Flashin

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noah b

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What are some good flashes for the M system? I've considered using one with mine but am not sure where to start. Any help is appreciated!
 
Which M

Which M

and why flash. No available light? The M2-3-4-4-2, 4-p and 6, it really doesn't matter if you have the proper sync cord. With the 6TTL, 7, Mp and 8, you can use the Leica flash units. I have the 24, but don't use it much, but it's nice to have if I really need it. I am really happy with my IIIc which has no provision for flash. I think it makes my life simpler without it.
 
I use a Holga starblitz flash with my M7, and a Vivitar 285HV with my M8. I mostly try to use the Vivitar off camera via a microsync wireless setup and have the flash in a corner on a light stand bouncing off the ceiling.

M7 with Holga flash is a nice compact package. The flash is manual only.
flash.jpg


M8 with Vivitar 285HV. Taken last weekend at a wedding.
m8285hv.jpg


Flash and Leica's may be a hush hush topic. But sometimes they work well together.
 
I "uh-hum" agree secretly

I "uh-hum" agree secretly

Flash and Leica's may be a hush hush topic. But sometimes they work well together.[/quote said:
The pics you posted represent most what I don't like about flash(any camera), overexposed highlights. I don't know what the exposure was, but from what I see here, I would suggest lowering the flash output to -1 and try it again.
BTW a person has to whatever is necessary, including "UGH" flash, but it helps to know HOW to use it properly. I still try to do it without though. In the case of the IIIc, I have no current flash options, so I do without, so far no problems.
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noah booshu said:
What are some good flashes for the M system? I've considered using one with mine but am not sure where to start. Any help is appreciated!
Click to expand...

Big flash? 285HV.

Small flash? Any $5 flash will do if you have a hotshoe, else look for one with flash sync cord capability.

TTL? Get a Metz 54 MZ-3/4 with the correct foot. Prob cheaper than the Leica flash, and you can share flash among other camera systems.
 
swoop said:
I use a Holga starblitz flash with my M7, and a Vivitar 285HV with my M8..
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, but I have to ask? Why do you cover your Leica logos but leave the Holga one? Is it a giggle at the contrast between the two (I had a good splutter when I spotted it!), or do you simply desire the fanciest Holga in the world?

Adrian
 
Art, allow me to remark that Noah asked a question, he did not request an opinion.

SF20 is the best way to go if you have an M6, M6TTL or M7 and even MP.
 
Sometimes the only available light you have is the "available light" that you're carrying with you.. :)

I've used the trusty Vivitar 283/285HV series on both the M7 and M8.

Sure, there are times when one has enough light to shoot without it - but sometimes you want/need to freeze the photo and no matter how fast your ISO / film is, the action is blurred. Might be great from an aesthetic / artiste point of view but when someone's commissioned you to shoot the photos; they usually expect a certain result.

Dave
 
Good way to put it, Dave! And, oddly enough, that's what I told someone when I was asked about using flash: I said "It's portable light that you can use when you need it and the way you need it." :)

Besides, flash photography is fascinating.
 
For a little flash with my ZI or Bessa R2a, I like the Sunpak DS20. The head can move vertically for bounce, it has an automatic mode, a PC cable, can be used as an automatic slave, and takes 2 normal AA batteries. It's guide number is 59' and is small enough to stuff into my Domke F-5xa with my Bessa R2a and 3 small lenses. The DS20 can be had at less than $40 at Adorama.

I usually use 400 speed film with this setup which makes the flash more effective. When the flash head is tilted, there's room to slip a business card behind the flash-head to act as a little bounce card.
 
Ya know.. speaking of flashes - for those of us that want to use them that is - I wonder who makes the smallest swivel & tilt head non-dedicated flash out there - I don't think there's anything smaller than the Vivitar 285 HV or the Sunpaks..

anyone?

Dave
 
I used to use a little non-dedicated flash with a PC cord. With this one, swivel and tilt meant holding it in my left hand and pointing it where I wanted the light to go.

Otherwise, you are probably right, Dave. I think flash units that take 4-AA's are the only ones with both tilt and swivel.
 
Muggins said:
I'm sorry, but I have to ask? Why do you cover your Leica logos but leave the Holga one? Is it a giggle at the contrast between the two (I had a good splutter when I spotted it!), or do you simply desire the fanciest Holga in the world?

Adrian
Click to expand...

LOL. I've actually had someone ask me once what kind of Holga I was using.

Yeah, it's a bit funny. A $12 flash on a $4k+ camera. I wanted to get a small flash and after doing research, the Holga Starblitz was the only one I was aware of that was tiny and had a safe voltage rating and wasn't going to fry my camera. It works surprisingly well. Manual only, uses only one AA battery, and has a nifty exposure chart in the back that's pretty accurate.

I cover the logos for the "stealth" reason. I never bothered covering the Holga logo because I only use the thing like once a month, if even.
 
Does anyone understand guide numbers any more? (Yes, I do)

It sure does simplify everything and opens up a whole new realm of possibilities.
 
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