Metz flash and M9

[Mike Rawcs]

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I'm considering purchasing a flash for my M9-P. All I want is a small gun to give a little fill to subjects in either bright sun or evening conditions. The Leica SF24d is the obvious candidate but I've been looking at the Metz 20 C2. I realise that it is a manual-only flash but it may suit my requirements. Has anyone any experience of using it on the M9? I presume that it is compatible? I may use the flash with an extension cord: which would you recommend?

 

As you can deduce, I'm not a flasher (did I just say that out-loud).

 

Any help most appreciated.

 

Mike.

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[scrubs]

I can't really help you with experience, but appears to be compatible.

These threads may be of help.. First one is regarding M8 but still

pertinent to the M9.

 

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84172

 

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101865

 

That Contax looks pretty tasty

 

[Jerry_R]

a little fill to subjects in either bright sun

M9 does not support HSS, unfortunately.

 

Then only solution to use flash in bright sun - is to put strong ND

Unless I am not aware of something...

[lars_bergquist]

The SF24D works just fine with a shoe-to-foot extension cord. Nikon cords have the appropriate contacts for full TTL functions. But using fill flash in bright sunlight is a headache with any camera with a focal plane shutter, as the bright lighting will demand a fast shutter speed, and the top synch speed is 1/180. So a 2x ND filter is indicated, and of course using the ISO80 option.

 

With the light fading in the evening, especially after sunset, slower shutter speeds become possible. I am using the SF24D with an extension cord even for bounce in rooms of reasonable size, and I do seldom reach for something heftier.

 

The old man from the Age of Flashpowder

[Mike Rawcs]

Thanks for the replies and Scrubs, yes, that Contax does look tasty.

 

As you have pointed out, fill flash in bright sunlight would be a problem although I'll use a David Allan Harvey diffuser (a Band Aid) and see how much light I loose.

 

Anton shows it in use here

 

What’s in my camera bag right now | super lightweight | anton kusters

 

With regard to off-camera flash. Which manufacturer cord do you recommend for the Metz?

 

I presume that Leica doesn't make a cord for the SF24D?

[Jerry_R]

But using fill flash in bright sunlight is a headache with any camera with a focal plane shutter, as the bright lighting will demand a fast shutter speed, and the top synch speed is 1/180

Most of cameras on the market easily allow to use flash with HSS for short shutter speeds in bright sun.

SF-58 does support it. Leica M7 does support it.

[kaiwing]

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Can someone comment more on the Leica SF24d? Problem getting the battery?

I was advised by Metz support team to buy a SCA adaptor to my old Metz 45CT3. But obviously they do not recommend flashgun mounted directly on the hotshoe.

I only want something small and handy.

[clinn]

I'm considering purchasing a flash for my M9-P. All I want is a small gun to give a little fill to subjects in either bright sun or evening conditions. The Leica SF24d is the obvious candidate but I've been looking at the Metz 20 C2. I realise that it is a manual-only flash but it may suit my requirements. Has anyone any experience of using it on the M9? I presume that it is compatible? I may use the flash with an extension cord: which would you recommend?

 

As you can deduce, I'm not a flasher (did I just say that out-loud).

 

Any help most appreciated.

 

Mike.

 

Hi Mike

for the same purpose I use

SUNPAK：サンパック

and/or

Product information: Metz

give them a look.

sunpak is fantastic as it is so small you can bring around....

claudio

[lars_bergquist]

Can someone comment more on the Leica SF24d? Problem getting the battery?

I was advised by Metz support team to buy a SCA adaptor to my old Metz 45CT3. But obviously they do not recommend flashgun mounted directly on the hotshoe.

I only want something small and handy.

 

The SF24D covers a 24mm lens with the diffuser (there is also a concentrator for longer lenses). I often use the diffuser when hand-holding the flash, for obvious reasons. The flash, when on TTL, does a good job at balancing ambient and flash exposure all on its own, but flash exposure can be biased down and up in 1/3 EV steps out to +/- 3 stops, both on TTL and external auto.

 

Batteries – that depends on where you are. I buy mine at the local electrical goods shop; the Australian Outback or the Amazonas may be different. But these batteries are very long-lasting, especially if you are running the flash at less than maximum output. Also, they have a shelf life of six years or more, so buy an extra pair when you are at it.

 

When I need more juice (very seldom) I have an old Metz 40MZ-3i with SCA3005 adapter that jumped through all the loops, including HSS, with my M6TTL. With the M9, it does only external auto of course, but does it very well. It has a tilting and rotating head so I use it on the camera. An improvised cardboard reflector sends some eye-light forward when I bounce from the ceiling. And flash ready and o.k. signals are downloaded to the finder, and ISO and focal length are uploaded to the flash, too. So that flash is still practical.

