Jodad Posted November 29, 2021 Share #1 Posted November 29, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) Would like to start using flash and wondered if you could help me with finding a flash that works best with a film MP. I am a total beginner when it comes to flash and want something that takes out all guess work/ required knowledge to use and, will maximise the number of good results (apparently its easy to over flash the subject even when using TTL). Although I love full manual when taking photos, for now and for starters, with flash, I want something that will do it all for me until I get some practice. Yes, I know the Ms aren't the most suitable for flash but lets please keep this out of the discussion since an M is what i have and what I'm going to be using. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 29, 2021 Posted November 29, 2021 Hi Jodad, Take a look here What is the most versatile flash to use on a leica MP (film)?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
madNbad Posted November 29, 2021 Share #2 Posted November 29, 2021 Get a Meike 320 for Nikon. You won't need the TTL connections but it's a small versitle flash with both tilt and rotation. The Meike is a good size for your MP, not huge like the Metzs' and more offers more flexibility than the SF-20/24d. Plus they're about sixty five usd so if you don't like it, not much invested. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ouroboros Posted November 29, 2021 Share #3 Posted November 29, 2021 2 hours ago, Jodad said: Would like to start using flash and wondered if you could help me with finding a flash that works best with a film MP. I am a total beginner when it comes to flash and want something that takes out all guess work/ required knowledge to use and, will maximise the number of good results (apparently its easy to over flash the subject even when using TTL). Although I love full manual when taking photos, for now and for starters, with flash, I want something that will do it all for me until I get some practice. Yes, I know the Ms aren't the most suitable for flash but lets please keep this out of the discussion since an M is what i have and what I'm going to be using. Without knowing how you intend to use flash you might want to think about the possibility that you will want to use flash more creatively than what a simple hot shoe mounted flash can offer after you've learnt the basics. I use Godox AD200's off the camera at weddings and events. They have reasonable power output, WiFi remote control and a range of heads and modifiers are available: http://www.godox.com/EN/Products_Witstro_Pocket_Flash_AD200.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Posted November 29, 2021 Share #4 Posted November 29, 2021 I'm in the same boat at the OP. Want to try flash photography on film. My basic instinct told me to order an SF20 to use on my MPs. Seems pretty straight forward. Second step will be to get a cable to use it "off" of the hotshoe... Any advice would be helpful. I have no idea how to use this ! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madNbad Posted November 29, 2021 Share #5 Posted November 29, 2021 Nikon SC-28 for off camera flash. It will carry the TTL information, if needed. The SF-20 is a nice flash but the design is from the 1990's. There are a lot of better options out there now. As Ouroboros noted there are flashes on the market with built in wi-fi making multi flash setup's easier and more affordable for the occasional user. Also, try to find the right size flash for your MP. Many of the new flashes are slimmer, lighter and offer both tilt plus rotation and are often bundled with or have built in reflectors or diffusers. Today it's easy to find a small, powerful flash to slip in the bag. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danner Posted November 29, 2021 Share #6 Posted November 29, 2021 Metz has a great range of products. But, any auto-flash (a flash with its own built-in light sensor) will work for routine on-camera flash pictures. Getting the flash off the camera, with an extension cord or wireless trigger, gives you more flexibility in the direction of light. Don't overlook studio type flash units if you are shooting static scenes in a controlled environment. Personally, I like the Paul C. Buff range of products, especially the Digi-Bees, because they can also be used as continuous lights. https://www.paulcbuff.com/Flash-Units/DigiBee/DigiBee-Flash-Unit.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted November 29, 2021 Share #7 Posted November 29, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) Leica MP has synch. for electronic flash 1/50 s. This would be the most limited factor. I'd use any flash with choices of auto and/or manual power over small flash with only one or two power outputs. I use since long many old style flashes Cullmann CX40 ( like here ) the most versatile with manual zoom head 24 to 100mm and choices of f/4, 5.6,8 11 in A mode, and the nice smaller Cullmann DC32, (like here ), Osram VS280 (see here ), Metz 32CT3, etc. These flashes share SCA300 system and all with orientable head, use 4xAA batteries and can be used off camera with extension cord. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Posted November 29, 2021 Share #8 Posted November 29, 2021 (edited) 4 minutes ago, madNbad said: Nikon SC-28 for off camera flash. It will carry the TTL information, if needed. The SF-20 is a nice flash but the design is from the 1990's. There are a lot of better options out there now. As Ouroboros noted there are flashes on the market with built in wi-fi making multi flash setup's easier and more affordable for the occasional user. Also, try to find the right size flash for your MP. Many of the new flashes are slimmer, lighter and offer both tilt plus rotation and are often bundled with or have built in reflectors or diffusers. Today it's easy to find a small, powerful flash to slip in the bag. Thank you. can you explain how an off camera flash carry the ttl info ? and how can my MP communicate with a flash via Wifi ? EDIT: just Googled Nikon sc28 and understood what you meant by carrying the ttl info. Edited November 29, 2021 by Steven Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madNbad Posted November 29, 2021 Share #9 Posted November 29, 2021 Since the MP doesn't support TTL flash, the cord will simply allow you to trigger the flash off camera. