My favorite accessory for the Q3 43 (but actually any cam)

[Olaf_ZG]

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Though not tomorrow, soon I will buy the new Q. The Q is a great carry, and very worthwhile to photograph private (and may be even professional events), like diners, birthdays, kids or whatever.

Despite iso being great, and the camera almost being able to see in the dark, this doesn’t mean that indoor images will turn out great, mostly as available light is not there where we need it.

In general, direct flash is not flattering, and off-camera flash asks for heavier equipment, tripods and even knowledge about lighting.

With the Q3 43 thread, @ynp pointed me to the godox ad100 flash. A tiny 100w flash, the size of a beer can. Together with a dome, and the leica trigger, somewhere around 450€. Not that expensive, in comparison to the cost of our cameras or lenses.

The BIG advantage of this flash is that you can put it anywhere. Like a beercan. No tripod needed. So having a diner? Put it somewhere around, the light bouncing off the ceiling. Set the trigger on ttl -1 and light is perfect. No thinking from your side needed, like auto iso.

Today I had a company diner, and normally I don’t use my flashes ttl, but this thing worked so great. I am really positively surprised. Wished this thing existed when I did weddings.

 I really encourage any Q user (which ever Q) who is photographing quite a lot indoor (think family) to buy this light. It will increase your photography so much, as well as IQ as you can keep iso down.

Below some examples just taken in my kitchen, no people, but you will get the idea.

SL2s on iso800, 24-90 on 44mm, wb set on daylight, f4, shuttertime around 1/20.

First image: no flash, second image: flash camera right, third image: flash behind me.

Flash settings: ttl -1, flash pointing upwards towards white ceiling. Note that my kitchen walls are yellow, hence the yellow tone in the images.

 

 

 

 

 

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[Olaf_ZG]

To add. I wouldn’t use this light for pro events. There I would take bigger lights and stands. But, for any family/friends dinner, this light somewhere in the room will make a difference. And it is so small, it will be my daily carry as well (at least in will be in the car…)

[EddieCheddar]

Thanks for the info and pictures.  Cool idea.

[Dr. G]

Be careful.  I don't know if it's the same flash, but someone reported on YouTube that one of the Godox Flash units destroyed his hot shoe and now the camera has to go to Leica for repair.

[Olaf_ZG]

5 minutes ago, Dr. G said:

Be careful.  I don't know if it's the same flash, but someone reported on YouTube that one of the Godox Flash units destroyed his hot shoe and now the camera has to go to Leica for repair.

Facts please. I have shots thousands of shots with Godox and dedicated Leica triggers, no problem at all.

there is also a guy on YT saying the earth is flat as a pancake. Don’t even want to mention that it is said that people eat cat and dogs both in Spielfeld and China.

But ok, if you don’t trust Godox, take profoto. Impact on image will be equal.

[Dr. G]

36 minutes ago, Olaf_ZG said:

Facts please. I have shots thousands of shots with Godox and dedicated Leica triggers, no problem at all.

there is also a guy on YT saying the earth is flat as a pancake. Don’t even want to mention that it is said that people eat cat and dogs both in Spielfeld and China.

But ok, if you don’t trust Godox, take profoto. Impact on image will be equal.

 

[Cogito]

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59 minutes ago, Dr. G said:

 

I thought the flash interfered with camera electronics and fried something. sounds like user error, if an accessory doesn’t fit, don’t just jam it on. 

[Olaf_ZG]

6 hours ago, Dr. G said:

 

This little piece felt of my m240 as well, while using Leica’s evf. You can just put it back. But then, if you don’t trust it, don’t use it. 
 

But don’t blame godox, it’s poor craftsmanship from Leica as this part should not fall off.

[Cheesehead]

Maybe this is too much of a beginner question. I have never used a flash with my Q.

Will the godox ad100 flash trigger off bluetooth or otherwise remotely from the Q, or does it need to be in the hotshoe? My understanding is you need a Leica Flash for TTL but I never figured out if other flashes can be set and then remotely triggered.

[Camaro5]

I've used that Godox Lux Jr. on a Q2 and it worked fine.  I wouldn't think the Q2 hotshoe is any different than the one on the M11 but maybe it is.  

[Olaf_ZG]

1 hour ago, Cheesehead said:

Maybe this is too much of a beginner question. I have never used a flash with my Q.

Will the godox ad100 flash trigger off bluetooth or otherwise remotely from the Q, or does it need to be in the hotshoe? My understanding is you need a Leica Flash for TTL but I never figured out if other flashes can be set and then remotely triggered.

You will need a so-called trigger. If you take the one from godox for leica it will be ttl.