I need a flash

[polycarp]

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With the SL3 and 24-90, i did like to explore the option of having a flash. SF64 is the one i am most keen on because it seems more durable than the SF60.Not too sure what other 3rd party options are out there.

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[Anbaric]

19 minutes ago, polycarp said:

With the SL3 and 24-90, i did like to explore the option of having a flash. SF64 is the one i am most keen on because it seems more durable than the SF60.Not too sure what other 3rd party options are out there.

I would check first if the SF 64 is actually compatible with the SL3 in TTL mode. It is one of the older flash units that used to be made by Metz, and was discontinued before the SL3 was launched, so it may not know how to talk to it. The current SF 60 is made by Nissin. I don't think there are any third party on-camera flash units compatible with the SL3 in TTL mode, though of course there are many that will work in manual mode or non-TTL auto using a sensor on the flash itself. You'd need something with a low trigger voltage, and avoid anything that has extra pins that line up with the dedicated Leica pins in the hotshoe (unless you use an adapter like this that only passes through the centre pin).

[Luke_Miller]

Can't speak to the SL3, but my SF-58 works fine on my SL (Typ 601) and SL2.  I can't imagine the newer SF-64 would not be fine as well.  Camera makers tend to be slow to change flash protocols.  In the Nikon world my 2003 SB-800 still functions properly on the latest Nikon bodies.

Edited May 18, 2024 by Luke_Miller

[LocalHero1953]

I had the SF64 and hated it for its controls: no dial to manually control power, just a very insensitive touch interface and unintuitive menu. I couldn't wait to sell it.
I don't recall ever using it on my SL/SL2-S, but mainly on the M240, where there was no no TTL.
I replaced it with a Godox V850 - no TTL, but then I mainly use manual off-camera flash.

[Photoworks]

the SF60 and SF40 are the only ones that are TTL and HSS.

Older Leica Flash can work but has the issue that goes to sleep and doesn't wake up when the camera does, like SF24.
TTL does not work.
Some have A mode and if you match the setting from the camera and the flash you can use the sensor of the flash to regular the light output.

The question is when do you need all that, what are you using the flash for? can you go by with manual?
Most of the time I am in M mode, but as your subject distance changes the power needs to be adjusted.
Do you go from a dark place to a light place when you shoot? like a party indoors and outdoors? it gets tiring setting ISO and flash power every time, it is better to shoot in TTL and auto ISO mode.
 

 

[jaapv]

2 hours ago, Anbaric said:

I would check first if the SF 64 is actually compatible with the SL3 in TTL mode. It is one of the older flash units that used to be made by Metz, and was discontinued before the SL3 was launched, so it may not know how to talk to it. The current SF 60 is made by Nissin. I don't think there are any third party on-camera flash units compatible with the SL3 in TTL mode, though of course there are many that will work in manual mode or non-TTL auto using a sensor on the flash itself. You'd need something with a low trigger voltage, and avoid anything that has extra pins that line up with the dedicated Leica pins in the hotshoe (unless you use an adapter like this that only passes through the centre pin).

Leica cameras have a 600V (Leica communication from the M8 days) trigger voltage. If the pins have a Nikon configuration they will not function but they will not harm either.  
 

For occasional use I am quite happy with the SF40. Note that is rather critical with batteries. It does not like Alkaline. I use NiMH rechargeable. 

[Anbaric]

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13 minutes ago, jaapv said:

Leica cameras have a 600V (Leica communication from the M8 days) trigger voltage. If the pins have a Nikon configuration they will not function but they will not harm either.  

I'd be inclined to err on the side of caution here. There are a lot of flash units (including most recent ones) with really low (single digit) trigger voltages to choose from, and the SL3 is a new camera. I don't think the manual says anything about voltage, but it does say that:

'Other flash units, which only have a positive center contact, can be safely fired via the Leica SL3, but cannot be controlled via the camera. Correct function cannot be guaranteed when using any other flash unit.'

(the emphasis is Leica's).

They are probably being cautious because the response of the camera when it receives an unknown signal from one of the dedicated pins is simply undefined - it might well do nothing, or it might cause unexpected behaviour, and nobody has tested this. I did wonder in a recent thread if an issue one user mentioned when using a Nikon flash on a Q2 might be this kind of problem.

[Luke_Miller]

I use the following Leica flashes: SF-24D, SF-58, SF-40.  My cameras are the Q2, M240, SL, and SL2.  All of the flashes work in TTL mode on all of the cameras.  Since I don't have access to a SL3 I can't verify operation on that body, but I believe they will work fine with it.  If Leica changed the flash protocol of the SL3 there would be no flashes compatible with it since the most recent Leica flashes (SF-40 & SF-60) were released well before the SL3.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

7 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I had the SF64 and hated it for its controls: no dial to manually control power, just a very insensitive touch interface and unintuitive menu. I couldn't wait to sell it.
I don't recall ever using it on my SL/SL2-S, but mainly on the M240, where there was no no TTL.
I replaced it with a Godox V850 - no TTL, but then I mainly use manual off-camera flash.

Agreed. Awful interface and the build is no better than the SF60. Also discontinued and no way to repair them.

At least with the SF60 an off camera trigger is an option.

Gordon

[Photoworks]

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[jrp]

I'd check out the Godox system.   They now have Leica triggers.

[polycarp]

Thank you everyone for your input! I am more confused than ever, i will wait and see if Leica designs a new flash ( hopefully ?)

[jrp]

Leica does not have the resources to design their own flashes. They went with Nissin, rebadged, after their previous flash partner exited the market. 
 

I went with Godox because they are cheap, but work, and have a range of different flashes that work with the same radio trigger. https://godox.com/product-a/XProIIL.html

[Simone_DF]

It’s worth noting that Nissin has not released a new flash since at least 2019, if not more, and in the meantime Godox has eaten their market considerably on the lower end of the spectrum, while Profoto is on the upper end. It doesn’t look good for Nissin. 

[Photoworks]

It took Leica and Profoto two years to design a trigger. Leica does not design flash, but I can see the next flash coming from Profoto, but it is a big investment for little returns.
 

Godox is not official and it is not all the way compatible with some cameras.
only a few light with recent manufacturing work with the Godox Trigger.

 

Nissin has not been preparing flash for some time and they all have to go to Japan for inspection.

Leica can't repair them; if you are under warranty, they replace it.

[Luke_Miller]

Rumor has it that Profoto will release a Leica dedicated A10.  That should satisfy those wanting something other than Nissin or used Metz.  

[rick_dykstra]

Thanks for this thread and comments so far.

I'm looking at buying an SL3. I will use my R system tele lenses with it, for outdoor nature pics. I definitely want remote master/slave flash control, including with TTL. I'm using a Metz 54 MZ-3 as master and a 50 MZ-5 as slave at the moment (with an R8/DMR). This works well.

Which of the flash units shown as accessories for the SL3 are compatible with Metz remote flash control? From earlier posts I read that the SF 60 is a Metz product, so it could work, as a master or slave. Available?

Others?

Thanks. Rick.