Recommended Flash for M11?

[MarkShot]

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Suggestions?
 

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

[jeri]

The Leica SF40 flash is compatible with the camera, and is an excellent option.

[Malabito]

For what kind of photography? I’ve been using the LightPix Flasq, and it has worked perfectly, but I am using it mostly for street photography.

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[Bobonli]

Here is what I have learned having spent several hours researching the topic myself. A first decision point is whether having a flash with a small, compact size that complements the M body is important to you. If it is important to you, then your choices are rather limited. If it is not important to you, then you could use pretty much any modern flash provided it doesn’t exceed the trigger voltage. For example, many modern Nikon flashes will work perfectly well provided that you are willing to tote around a flash that might be bigger than the camera. 
 

I found this webpage to be a helpful resource. The author came to the conclusion that the SF 24D is probably the best matched flash for an M body, provided that you’re willing to pay what might be exorbitant prices on the used market. Many people recommend the lightpix labs flash Q 20 II. It is very compact and sells for about $90 US. It lacks many of the features that the Leica flash unit has; it is entirely manual. On the other hand, it does have a pretty nifty wireless remote that some people think is very helpful. There are a bunch of videos on this unit on YouTube. I have yet to find one that shows someone adjusting the power levels and showing examples.

I have modern Nikon speed lights, and tested them on an M1 and can tell you that it will not set the camera on fire and they work pretty well in auto and manual mode. The only drawback, however, is that it is very large and makes the entire camera very top-heavy. Also, because it is large, it draws attention to the camera when there is no flash attached. The whole reason why I have an M camera is because I don’t want to lug around all that bulk. So I don’t think I’ll be using my Nikon speed light with my camera.

I want to like that small Q2 unit; however, I don’t think I really want to play around with manual settings when I am out walking around with the camera. For that reason, I am leaning toward looking for an SF 24D. I would add that the SF 24D came new with 2 flash head diffusers, as far as I can tell, so it is important to make sure that if you are buying from a place like eBay that the product contains both of those diffusers.

[spydrxx]

It really depends on what you want the flash for. The only thing I use flash for is product shots or occasional portraits. Therefore size is unimportant, which is good, as I use a Metz CL-4 hammerhead for all of my cameras, digital or film, and it outperforms everything else I've ever used. I'm pretty certain since you're asking, that you aren't familiar with flash capabilities, outputs or additional features, so you've come to a good spot to ask about one...just give a little more information so people can provide you with a more focussed answer.

[Bobonli]

2 minutes ago, spydrxx said:

It really depends on what you want the flash for. ...just give a little more information so people can provide you with a more focussed answer.

That's a really good point. If for example, you're doing studio portraits that's a whole other kettle of fish! The use-case that I was writing about was having something small that can be used to add some fill-light and balance out the exposure. I'm not shooting studio work. Compactness is is more important to me than output or compatibility with other cameras or lighting equipment.

I know of someone who carries a small LED light panel. But, for the life of me, I cannot imagine how I'd operationalize that if I were walking around on the street and wanted to use it....would need someone to hold it since I'm not going to carry around a light stand!

[kiwidad]

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If you want HSS TTL look to the sf60. With the partner remote trigger the SFC1 is very good. If you don’t need HSS and want small and pocketable the SF26 is nice

[MaxGor]

For street and documentary work, I couldn't be happier with the little FlashQ Q20 II.

It does a lot for its size and price.

 

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Edited July 28, 2024 by MaxGor

[sometimesmaybe]

if you just want a retro looking flash - might be a good combo when godox releases the x3 leica trigger

https://www.godox.com/product-a/Flash/Lux-Master.html 

[rich_]

Hi @MaxGor and @Malabito

I wondered if you wouldn't mind helping me with the FlashQ Q20 II flash. 
I purchased one but it didn't seem to fire unless I had it on modeling mode with the video light constantly on. The S1/S2 and other modes did not work to fire it.

I had set my M11 to <125 shutter speed, manual shutter and anything else i could think of.

The flash was synced to the receiver by the way it worked fine but only in that weird mode with the constant light on.

Sorry i know this is many months after you posted, but trying to understand if I was missing something fundemental. I sent the flash back for now but might pick up the v3 with USB C if it can actually work as a manual flash. Othwewise I may have to rebuy a SF40 but it's rather large and pricey for the very limited usage it would have!

Many thanks!

[marchyman]

I tested my FlashQ on my M11 shortly after getting the camera two years ago.  Flash worked in manual mode without modeling light.  I use ISO 400, 1/180 sec, f/4 (I think) with a 35mm lens trying various power levels.  At roughly 2 meters the test images went from too dark (low power) to too light (full power).  I got a good exposure somewhere along the way.

I've not had an excuse to use the flash since.

[Derbyshire Man]

On 7/28/2024 at 7:54 PM, MaxGor said:

For street and documentary work, I couldn't be happier with the little FlashQ Q20 II.

It does a lot for its size and price.

 

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Great picture of Gary Lineker 🤣 but who's Diane?

[charlesphoto99]

I use a Profoto A1 (Nikon version) in manual mode, with the Connect puck. The flash itself isn't compact (by any means) but it's got great ergonomics to handhold away from the body with no cables (or plop on a stand or even the ground for a studio like look on location), and easy to switch out light modifiers with the magnet system they use. The UI on the A1 is very Leica like, and easy to quickly dial in the amount of power needed on the big back dial. Modern digital cameras like the M10/11 esp Monochromes have a lot of leeway with exposure and fixing after the fact. Otherwise whatever one can find with an A mode works best imo. I know some photographers who use older flashes but use a third party wireless receiver/transceiver between the two which will negate any possible voltage issues. 

The SF24 is a great little flash for on camera use, but $$ for what it is (reminds me I keep meaning to sell mine...) 

Below M10-R, 18mm, Profoto A1 handheld to the far left and coming from under.

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[Crem]

Do you need/want TTL/HSS? If yes I'd look at the SF40 or SF60. If not... then I'd pick up an auto flash. My favorite is the SF24, but I mostly use an old SF20. Both the SF24/SF20 are old and expensive at this point. Also Godox just came out with a very cheap auto flash called the iA32. It's $50 on B&H and I have one on order. I hope to test it next week. I think it's the only new auto flash available these days and designed to work on everything digital and film.

Edited January 22 by Crem

[Pix.View]

On 22/01/2025 at 22:02, Crem said:

Avez-vous besoin/envie de TTL/HSS ? Si oui, je me tournerais vers le SF40 ou le SF60. Sinon... alors je prendrais un flash automatique. Mon préféré est le SF24, mais j'utilise principalement un vieux SF20. Les SF24 et SF20 sont tous deux vieux et chers à ce stade. Godox vient également de sortir un flash automatique très bon marché appelé iA32. Il coûte 50 $ sur B&H et j'en ai un en commande. J'espère le tester la semaine prochaine. Je pense que c'est le seul nouveau flash automatique disponible de nos jours et conçu pour fonctionner sur tout ce qui est numérique et argentique.

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