Leica SF 64 and SL3 etc.

[Ivar B]

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Does anyone know if the Leica SF 64 flash unit is compatible with the SL3 and if that matter Q3/M11. I see it argued online that it is compatible with all TTL-models, but perhaps someone knows for sure. 

[jaapv]

I do not know, but surely it would be all over the Internet if a true Leica camera were not compatible with a “Leica” flash. 

[Photoworks]

SF-6o and SF-40 is compatible with SL3, M11

The SF-64 works in most cases but there are some option missing, but I forgot what does not work.

In any case the SL3 has a flash problem even with SF60. there is a little play with this flash in the hotshoe, and when the unit muves a little, because all the diffusers are heave on this flimsy flash, the SL3 software goes crazy, crashing and not flashing anymore, you would have to take flash off, take out camera battery and restart.

Probably another 2 years before they fix the bug on the SL3

[Gregm61]

There will no doubt be some features that don't work as well with the SL3 and SF64 compared to the SF60. Two different generations of models.

Leica switched to Nissin as their flash maker with the SF40 and SF60 units compared to the older SF58 and SF64 units made by Metz. The Nissin-made units will be "more" compatible with the newer camera models, but lack some features the Metz units offer.

I own both the SF60 (Nissin) and SF58 (Metz) "Leica"-branded units. Both work very well as TTL flash units with my Leica CL. One difference in operation, I can dial-in flash exposure compensation with the Nissin-made SF60 mounted via the CL body controls, but cannot with the Metz-made unit. With the SF58 I am limited to dialing in flash compensation on the flash unit itself.

I really like the SF58's non-TTL auto option that the Nissin units do not offer, but I also use the SF60 with the off-camera TTL radio controller Metz never offered with their Leica-branded units.

Edited October 24, 2024 by Gregm61

[redrocksjoe]

I use the SF40 on both the Q2 and SL3 with no issues. I’ve not tried the sf64.  
 

-Joe

[Alexmart]

I'm sure that that the SF 64 probably works in manual mode.  Perhaps you can write to Lecia support.  I wrote them a few weeks ago about an overexposure issue I faced with the SF 40 and the Q3.  Perhaps they can help address your specific question:

repair@leicacamerausa.com

Good luck!