Nikon SB-5000 with Leica M cameras?

[blygh]

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For many years, I have been using Nikon SB-28 flashes in Auto mode with my Leica M cameras.  These flashes meet all my power and zooming needs, if they occasionally take too long to recycle, but they are now so old that they are exhibiting erratic behaviors such as randomly restoring their default settings.  Is there a contemporary Nikon flash that will work in Auto mode on vintage and current M cameras?  I do not need a lecture on the virtues of TTL metering because some of my Leicas predate TTL.  I just need the following things:  (1) a flash as powerful as my SB-28; (2) a flash I can trigger with a 29" coiled PC cord (or a hotshoe trigger or a hotshoe cord, but the latter tend to hit me in the nose; (3) a zoom feature (28-90mm is really all I need).  While I am well aware that the auto setting does not work perfectly in all scenarios, and digital shooters will be horrified by my lack of concern about correct exposure, I come from the keep-it-simple school.  Yes, I have tried Leica and Metz flashes.  In my experience, the Nikon flashes are better.  The Nikon SB-5000 has an Auto mode, so it seems like it might work, but I have seen nothing online about this pairing.

[jaapv]

Any flash that has an A setting will work non-TTL on any Leica in A mode. Just don’t expect things like auto zoom. Actually Nikon flashes might even do that. 

[Anbaric]

Looks like it ought to work in what Nikon calls 'non-TTL auto flash mode', but I have no experience of this. I would be careful with any Leicas that do have TTL, as I think the extra contacts on the two systems align and unexpected things may happen (no idea if this might include damage). I guess you could use PC sync and a cold shoe if this is an issue.

Edited February 12, 2024 by Anbaric