 

The old man from the Age of Flashpowder

[Mike Rawcs]

Thank you Clinn and Lars, I'll check out the Sunpak flash; could be ideal with an sync cord.

 

Lars, it's good to know that the Nikon cords retain TTL function on the SF24D.

 

Decisions, decisions.

 

Mike.

[kaiwing]

The SF24D covers a 24mm lens with the diffuser (there is also a concentrator for longer lenses). I often use the diffuser when hand-holding the flash, for obvious reasons. The flash, when on TTL, does a good job at balancing ambient and flash exposure all on its own, but flash exposure can be biased down and up in 1/3 EV steps out to +/- 3 stops, both on TTL and external auto.

 

Batteries – that depends on where you are. I buy mine at the local electrical goods shop; the Australian Outback or the Amazonas may be different. But these batteries are very long-lasting, especially if you are running the flash at less than maximum output. Also, they have a shelf life of six years or more, so buy an extra pair when you are at it.

 

When I need more juice (very seldom) I have an old Metz 40MZ-3i with SCA3005 adapter that jumped through all the loops, including HSS, with my M6TTL. With the M9, it does only external auto of course, but does it very well. It has a tilting and rotating head so I use it on the camera. An improvised cardboard reflector sends some eye-light forward when I bounce from the ceiling. And flash ready and o.k. signals are downloaded to the finder, and ISO and focal length are uploaded to the flash, too. So that flash is still practical.

 

The old man from the Age of Flashpowder

 

Many thanks lars_bergquist.

Have you used rechargeable battery on SF24D?

[lars_bergquist]

Many thanks lars_bergquist.

Have you used rechargeable battery on SF24D?

 

I don't know that there exists rechargeable batteries in this size. And if they existed, I would not use them. Rechargeables are for flashes that are in fairly continuous use.

 

The old man from the Age of the Lead-Acid Battery

[Jase]

Actually rechargeables are better batteries for flashes, the recycle time is much lower with them. If you get Sanyo Eneloop or similar they will also retain their charge for over a year.

[kaiwing]

Actually rechargeables are better batteries for flashes, the recycle time is much lower with them. If you get Sanyo Eneloop or similar they will also retain their charge for over a year.

Thanks.

I have seen rechargeable batteries and charger for SF24D. Not sure if anyone has used them. It could save up some money.

[Mike Rawcs]

The SF24D works just fine with a shoe-to-foot extension cord. Nikon cords have the appropriate contacts for full TTL functions. But using fill flash in bright sunlight is a headache with any camera with a focal plane shutter, as the bright lighting will demand a fast shutter speed, and the top synch speed is 1/180. So a 2x ND filter is indicated, and of course using the ISO80 option.

 

With the light fading in the evening, especially after sunset, slower shutter speeds become possible. I am using the SF24D with an extension cord even for bounce in rooms of reasonable size, and I do seldom reach for something heftier.

 

The old man from the Age of Flashpowder

 

Just a thought, and the answer is probably no, but if Nikon cords allow full TTL functions with the SF24D will they give full TTL with a Nikon flash on the M9?

 

Mike.

[jaapv]

Unfortunately not. The reason the Nikon cord works is that it is fully wired. The flash software is not quite compatible with M-TTL

[haroldp]

Actually rechargeables are better batteries for flashes, the recycle time is much lower with them. If you get Sanyo Eneloop or similar they will also retain their charge for over a year.

 

That is correct. Rechargeables (NIMH) are more suited to heavy current draw applications such as recharging a flash capacitor (or flashlights) . Alkalines are best for voltage driven applications such as remote controls, and have better shelf life.

 

I only use rechargeables (sanyo eneloop) in my flashes.

 

Be aware that rechargeables are typically 1.2 volt where alkalines are 1.5.

 

For this reason, Nikon warns not to use the fifth battery holder foir the sb-800 if using alkalines because of over voltage.

 

There are now 2500 mah eneloops hitting the market.

 

Regards ... Harold

[Mike Rawcs]

Thanks Jaapv, as I suspected.

 

Mike.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[lars_bergquist]

That is correct. Rechargeables (NIMH) are more suited to heavy current draw applications such as recharging a flash capacitor (or flashlights) . Alkalines are best for voltage driven applications such as remote controls, and have better shelf life. [ ... ]

 

Regards ... Harold

 

You cannot use alkalines in the SF24D. It is made for two type CR123A (DL123A, 123) 3v lithium batteries. Quite apart from the voltage, there is also the form factor. So the 'alkalines or rechargeables' alternatives do not exist. But the 123 is not really an exotic type of battery.

 

The old man from the Age of Lead-Acid Batteries – for flashes

[jim sink]

I use the SF24D without any problem. It is a small flash that packs a lot of light.