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ouroboros Posted November 29, 2021 Share #10 Posted November 29, 2021 I personally don’t use or want ttl flash. As a creative asset, especially for people photography, flash is most effective when used manually. WiFi control with off-camera flash is via the hot or cold shoe mounted trigger. 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madNbad Posted November 29, 2021 Share #11 Posted November 29, 2021 With many new manufactures bringing flashes to the market, they're a so many choices now and most include features once reserved for high end units. The ability to adjust output in manual mode and more effective auto sensors. With built in wi-fi, you can now get three flashes, be creative and have spent less money than a dedicated flash from several years ago that if it was TTL relied on line of sight to transmit the information to additional off camera flashes. Leica M and flash have never really been a natural fit. The M6 TTL and M7 are the outliers. As has been pointed out, you don't need TTL for creativity. Now if you just want something for some fill or to light a whole room, there are plenty of options. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Posted November 29, 2021 Share #12 Posted November 29, 2021 58 minutes ago, madNbad said: Since the MP doesn't support TTL flash, the cord will simply allow you to trigger the flash off camera. What ? the MP doesn't have TTL?! that changes my plan ! how does one meter with no ttl flash ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Posted November 29, 2021 Share #13 Posted November 29, 2021 29 minutes ago, madNbad said: With many new manufactures bringing flashes to the market, they're a so many choices now and most include features once reserved for high end units. The ability to adjust output in manual mode and more effective auto sensors. With built in wi-fi, you can now get three flashes, be creative and have spent less money than a dedicated flash from several years ago that if it was TTL relied on line of sight to transmit the information to additional off camera flashes. Leica M and flash have never really been a natural fit. The M6 TTL and M7 are the outliers. As has been pointed out, you don't need TTL for creativity. Now if you just want something for some fill or to light a whole room, there are plenty of options. So what's the most "auto" third party flash once could start with ? Is there one where I can dial in the aperture, shutter speed and ISO of my MP, and have it do the rest of the work alone automatically? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted November 29, 2021 Share #14 Posted November 29, 2021 1 minute ago, Steven said: How does one meter with no ttl flash ? Well, you could use a flash meter. Or you could calculate things manually based on the guide number and power setting. In the past there were a number of solutions. Nikon even produced the 45/2.8 GN (Guide Number) Nikkor. Whilst far from impossible to use flash manually and get predictable results, it does mean pre-visualising what you are trying to achieve (amount of fill-flash or pure flash only illumination). TTL flash is simply another form of automation and has its limitations depending on sophistication of camera/flash. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danner Posted November 29, 2021 Share #15 Posted November 29, 2021 (edited) 17 minutes ago, Steven said: What ? the MP doesn't have TTL?! that changes my plan ! how does one meter with no ttl flash ? Ha! What was once old is new again. Guide Numbers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guide_number Or, the use of an auto flash (flash has built in light sensors that extinguishes the flash when exposure value ha been reached). Edited November 29, 2021 by Danner Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Posted November 29, 2021 Share #16 Posted November 29, 2021 7 minutes ago, Danner said: Ha! What was once old is new again. Guide Numbers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guide_number Or, the use of an auto flash (flash has built in light sensors that extinguishes the flash when exposure value ha been reached). Any recommandation of auto flash to use with a Leica MP?! Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ouroboros Posted November 29, 2021 Share #17 Posted November 29, 2021 44 minutes ago, Steven said: Any recommandation of auto flash to use with a Leica MP?! Thanks Depends on what you intend to do with it. Are you an aspiring Bruce Gilden with a small flash in one hand attached by a synch cable to a camera in the other hand or do you want adjustable power settings, tilt & swivel head for bouncing the flash, adjustable beam angle etc? Take a look at Metz for starters. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hintsalae Posted November 29, 2021 Share #18 Posted November 29, 2021 51 minutes ago, Steven said: Any recommandation of auto flash to use with a Leica MP?! Thanks Isn't the leica sf20 auto flash that you already have? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aryel Posted November 29, 2021 Share #19 Posted November 29, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, Steven said: What ? the MP doesn't have TTL?! that changes my plan ! how does one meter with no ttl flash ? I do not have a mp so please correct me if I am wrong: it does ttl for metering (I.e it meters through the lens) but it does not do ttl flash (I.e it cannot adjust exposure time based on flash light). You need an electronic shutter for ttl flash. As a side not, basic manual flash is fairly straightforward: look at the scale and select the aperture based on the distance to the flash unit. Edited November 29, 2021 by Aryel Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted November 29, 2021 Share #20 Posted November 29, 2021 When I was shooting film with M6 many many years ago I had good experience with Metz flash in auto mode. 32ct8, or Metz45 (I just bought a used one for very very low price) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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