wda Posted August 27, 2010 Share #1 Posted August 27, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) There are several threads dealing with using the obsolescent SF20 flash unit fixed to the M8, but I cannot find any which deal with the use of the same combination 'off-camera'. My SF20 has lain unused since my M6 film days and it seems a pity not to explore its usefulness tethered 'off-camera'. Although I rarely use flash with my digital cameras I do enjoy the occasional use of the tilt flash on my Digilux 2. In the absence of a similar facility for the M8/M9 cameras, and accepting that many members prefer the later SF24D or third-party solutions, I would be happy to accept the minor limitations of the SF20 provided I can use it 'off-camera'. I have read that a specific Nikon lead works with the later flashes. Has any member had a successful experience linking the M8 with the SF20 'off-camera'? Any details would be welcome. Thank you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 27, 2010 Posted August 27, 2010 Hi wda, Take a look here SF20 off-camera connection to M8. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Nicoleica Posted August 27, 2010 Share #2 Posted August 27, 2010 Hi. The Nikon SC-17 or SC-28 cables will work with the SF20. But do remember that you won't be able to use the TTL/GNC metering for flash with the SF20. You'll need the SF24D or SF58 for that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted August 27, 2010 Author Share #3 Posted August 27, 2010 Nicole, thank you. Yes, I realize the loss of TTL/GNC, but am prepared to accept that initially while I evaluate its usefulness. My plan is to use the flash in bounce mode from any nearby light surface or improvised flash attachment. If then TTL looks like a useful facility, I will upgrade, but initially I would like to test the feasibility, using the histogram as a guide to exposure. Has any member actually used my proposed combination? Can I assume that the suggested leads would work equally well with the SF24D? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicoleica Posted August 27, 2010 Share #4 Posted August 27, 2010 Hi David, I haven't tried this combination myself, so I can't help much as far as advice goes on that. But the Nikon cables will work with Leica M/R/X cameras and SF20/24/58 flashes. All that these cables do is give you a direct pin-to-pin connection. Nikon and Leica pins just happen to be in the same places. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDM Posted August 28, 2010 Share #5 Posted August 28, 2010 David, Also check out the Nikon flash extension cords from Flash Zebra. Reasonbly priced and well made. Larry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
giordano Posted August 28, 2010 Share #6 Posted August 28, 2010 If you're bouncing the flash you won't be able to point the sensor of the SF20 at the subject, so you'll have to set the flash to manual rather than auto ... in which case you don't need a cable that provides data communication between camera and flashgun and can use a plain old hot-foot to hot-shoe extension cord, which should be cheaper than the Nikon ones. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mc_k Posted August 29, 2010 Share #7 Posted August 29, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) If you're bouncing the flash you won't be able to point the sensor of the SF20 at the subject, so you'll have to set the flash to manual rather than auto ... in which case you don't need a cable that provides data communication between camera and flashgun and can use a plain old hot-foot to hot-shoe extension cord, which should be cheaper than the Nikon ones. what pins does the auto (thyristor) mode need? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicoleica Posted August 29, 2010 Share #8 Posted August 29, 2010 what pins does the auto (thyristor) mode need? Auto mode only needs the basic trigger circuit, so none of the additional pins are needed for that. But you still need to point the sensor in the flashgun at the subject for auto to work properly. If you are bouncing the flash you'll need to calculate your aperture manually. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted August 29, 2010 Author Share #9 Posted August 29, 2010 Auto mode only needs the basic trigger circuit, so none of the additional pins are needed for that. But you still need to point the sensor in the flashgun at the subject for auto to work properly. If you are bouncing the flash you'll need to calculate your aperture manually. .... or use a Flash Meter .... or guess and check the histogram ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mc_k Posted August 29, 2010 Share #10 Posted August 29, 2010 thanks Nicole... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mc_k Posted August 29, 2010 Share #11 Posted August 29, 2010 ...I still haven't seen a good bounce flash solution. I think the SF58 is too ungainly in portrait orientation, and a cord is not enough because I need both hands to operate the camera. I use the SF24 and carry a Metz 36Cl-2 for bouncing, which I put on a bracket. (Flash has no swivel.) I have the Nikon cord, but I also use two adapters, one with a short 6" cord. You might also try a diffuser ("Sfill," etc.) in lieu of bouncing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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