Leica flash system and the SL

[ymc226]

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Currently I am using a Paul Buff strobe system at home manually with Pocketwizards to trigger but I would want something lightweight and portable. I did use a flash meter when I used film but now expose via the trial and error method since digital came along.

 

Not knowing very much about speedlights, I have a few very basic questions. I am interested in getting the Leica SF 60, maybe two, and it’s remote controller.

 

Can TTL and HSS still work off camera using the remote controller as the on camera trigger?

 

Also, how does TTL work with more than on speedlight? Does the camera expose for the main flash only and the 2nd flash would have to be set according to taste?

[sillbeers15]

Yes the Leica Commander (controller) on camera hotshoe does control multiple SF60s & Nissin’s NAS flashes for Manual and TTL including HSS. However due to firmware issue, the camera trigger will not activate when one selects Manual when on TTL ( shutter speed exceeding slow syn speed). I have informed Leica Germany and am waiting for a solution from them. There are several groups that you can select your individual off camera flashes to be at different power settings ( on Manual) and EVs ( on TTL).

Only draw back is the SF60 speedlights are kind of limited in output when used outdoors at HSS to counter the strong ambient light. The SF C1 works with the 165Ws Nissin MG10. A better tool for more juice when required.

[Joeri]

You could also check out the smallest ProPhoto headsets. They're bigger, but they give a lot more power and flexibility than the SF60. I use the Broncolor Siros L set and even those are portable and very, very powerful.

[sillbeers15]

You could also check out the smallest ProPhoto headsets. They're bigger, but they give a lot more power and flexibility than the SF60. I use the Broncolor Siros L set and even those are portable and very, very powerful.

 

Profoto has very nice products (lighting wise), innovative and just the right products to steal photographers' hearts. Unfortunately their head is swelled big now. So big that they do not bother about Leica users (too small market size). I wonder how long can they continue to lead inthis market. Godox is closely chasing behind them. There is a copy cat A1 similar product Godox will release sometime next month. The AD200 sells like hot cake and Godox competitive products are a fraction cost of Profoto.

I have no problem spending on lenses and cameras, but lighting,...I see new products springing up every few months and the wear & tear of off camera flashes can be high and i don't want to be really bothered taking care of them when I'm focusing on taking my shots. They can fall, they can be stolen with crowd, I don want to care, just treat it as disposible if I cannot retrive all after shooting.

[ymc226]

Profoto has very nice products (lighting wise), innovative and just the right products to steal photographers' hearts. Unfortunately their head is swelled big now. So big that they do not bother about Leica users (too small market size). I wonder how long can they continue to lead inthis market. Godox is closely chasing behind them. There is a copy cat A1 similar product Godox will release sometime next month. The AD200 sells like hot cake and Godox competitive products are a fraction cost of Profoto.

I have no problem spending on lenses and cameras, but lighting,...I see new products springing up every few months and the wear & tear of off camera flashes can be high and i don't want to be really bothered taking care of them when I'm focusing on taking my shots. They can fall, they can be stolen with crowd, I don want to care, just treat it as disposible if I cannot retrive all after shooting.

 

 

Thanks for the information.  I will use the 2 SF 60 along with the SF C1 with HSS and TTL to see how it goes.  If I find that I can use manual and need more power, I'll probably get a pair of the B10s as they also have rechargeable lithium batteries and look portable enough.  If Godox comes out with the A1 copy, that would be a nice cheaper option.

[sillbeers15]

Godox Round Head Flash 

[FMB]

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On ‎10‎/‎3‎/‎2018 at 1:59 AM, sillbeers15 said:

Yes the Leica Commander (controller) on camera hotshoe does control multiple SF60s & Nissin’s NAS flashes for Manual and TTL including HSS. However due to firmware issue, the camera trigger will not activate when one selects Manual when on TTL ( shutter speed exceeding slow syn speed). I have informed Leica Germany and am waiting for a solution from them. There are several groups that you can select your individual off camera flashes to be at different power settings ( on Manual) and EVs ( on TTL).

Only draw back is the SF60 speedlights are kind of limited in output when used outdoors at HSS to counter the strong ambient light. The SF C1 works with the 165Ws Nissin MG10. A better tool for more juice when required.

Have you already succeeded  in using Leica SF C1 as a transceiver in a proper channel to use MG10,  mode  TTL/Manual or only manual alone or with other Leica flashes? If afirmative, please tell us the ways followed.

Thank you,

FMB

[sillbeers15]

5 hours ago, FMB said:

Have you already succeeded  in using Leica SF C1 as a transceiver in a proper channel to use MG10,  mode  TTL/Manual or only manual alone or with other Leica flashes? If afirmative, please tell us the ways followed.

Thank you,

FMB

My ordered unit (MG10) is on its way. I will share my experiences with all later.

I’ve used Pocket Wizard triggers for a few years with my M240 controlling 3rd party manual flashes before the arrival of SF C1 and SF60 as OCF.

I am looking forward to more 3rd party options on flashes and wireless controllers after L Mount Alliance. I hope the same standardization of hotshot protocol takes place as it did for micro four thirds between Olympus and Panasonic.

[helged]

21 minutes ago, sillbeers15 said:

My ordered unit (MG10) is on its way. I will share my experiences with all later.

I’ve used Pocket Wizard triggers for a few years with my M240 controlling 3rd party manual flashes before the arrival of SF C1 and SF60 as OCF.

I am looking forward to more 3rd party options on flashes and wireless controllers after L Mount Alliance. I hope the same standardization of hotshot protocol takes place as it did for micro four thirds between Olympus and Panasonic.

Another potential/likely benefit from the Lei-Pan-Sig collaboration. Good. 

[ynp]

The Leica flash protocol is not supported by the biggest and most important flash and strobe manufacturers. You cannot buy a modern HSS or HS system with the quirky Leica flash protocol. Even Hasselblad put the Nikon hot shoe on its mirrorless MF camera. 

It’s time to pay Bron, Profoto, Godox etc to get access to the flash systems, or change the flash protocols altogether and get Panasonic or Nikon protocol. 

It’s not fair to the customers to stick to their own ancient  and unsupported   solutions. 

The formation of the L-Alliance is a good time for a big change. 

 

Yevgeny

[sillbeers15]

19 minutes ago, ynp said:

The Leica flash protocol is not supported by the biggest and most important flash and strobe manufacturers. You cannot buy a modern HSS or HS system with the quirky Leica flash protocol. Even Hasselblad put the Nikon hot shoe on its mirrorless MF camera. 

It’s time to pay Bron, Profoto, Godox etc to get access to the flash systems, or change the flash protocols altogether and get Panasonic or Nikon protocol. 

It’s not fair to the customers to stick to their own ancient  and unsupported   solutions. 

The formation of the L-Alliance is a good time for a big change. 

 

Yevgeny

I have seen many changes over the past few years in the flash/strobe products and players with the introduction of wireless control, battery operated and downsizing of lights. More changes will inevitably take place. I see product innovation and competitively priced products such as Godox 200, 400, 600 series lights competing against established brands and taking market share.

More changes will only take place over the next few years.

[ynp]

8 hours ago, sillbeers15 said:

I have seen many changes over the past few years in the flash/strobe products and players with the introduction of wireless control, battery operated and downsizing of lights. More changes will inevitably take place. I see product innovation and competitively priced products such as Godox 200, 400, 600 series lights competing against established brands and taking market share.

More changes will only take place over the next few years.

I use two Godox 200 with a small parabolic umbrella, it works, but I would like to have a better integration of the flash with my Leicas.