Bessa R and Contax TLA200...

[fishtek]

😕 I just received a TLA200 to match up with my Bessa R. It fits, works fine with the hot shoe...but appears to function equally with the manual AND the TTL settings. I haven't tested it extensively (with film) to see if the TTL function works, but I wouldn't expect it to. Anyone know whether or not the single-contact shoe on the Bessa enables the TTL feature?

Thanks!
Don

btw...what a neat li'l flash unit! Small, light, even zooms...

 

[mtbbrian]

Will this flash work with an R2A in any of the modes?
Brian

 

[fishtek]

Dunno! AFAIK, the TTL designation simply implies that the flash reads the light through the lens, and quenches when it's pumped enough onto the film. Because my "R" is manual, I assume everything must be preset. There is an info grid on the top of the flash, with a list of presets for various apertures/distances. I think, like most Un-automatic things, it's a matter of learning the characteristics!

Slainte'
Don

 

[Philipp]

Hello Don,

as the Bessas have no flash-TTL-metering, you cannot use this function, even if your flash supperts TTL. All the Bessas only have ambient light metering. So you have to use your flash in manual mode.

I hope I could help a little,
Philipp

 

[lZr]

I am glad you have the TLA200 and it works manual. I want one for my Bessa R.

 

[joachim]

😕 I just received a TLA200 to match up with my Bessa R. It fits, works fine with the hot shoe...but appears to function equally with the manual AND the TTL settings. I haven't tested it extensively (with film) to see if the TTL function works, but I wouldn't expect it to. Anyone know whether or not the single-contact shoe on the Bessa enables the TTL feature?

The Bessa's will not be capable of enabeling TTL flash with any flashgun. There is no metering element and circuit inside the camera for doing so. It lacks the additional contacts in the shoe required by a TTL flash for being controlled by the camera. All the camera is transmitting via the hotshoe is the point in time the flash has to fire.

So I am afraid, on a Bessa the TLA200 will work as a manual flash only. For convenience I would recommend a small automatic flash gun for the Bessas. These have a measurment element and circuit integrated into the flash. You set it to automatic and in return it will tell you the aperture to set on your lens. You transfer this to the lens and that's it in many situations. Downside the measurment angle is fixed and independent of the used lens. Typically it is ok for 35-90 lenses. But then this is all you can have with a Bessa.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[lZr]

So, specificaly, what is your recommendation?

 

[danwilly]

To get good photos it is always wise to use the flash feature on a handheld meter to get the most accurate reading.

 

[joachim]

So, specificaly, what is your recommendation?

Nothing specific I am afraid. The used market is full of small little flash guns with one or more automatic settings, which can be picked up for very little.

For small I have a Sunpak 1600A. This one is ok for the purposes I use the build in flashes on my (D)SLRs for. For more serious I prefer the quality of the light from my Metz 32ct3 when. Both units are over 20 years old.

But before being able to make specific recommendations, one would need to know what you want the flash for. I am just certain, unless the price is dirty cheap the TLA200 would not get my recommendation for being used on a Bessa.