DaveNC Posted August 1, 2017 Share #1 Posted August 1, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) Please recommend a small flash that works well on the M-D. I am aware of the Leica flashes, which seem over-priced. I wonder if the Metz (for Leica) models will work safely. I cannot find clear information about this. Optimally, I would appreciate hearing from someone who actually uses the Metz flash on an M. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 1, 2017 Posted August 1, 2017 Hi DaveNC, Take a look here Which small flash for M-D 262?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Luke_Miller Posted August 1, 2017 Share #2 Posted August 1, 2017 It depends on how you intend to manage flash exposure. If you want TTL (through the lens flash exposure control) only Leica branded flashes will work. The SF-40 is probably the best choice for a reasonably small flash. If you prefer manual or Auto Thyrister flash exposure control there are many non-Leica flashes that will work including Metz. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fgcm Posted August 1, 2017 Share #3 Posted August 1, 2017 +1 for the SF-40 Great little flash with full auto HSS. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fgcm Posted August 1, 2017 Share #4 Posted August 1, 2017 Metz "for Leica" flash work with "Panasonic-Leica" cameras only. To have TTL on M and SL you must use a Leica branded flash. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted August 1, 2017 Share #5 Posted August 1, 2017 The Nissin i40 is often recommended by Leica owners in your shoes (I've never touched it). As others have noted, it won't give you TTL, but otherwise comes with a high reputation. I think the Leica SF40 is the same one, but designed to do TTL with Leicas. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke_Miller Posted August 1, 2017 Share #6 Posted August 1, 2017 The Nissin i40 is often recommended by Leica owners in your shoes (I've never touched it). As others have noted, it won't give you TTL, but otherwise comes with a high reputation. I think the Leica SF40 is the same one, but designed to do TTL with Leicas. My understanding is the Nissin i40 has only TTL (two modes) and manual. Its Auto is not auto thyrister, but a second mode of TTL. So if used on a Leica M it would offer manual only. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveNC Posted August 2, 2017 Author Share #7 Posted August 2, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks, looks like I will seek out a used Leica branded unit then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jto555 Posted August 2, 2017 Share #8 Posted August 2, 2017 I have "killed" two SF-40 flashes so while it is great on paper I would not recommend it. What about a second hand Nikon SB 28? Very robust with auto and manual but of course no TTL. Then again Leica's version of TTL is not great so no loss there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Kilmister Posted August 2, 2017 Share #9 Posted August 2, 2017 If you 'kill' two flashguns then surely you get a replacement every time if within warranty. The SF40 is perfect with the Leica M 240. You've had two rotten examples. It happens with modern manufacturing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveNC Posted August 3, 2017 Author Share #10 Posted August 3, 2017 I found a $100 SF-20 on Ebay and bought that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke_Miller Posted August 4, 2017 Share #11 Posted August 4, 2017 I found a $100 SF-20 on Ebay and bought that. I believe it will work fine in manual and auto modes, but SF-20 TTL is film only. The digital camera version is the SF-24D. I prefer auto mode with my digital Ms. It eliminates the pre-flash and gives me more accurate exposures in scenes with a bright background or light source in the frame. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveNC Posted August 4, 2017 Author Share #12 Posted August 4, 2017 I believe it will work fine in manual and auto modes, but SF-20 TTL is film only. The digital camera version is the SF-24D. I prefer auto mode with my digital Ms. It eliminates the pre-flash and gives me more accurate exposures in scenes with a bright background or light source in the frame. Bummer for me, then. I intended to use TTL. Oh, well, guess I'll have to resell it and step up to the 24. Leica doesn't make this easy to figure out... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke_Miller Posted August 4, 2017 Share #13 Posted August 4, 2017 Bummer for me, then. I intended to use TTL. Oh, well, guess I'll have to resell it and step up to the 24. Leica doesn't make this easy to figure out... You might want to try it in Auto Mode first. Leica digital M TTL is not in the same league as most other camera brands. Auto Mode works well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveNC Posted August 6, 2017 Author Share #14 Posted August 6, 2017 I shot a few tests this evening in auto and it's fine actually. Fill worked fine and a few indoors as well. I think I'm satisfied. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveNC Posted August 9, 2017 Author Share #15 Posted August 9, 2017 I've been testing this $100 SF-20 flash with my M-D and I really like it. Basically I leave it on Auto and the camera on Aperture Priority and just shoot away. The camera uses the slowest shutter appropriate for the lens and won't fire the flash above 1/180. I set the camera ISO to 200, 400, or 800 based on my normal decision. I set the flash to match. I pick one of the three apertures on the flash based on my shooting distance interests. Then set the camera to the same 2.8, 5.6 or 11. Frankly the results the various conditions I've tested are very pleasing to me. I've also tested on the 1/180 shutter speed on the camera and adjusted the aperture accordingly. Same good results but a few more thoughtful steps. I use flash only inside and occasionally as fill flash outside. So, this $100 simple, small, light flash works well for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted August 10, 2017 Share #16 Posted August 10, 2017 Your method is fine and gives you 1:1 flash:ambient. You can also can use the EV compensation on the back of the SF20 to lower the output in AUTO mode. To me, minus 1 to 2 stops gives a more natural fill. Also, if you desire some softer light, although the SF20 does't tilt, I found that the Omnibounce diffuser OM-C fits over the flash head on an angle and works very nicely without obscuring the sensor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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