Question about Flash compatibility on R8

[H.Beatzel]

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Hi masjah,

 

First of all I wish you all a Happy 2013.

 

I personally think that Metz realized that persons who own cameras from different brands, will find it easy to use the Metz 54 i4 for many camera systems by just changing the adapter and not purchasing a flash for each camera system. So the Metz´s marketing got smart and does not supply a variety of adapters but instead offers a new flash for each camera system (internally they just had to change the adapter) and by doing so they generate demand.

Nevertheless I still think that the 54 i4 or the 58 are the best flashes you can buy, maybe you can find a 54 incl. a adapter on the second hand market.

 

regards

Helmut Beatzel

[masjah]

Hi masjah,

 

First of all I wish you all a Happy 2013.

 

I personally think that Metz realized that persons who own cameras from different brands, will find it easy to use the Metz 54 i4 for many camera systems by just changing the adapter and not purchasing a flash for each camera system. So the Metz´s marketing got smart and does not supply a variety of adapters but instead offers a new flash for each camera system (internally they just had to change the adapter) and by doing so they generate demand.

Nevertheless I still think that the 54 i4 or the 58 are the best flashes you can buy, maybe you can find a 54 incl. a adapter on the second hand market.

 

regards

Helmut Beatzel

 

Helmut, a very Happy New year to you too!

 

I agree with everything you say, especially about the Metz marketing strategy. I've myself actually got a 54MZ with a 3502 adapter, and I too think that the best thing for the OP to do, if he wants TTL functionality, is to find a s/h one (the only alternative being to buy an expensive Leica SF 58).

[Dukeviolin]

To add, the old high voltage flashes such as Vivitar 2800 will not work on R8, perhaps because the camera has a sensor which prevents itself getting fried. 
The R8 user manual says to use SCA 3000 or 3051 foot adapters, but I just bought a nice Metz 54 with 3052 foot, hope that works ok. 
I was told the Leica brand flashes are over priced, so avoided them. 

 

[Michael White]

I concur with John Howarth about the SF 20/24 flashes. I’ve used a s/h as new in box SF 20 for many years with Leica M4-P bodies and since last year, a pair of R8 bodies.

Good results. My only gripe with the SF20 flash is that it takes a pair of 123 batteries, whereas the old Metz 45 hammerhead flash I used with my Leicaflex SL bodies (replaced by the R8 pair) used 4 AA cells. I’m not going to risk coupling the 45 to R8 in case of electronic meltdown. I’ve only just repaid my boyfriend for the R8s. 
The R8 uses CR2, SF 20 uses 123, Metz 45 uses AA. At least we can get them, unlike the Mercury Oxide PX625 1.35 v that the Leicaflex SL demands for its meter. Mine were dud, both of them. That’s why I got them so cheap - £60 & £65. Now the Gossen Multisix takes the 9v PP3 and my village Post Office sells those. Be thankful for small mercies! 

[jaapv]

You do realize that you are responding to a thread that ran in 2012/2013 ?

[davidmknoble]

@jaapv I think this is potentially still a valid thread.  I am curious if anyone has some more current experience with the R8/R9 and newer leica flashes - such as the LF64.  

I am probably equally as timid with attaching a flash to the R8/R9 simply because repair is no longer an option, and I love these cameras.  I am sure when I die my children will not find them as fun to use as me, and will probably get $10 for them at a yard sale, but until then, I’m hoping to use them hard.

Has anyone had experience with Leica flashes after the 24D on the R8/R9 series?

 

[Michael Li]

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Hi, does anyone know whether the Leica SF-40 flash works with the R8 body in TTL mode? When I tried this combination (without film so I don't know the result), the flash seems to always fire in full power, and therefore I am guessing that the TTL metering wasn't in effect. Thanks in advance.

Michael