Which Electronic Flash?

[ktmrider2]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I want to throw a small electronic flash into the camera bag.  I use an M4 and recently purchased an MP.  Now it won't be used very much and I have been out of the electronic flash market for twenty or thirty years so do not know what is available.  Obviously, it will need a PC cord for the M4 so looking for suggestions.  And as it won't be used much it can be simple and cheap.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[mikelevitt]

I think flash with Leica is almost always a poor idea.  Even the latest dedicated units work poorly, they balance badly on the camera, and look silly and clumsy.  Plus, new flashes don't usually have a way to connect a sync cord for the M4.  So my advice would be to buy a small, cheap auto flash of almost any brand and use it with the MP.   If you must use a flash with the M4, I found this silly thing which still triggers with a cord....  https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1712780-REG/godox_lux_junior_retro_camera.html

 

[ktmrider2]

Since I just said I have been out of the flash market for twenty or thirty years, what gives you the idea that I plan on using a flash with either camera very much.  The flash synch speed is left over from the 1950's and really cannot be used for any type of flash fill outside.  I thought someone here might know of a cheap unit with a PC cord and auto flash which would still be manufactured today.

[Anbaric]

It's the 'manufactured today' that's the tricky bit. If you don't mind secondhand or can track down new old stock, the Metz 36 C-2 was made until quite recently:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/273079-REG/Metz_MZ_53622_mecablitz_36_C2_Auto_Flash.html

It's quite versatile (bounce head, auto mode, sync socket) but light. Metz used to make flashes for Leica before they went bust.

You might find camera manufacters' flashes from the film or early digital era quite easy to track down (obviously avoid anything that doesn't have a non-TTL auto mode). Something like a Nikon SB-28, SB-80 or SB-800 ought to work well, though they might be a bit larger than you would like. These were once the flagship pro flashes for Nikon. Unfortunately the auto modes of many of their recent smaller flashes are TTL only.

[spydrxx]

There are a gazillion old thyristor flashes for sale on the big auction site which will work fine with the M4. I usually used one with a bounce head which gave just the necessary amount of added light, especially for family shots (Vivitar 2800). hTere are also plenty which don't have a bounce head, and you can just cover the flash lens with a handkerchief to provide soft portrait lighting, but you lose around 1.5-2 f/stops If you wanted a big hammerhead, the Metz CL4 is a terrific candidate - which I occasionally use today for product shots and occasional portraits.

[blackdot]

45 minutes ago, Anbaric said:

It's the 'manufactured today' that's the tricky bit. If you don't mind secondhand or can track down new old stock, the Metz 36 C-2 was made until quite recently:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/273079-REG/Metz_MZ_53622_mecablitz_36_C2_Auto_Flash.html

It's quite versatile (bounce head, auto mode, sync socket) but light. Metz used to make flashes for Leica before they went bust.

You might find camera manufacters' flashes from the film or early digital era quite easy to track down (obviously avoid anything that doesn't have a non-TTL auto mode). Something like a Nikon SB-28, SB-80 or SB-800 ought to work well, though they might be a bit larger than you would like. These were once the flagship pro flashes for Nikon. Unfortunately the auto modes of many of their recent smaller flashes are TTL only.

I second this.  Also, the smaller 20 c-2 was discontinued, but can still be found easily used or maybe even new old stock. Both are solid units, but the 36 recycles quite a bit faster. Mine came with a small sync cable, but any 2.5mm to pc sync cord will work.

[LocalHero1953]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have bought used Nikon flashes from eBay at good prices that should work with a PC cord. They are robust, compact, simple and easy to use, and had an Auto setting. SB-28 were my favourite. 

Edited March 4, 2024 by LocalHero1953