Flash for Mamiya 7...

keytarjunkie

keytarjunkie

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I've read all of the older threads about flashes for this camera.

My ideal flash would be the Contax TLA-200...I also like the Leica SF-20...but I need a flash that uses AA's or AAA's, and those both take weird battery types.

I'm considering just getting a Nikon SB-25 as it takes AA's and (I think?) it can be used on the Mamiya 7 on some sort of automatic mode. I don't need bounce though, just direct flash. And I'd prefer a more portable speedlight to something this large.

I'd also like to use the flash on a X100.

Any suggestions on a small fixed head flash that takes AA's or AAA's and has some sort of automatic setting?
 
Well, I've used a Contax TLA 20 with my Mamiya 7 II. Takes 4 AA's and is available for around $15 or so, depending on condition. Having a flash meter around helps...it's a pretty barebones setup. But it's super cheap and it gets the job done within your parameters. Would actually give you slightly more control than a TLA 200, I think, output-wise. No zoom though!
 
it wasn't. Looks like their whole site is down at the moment.

You can see it here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/471834-REG/Sunpak_PF20XD_PF20XD_Auto_Manual_Digital_Slave.html

The flash it points to is the Sunpak PF20XD which is a small GN20(Meters) unit which is suitable for rangefinders in manual mode or auto. It doesn't talk to the camera. Just uses the basic hotshoe firing mechanism or an x-sync lead so could be used on the likes of a hasselblad too.

It's auto mode also works with some digital camera preflash systems to fire it and can also be used off camera as a slave flash being fired by another flash unit.

I mentioned it because the OP said he wanted a Contax TLA 200 and this one is similar size. Small and light. Infact better IMO as it has more control, especially in manual mode.
 
After taking everyone's advice and looking around for a while, I eventually settled on the tiny Sunpak Auto 121s.

The back has an easy to use chart, an auto mode, and a full-on manual mode. It has a built-in PC sync cable which wraps up on the back of the flash. Really nifty!

It's almost unnoticeable on the Mamiya 7, and it balances nicely on my Fuji X100. I still haven't tested with the 7, but I have with the X100 and it works very well.

Best of all, unlike other small flashes I was looking at like the Nikon SB-30, Contax TLA-200, and Leica SF-20, the Sunpak takes two AA's which are cheap and available anywhere. It's also a lot cheaper than those ones.

So far, my only complaints are that it doesn't lock onto the hotshoe (though it hasn't slipped or anything yet), and when you turn it off, the orange light stays on! But I took out the batteries and it still stayed on, so I don't think it's wasting any power. Overall, I'm very happy with this one!

7166335004_005de7c8b5_c.jpg
 
A flash that doesn't lock onto the hotshoe = a recipie for a dropped flash or at best a flash that rides back on the hotshoe and gives incorrect output.

Why did you not get a head that is capable of bounced flash? Fixed is, at best, antideluvian; very limited.
 
Ti29er said:
A flash that doesn't lock onto the hotshoe = a recipie for a dropped flash or at best a flash that rides back on the hotshoe and gives incorrect output.

Why did you not get a head that is capable of bounced flash? Fixed is, at best, antideluvian; very limited.
Click to expand...

Because I did not want one, and because this was $5. It doesn't move around on the hotshoe and hopefully never will. If it does, I'll be down $5.
 
Dude if you find yourself wanting more than the sunpak at any point, consider the fujifilm ef-x20, which is basically a new and improved contax TLA200. Improved because it has a rotary dial on top with manual power increments on one side, and auto flash adjustments in 1/3ev steps on the other side.

EF-X20_frontleft_800m.jpg
 
gavinlg said:
Dude if you find yourself wanting more than the sunpak at any point, consider the fujifilm ef-x20, which is basically a new and improved contax TLA200. Improved because it has a rotary dial on top with manual power increments on one side, and auto flash adjustments in 1/3ev steps on the other side.
Click to expand...
Dude, the EF-x20 is maybe a nice option for owners of the Fuji X-Pro1 but for everyone else, $228.99 (B&H) for a flash with a GN of 20 (in meters) and no tilt or swivel may not be the bargain of the century!

Cheers!

Abbazz
 
Abbazz said:
Dude, the EF-x20 is maybe a nice option for owners of the Fuji X-Pro1 but for everyone else, $228.99 (B&H) for a flash with a GN of 20 (in meters) and no tilt or swivel may not be the bargain of the century!

Cheers!

Abbazz
Click to expand...

Yep, but remember it also works on the x100 which the OP owns, is smaller than any of the other flash units, and most importantly has full manual control in steps from 1/1 power to 1/64 power - NONE of the other small flash units have this. You have to step up to a big ugly speed light which then looks and feels ridiculous on the little x100... Wether or not you use bounce flash is personal preference - I myself don't. I prefer the look of head on flash, or i'll use my wireless triggers to bounce the unit externally.
 
gavinlg said:
Yep, but remember it also works on the x100 which the OP owns, is smaller than any of the other flash units, and most importantly has full manual control in steps from 1/1 power to 1/64 power - NONE of the other small flash units have this. You have to step up to a big ugly speed light which then looks and feels ridiculous on the little x100... Wether or not you use bounce flash is personal preference - I myself don't. I prefer the look of head on flash, or i'll use my wireless triggers to bounce the unit externally.
Click to expand...

The sunpak PF20XD does have the manual control and further more it also has auto thyristor mode so in some ways it trumps that Fuji unit. And its a lot less money. On the other hand the fuji unit is a lot better built and the controls are easier to see/use by the look of it.
 
135format said:
The sunpak PF20XD does have the manual control and further more it also has auto thyristor mode so in some ways it trumps that Fuji unit. And its a lot less money. On the other hand the fuji unit is a lot better built and the controls are easier to see/use by the look of it.
Click to expand...

I tried to buy one of those sunpacks last month and couldn't find one for sale anywhere -B&H and adorama out of stock, none in Australia, and only one on ebay for something like $100. Had a quick check and seems to be same deal now.
 
I use my canon 580exii flash, which I have because of my 5dmkii. It works great, you can put it in full manual mode.
 
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