Any flash recommendations?

[Grey Thumper]

Okay, I know the Bessa (and RFs in general) aren't great flash cameras. That said, I don't have a P&S for casual party snaps and such. I'm currently just using the cam on my phone, so I'm thinking of getting a flash for the Bessa just to expand it's "useability envelope".

Any flash users out there? Can you recco a make/model for the Bessa (if it's relevant, I've got an R4A).

 

[Mablo]

Bessa has no TTL flash metering capability (as far as I know) so you need an "Auto" flash with a Thyristor. There are many of these around cheaply as people are using complex TTL flashes these days. I'm using a small Nikon SB-22s which I bought new for €45. I can use it in "Auto" mode with all my film cameras and as a bonus it can do TTL with my F100. Stay away from very old flashes like Vivitar 283. They can fry your Bessa as their trigger voltage can be up to 250-300V and Bessa can take max 10V or so.

 

[charjohncarter]

I use a small Vivitar 2800-D with my Bessa R. With 100 ISO film it is at f 4 on one of the auto settings. So I just set the lens to f 4; focus and shoot. I just make sure the shutter is below 1/125. By the way, the Bessa at sync 1/125 is pretty good for a focal plane shutter RF.