SF 26 compatability

[MikeD70]

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Anyone using the Leica (metz) SF26 flash on a Q?  I am wondering about the TTL functions, and the ability to dial the flash back.  With Fuji, there were several flash units available, that could provide just that bit of fill when set back to a minus 1 0r 1.5 maybe even a -2 just to gat that catch light in the eyes or get more detail in dark hair, etc.  I have a couple of these Metz units with Fuji and Sony TTL, nice little flash, but always a bit overpowering.  I see a lot of the units on Ebay, but wanted to check here before grabbing one.  Any info on these would be appreciated.   Thanks in advance.

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[LexS]

The Leica is based on Metz, but not identical !

A long time ago there were several (long) threads about flash on the Q (Q2). Search for them.

I can not help you, I never use a flash, just put the ISO max level much higher and the 1.7 speed, and then you get a good picture even at very low light.

[MikeD70]

I have been using it that way, not, pretty much staying at 1.7.  Great results.  I will search for those older posts.  Thanks

[iRandom]

I gave it a try with the Q2 today since it had been a while. The TTL seems fine if not a bit underexposed. You can use the in-camera +/-3 stop flash exposure and this also seemed to work fine.

There are no manual controls on the flash. Just a power button and 3 buttons for TTL, Slave & LED.

I have to admit that I've very rarely used the flash.

[Leica Guy]

I briefly used an SF-26 with my Q. I found it underwhelming. AAA batteries are a definite limitation. I upgraded to the SF-40 and am much happier. It easily pivots for bounce shots. It uses AA batteries. I mostly use it in manual mode, but the TTL does work. I find the dial on the back is too easily turned when I don't realize it. Something to watch out for.

[JLS]

- I use the SF40 with my Q3 [But not exactly how I’d wish]

- I ALWAYS like to use ‘Fill Flash’ regardless of the ambient lighting.  I have been unable to set the Fill Flash @ a -1 F Stop

- Better stated, I’ve set the Camera for Flash @ -1F Stop for my desired Fill Flash exposure, (and the SF40 @ TTL) but I’ve noticed that the SF40 does not always flash or doesn’t flash when the Camera determines it has sufficient light to shoot the picture.  Hence, no ‘Fill’ flash.  I don’t get it!

- I like to use the SF40 only for Fill Flash regardless of what the ambient light may be.  Yet, the Q3 seems to over-ride the use of a flash if it determines it has sufficient ambient light.

- Any thoughts?  Thanks.

[Harwell Thrasher]

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If the flash sometimes doesn't go off, then check the Flash Mode setting. You may have the camera set to "Automatic," which only triggers the flash when the camera determines that a shutter speed would be too slow. If you switch the Flash Mode to "Manual" then it should fire every time. There's also another mode called "Long Term Exposure" but I haven't quite figured out the difference between that mode and "Manual." It seems from the user guide description that "Manual" will automatically adjust the flash power for fill-in, while "Long Term Exposure" will use the flash for primary lighting and, using the old term, "drag the shutter" to open up the background enough so that it doesn't go dark.