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Leica T / TL : 'Off camera' slaved 'macro-flash' solution


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A current macro project requires use of a Leica T camera on a copy stand , with a pair of slave-activated  'off camera' Metz 28 CS-2 flash units on the copy stand baseboard … and with the T's 'pop-up' flash not influencing subject illumination.  Metz 28 CS-2 flash units have 'built-in' slave sensors. 

A solution is to use a slotted tube which fits over the pop-up flash,  with an aluminium foil reflector in the bottom of the tube; the foil reflector is secured with double sided adhesive tape.

The plastic tube is a recycled vitamin drink tablet tube with a white interior. The slot which fits over the pop-up flash was cut using a modelling knife - a small pair of scissors could also be used after piercing the tube.

The Visoflex 020 EVF is fitted to the T's accessory shoe. 

The 45º angled foil reflector in the bottom of the tube is directed to the 'master' Metz 28 CS-2 flash unit's 'slave sensor' ; the flash unit's 'slave sensor' is on the lower front of the flash unit.

The 'master' Metz flashgun simultaneously activates the 'secondary' Metz 28 CS-2 flash unit's slave sensor. 

Flash intensity onto the macro subject can be varied by:

1) Placing the flashguns at various distances from the macro subject 

2) Varying the power of the Metz 28 CS-2 flashguns e.g. from 1/16 to full power

3) Using diffusers over the the flashgun lenses. 

By trial and error the optimum flash settings / distances can be established and noted. 

By setting the T's built-in pop-up 'Flash Exposure Compensation' to -3 (minus 3), the pop-up flash output is minimised - thus conserving battery power.

The Metz units' slaves can be activated with low power flash - hence the pop-up flash is set to -3 flash compensation. 

The intended subjects are pond fauna in a petri dish. Pond fauna move - thus require flash illumination rather than e.g. LED illumination. 

dunk 

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Edited by dkCambridgeshire
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Have you tried the FOTOS app to do your viewing, it works really well with the CL on a copy stand. Get a phone holder and place the phone where it works for you, will also act as a cable release. You would also be able to get rid of the Viso and use the hot shoe for a radio control or initial flash. 

You answered my first question, why not use LEDs? But if the subject moves a flash is better of course. 

Again would like to see your images with the set up. 

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Thank you for the suggestion. I did try the Leica app with my iPad and Leica T but it was very unreliable so did not try it again.  I envisage having to move petri dishes and tiny mini aquariums in small increments … whilst viewing the subjects and using manual focus … so prefer to use the Viso. What works with the CL might not work with a T. And will be experimenting 'pondside' … not in a studio.  

dunk 

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