A flash for the M9

[Orio]

Could you please recommend a flash unit for the Leica M9?
It should:
- be small (portable)
- work nicely with the camera (light metering)
- not cost a fortune.

Accent mostly on "portable".

Thanks in advance.

 

[jcrutcher]

I use a Leica SF24D on my M9 and other M's. It fits your request. Since it's small 35-40 feet is the max range it's usable but that works for me. I bought mine on eBay for $185

 

[Ben Z]

There really isn't any choice other than the SF24D that satisfies all your criteria. If you are willing to give up the in-camera flash metering (and I use my SF24D 100% of the time with the external sensor, not the in-camera metering) then it opens up a world of much smaller and cheaper possibilities, including a few the size of the SF24D that do bounce. The fixed head is a major drawback to the SF24D (although with some DIY ingenuity you can work around it), as is it's dependency on expensive, non-rechargeable, not-available-everywhere lithium batteries.

 

[f16sunshine]

I use a Contax TLA200. It does not support metering or tilt. It his however very compact about the size of a single roll box of 35mm film. It also has positions for 28,35,45,90mm lenses. I have found this useful in adjusting the flash intensity for different situations or lenses. You can use it on your G2 as well of course.

 

[jaapv]

Any Metz SCA 3000 and 300 series flash will work perfectly with the camera, except for M-TTL

 

[Orio]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.
Andy I do have the TLA 200. I did not think it could be used with the M9. Now this is great news as it saves me from an additional expense.
I need a flash just for the family/friends situations, so no need for pro features.

How do I meter the light with the TLA 200 on the M9? Any suggestion?

 

[akk2]

get a METZ 36C2 which has a light sensor on flash.

 

[tlitody]

Sunpak PF20
Better choice than the TLA200 I think as it has more control. And low cost.

 

[thompsonks]

Metz 36c2

Metz 36c2

Hi Andy – could you please say more about this little flash unit? How do you set the M9 to work with it? Does it go right in the hot shoe with no adapter? How does it measure exposure? And whatever else you want to tell us – it sounds like a bargain & it's great that it has a revolving head.

Kirk