wilfredo, I've used the SF24 with both my D2 and M8. It works fine with both. Big improvement is the ability to put on an extension cord (Nikon SC-17, in my case) and use off camera for improved modeling on the light. Need to go through by files to pick out some with the SF24. Only downside is that it's a small flash and doesn't produce a lot of light. On the other hand it's small enough and light enough you can use it as a take anywhere to supplement the on-camera. For heavy-duty flash needs I have a Metz 54-MZ4 with a 3502 M4 adapter.

[whorg]

I've used the SF24 with the SFILL on my D2 for ages now with excellent results. I stopped using the TTL feature as it ate (the SF24's) batteries quicker with double flash. Manual now, plus I know the camera well . . .

[wilfredo]

Thank you guys for posting your experience with the flash. This is very helpful and moves me back in the direction of considering the purchase.