TTL flash on M10 - Few options, and how well do they work?

[Anbaric]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

1 hour ago, Luke_Miller said:

I have several older Nikon flashes that work in Auto mode on my digital M bodies.  I also have the Leica SF-58 which works in both TTL and Auto.

The 'A' mode on the older Metz-based SF-58 is a 'traditional' (non-TTL) Auto mode that uses a sensor built in to the flash. Lots of older Nikon flashes also have these sensors. The current flagship SB-5000 still does, though Nikon have dropped it from flashes lower down the range, where the only auto modes are TTL (as with the SF-40).

Leica really ought to have a flash with a traditional 'A' mode since they are one of the few manufacturers still making cameras (the film models) that don't do TTL flash. But with the demise of Metz they went with a partner (Nissin) that doesn't seem to have built-in sensors in their current range, including the i40 the SF-40 is based on - the only automation is TTL, with dedicated models for different camera systems. I suppose adding non-TTL sensor hardware to the Leica version would have added significantly to the development costs. As it is, they just customised it to work with the Leica TTL system, made some cosmetic changes, slapped on Leica branding, and shipped it to Leica to sell at an inflated price. Unfortunately, there is no cheaper Nissin-branded Leica-dedicated i40 (I would guess they agreed with Leica not to sell one). Also unfortunately, that lack of a non-TTL 'A' mode means there are better choices than Leica's own current flash range (SF-40/SF-60) for the M6, MP and M-A.