kb7001 Posted October 1, 2014 Share #1 Posted October 1, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have a Leica mp (film) camera and a Leica SF-20 flash unit. I want to be able to fill flash in certain outdoor circumstances. But, the max sync speed is 1/50 and this is much too slow for the ambient light. What happens if I set the shutter speed faster say at 1/125 or more, and the flash on M mode? Will the light from the flash not come quick enough and therefore will have no effect? An annoying alternative, I suppose, would be to use a dark neutral density filter on the lens and set the flash to M mode with a possible adjustment in the flash power. Or perhaps the A mode? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 1, 2014 Posted October 1, 2014 Hi kb7001, Take a look here fill flash and Leica mp. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
CalArts 99 Posted October 1, 2014 Share #2 Posted October 1, 2014 The Leica has a focal plane shutter and unfortunately the sync is slow. You're stuck at the sync speed or slower otherwise the curtain will block part of the exposure. You'll need to change aperture to match ambient exposure. This is the downside of a slow sync speed with a focal plane shutter (leaf shutters don't have the issue.) 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/234877-fill-flash-and-leica-mp/?do=findComment&comment=2681906'>More sharing options...
jip Posted October 2, 2014 Share #3 Posted October 2, 2014 Why I love High Speed Sync (HSS) on my Leica M (Typ 240) and R9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
drolfe Posted October 2, 2014 Share #4 Posted October 2, 2014 Back in the day with my M4 and PlusX, I would sometimes shoot at 1/125th, being careful to place the subject I wanted filled to the left side of my frame. That way the flash would illuminate the side of the frame that I needed before the second curtain was released. Or was it the right side... (it was a long time ago...) Of course, modern cameras will not fire if the shutter speed is set incorrectly with a flash, but the old analogue Leicas were not that sophisticated. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted October 2, 2014 Share #5 Posted October 2, 2014 I've done that ^ too, except only in portait orientation, where I would keep the face of my subject in the upper half of the frame. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
payasam Posted October 3, 2014 Share #6 Posted October 3, 2014 A neutral density filter is the only solution to the problem. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybob Posted October 3, 2014 Share #7 Posted October 3, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Or slower film. Or a stop and a half or two less manual flash. You' have to stay at the 50th. 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/234877-fill-flash-and-leica-mp/?do=findComment&comment=2682878'>More sharing options...
alun Posted October 6, 2014 Share #8 Posted October 6, 2014 You are tied to the M sync speed of a fiftieth. However, by using ND filters (as has been suggested), slower film and/or smaller apertures you can make fill flash workable. When I did this with my M6 and M7 I used to use it mainly in the autumn/winter and at dusk. Once I could take an ambient meter reading that was around a 50th with an aperture below f8 then I would start to use fill flash, dialling the flash down by a stop and a half on the flashgun. It's a bit hit and miss but you get used to it. However, fill flash (to put a sparkle into deeply shadowed eyes, say) on a brilliant summer's day at f11 at 250 or 500, it isn't Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broadside Posted October 7, 2014 Share #9 Posted October 7, 2014 Used to use fill-in flash all the time on the cruiseships under the tropical sun. 100 asa film - 1/50th @ f22 - flash set to auto should be fine. Just need a steady hand. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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