Leica SF-24D

[Harlock]

I am hoping someone here can answer my question, which is:

How long is the delay between the pre-flash and actual flash, when using the SF-24d on an M8 in TTL mode? 1 sec., 1/2 sec.?

I have spent many hours looking both through the archives and using Google, but couldn't find any info. Better still if anyone can direct me to a video showing the flash firing in TTL mode, that would be great. Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Contact Leica customer service. Call, if you prefer, and ask for Dave Elwell. He's a cool guy. If he doesn't know it, he'll find it out for you.

EDIT: I'm assuming you're in the US. If you're not... sorry, no idea.

 

[usayit]

Not as brief as my Canon EX flashes (not even close). The preflash is pretty obvious.. I'm awful about a judge on time but I'd say slightly less than 1/2 second.

Buy hey.. it is what it is... TTL mode (even with the preflash) works. "A" mode works well too and it doesn't use a preflash. Easy to pack in any bag or pocket. There is room for improvement (Leica??)

 

[Harlock]

Thanks for the answer. I did call Leica Technical support and they actually didn't know how long the delay was. The best answer I got was, "Less than a second."

Thanks.

 

[Richard Marks]

The actual time in mille seconds is not really the issue. My guess is that its of the order of 0.2 of a second or less. But the problem is its nearly as bright as the main flash. Quite often subjects react to the pre flash. I really can not recommend it for people shots. I have mine set at around 5.6 in 'a' mode, and in a hurry thats usually fine. It does still at least set the ISO on the flash. Its pretty accurate.

What I really want to know is if the pre flash is any better using the two compatible metz guns (either 45cl4 digital, or 54 mz4i.) in TTL mode.


Richard

 

[jaapv]

It is not worse - in fact a lot better- that the average "red-eye-reduction" preflash of other cameras. I do not find it very obtrusive, but that is just me. The thing I hate about the SF24D is the lack of a tilting head. Even with the Leicagoodies Sfill softbox it is harsh. I got a Metz MZ4 with SCA 3502M4 of e-bay for a few dollars and that flash is amazingly good.

Still, the SF24D is very good for fill-flash, and in that situation nobody really notices the pre-flash.

 

[usayit]

Just to clarify....

I agree that there are some limitations to the SF24D. The most obvious is the lack of power and swivel/tilt head. On many occasions, I am more likely to use either my Sunpak 422D or my Canon 550EX (manual) flashes instead. The reason for the SF24D was an alternate for fill and everyday carry. It is far easier to pack than either of the other two flashes AND it has more features than the typical flash of its size.

 

[Richard Marks]

Just to clarify....

I agree that there are some limitations to the SF24D. The most obvious is the lack of power and swivel/tilt head. On many occasions, I am more likely to use either my Sunpak 422D or my Canon 550EX (manual) flashes instead. The reason for the SF24D was an alternate for fill and everyday carry. It is far easier to pack than either of the other two flashes AND it has more features than the typical flash of its size.

Thats about it. Its fine for that purpose. I just dont rate the pre flash. I conceed it may be no worse than red eye on compacts, but that is hardly a recommendation of the SF24. Still dont worry about the TTL, use auto, its not the be all and end all. Id be surprised if you could tell the difference between auto mode and ttl in terms of flash metering. As a handy carry around id recommend it. I certainly am never without mine.

Richard

 

[bottley1]

TTL flash with the SF-24D on the M8? How? Nothing in Leica's Literature indicates that its possible.

 

[jaapv]

Bottley, it is called M-TTL. The camera determines a basic setting through comparing the external (blue dot) lightmeter reading to the internal one, then it fires a pre-flash to determine a finetuned flashsetting using the internal lightmeter; if needed (for instance if the blue dot was obscured) it fires a second preflash; then it opens the shutter and fires the main flash. This system works with either the SF24D or with a couple of the most recent Metz flashes. All other flashes must be used on M or A, not on TTL.It is indicated in the M8 manual and has been discussed in-depth in LFI.

 

[jaapv]

Richard, I find M-TTL gives better light control in fillflash situations. For regular flash work I agree, any flash on A or M setting gives excellent results and TTL is not needed. This applies to all TTL flash systems, not just to the M8, in my experience.

 

[bottley1]

thank you jaap, for bringing that to my attention, I didn't know it worked like that!

 

[Harlock]

I want to thank everyone for their help with the pre-flash issue, it has helped. I was wondering if when using the flash in AUTO if it works the same way as my SF-20. That is to say, when I have the camera set to 1250 or 2500, the flash only goes to iso 800 (in AUTO mode) and doesn't let me dial in any compensation. I just thought of that question, sorry.

 

[Richard Marks]

I want to thank everyone for their help with the pre-flash issue, it has helped. I was wondering if when using the flash in AUTO if it works the same way as my SF-20. That is to say, when I have the camera set to 1250 or 2500, the flash only goes to iso 800 (in AUTO mode) and doesn't let me dial in any compensation. I just thought of that question, sorry.

One other point. If you see an SF20 at a good price it will do you fine. Also if you have an SF20 I probably would not go to the effort of upgrading to a SF24 Id probably get a Metz 54mz4i

Richard