Best compact flash unit for M8 at a fair price

[eleskin]

I have a Sunpak 622 Super with a bounce kit that I have used for years, and I have used it very well with my M8. I need something smaller that would take up little room in a small camera bag that would be good for table shots at dinners with the family and other informal stuff. I want to make sure what I buy will not fry my M8's electronics. I have a wein safe synch, so maybe my choices are extensive, especially something cheap and used on ebay. Something with variable power would be nice. I used to have a Vivitar 285, but I feel this would be way too big for me. I would like something the size of a pack of cigarets or a little larger. What are all of you using and what would you recommend?

One thing: It is important to me to diffuse my light source to get a similar look that my 622 Super gives me with the bounce kit.

 

[Al Kaplan]

See if you can locate a Vivitar 2500. It's a miniature 285, one stop less power, uses 2 AA batteries, 2 auto ranges plus manual, and has the same tilt freature and variable angle of coverage.

 

[mh2000]

compared to the 622, the 383 is very compact and tilts and swivels... a great little unit, love mine. I don't know about the Vivitar 2500, but I also use an older 2000 (use it all the time on my Minox GL) and it has a very high trigger voltage and probably shouldn't be used on a M8 (I don't know this for a fact though... check it before using either). The 383 is no problem with new cameras.

 

[oris642]

I was using a Nikon SB-20, very compact but still has a bounce head. Someone recommended it on the net somewhere.....actually, I should sell it now that I've sold my M8 (hence my ads on RFF right now).

 

[Andy Aitken]

A (used) Nikon SB-30 is just perfect for this kind of work. Very small, fast recycle, plenty of scope to adjust (4 levels and +/- 1/2 stop switch) and can fold down while still attached to the M8 (although it looks like a SLR then, yeuch). No TTL of course but the flash ready even works in the M8 finder. I wish it used AA's instead of Lithium 123's though. It's about the size of a pack of cigarettes but maybe 3/4" shorter.

 

[Ronald_H]

When I wanted a tiny flash for my M2, the Nikon SB-30 was recommended. I got it and it's small and can determine exposure on its own. What's best, it works on ALL my cameras, old, new, TLR, RF or SLR. Have yet to develop the first roll though to see if exposure is consistent.

 

[Photon42]

Nikon SB-22(s), SB-30. The SB-22 uses normal penlight AA (LR6) batteries or rechargeables. Got mine used for US$20, I think. Two auto apertures is a bit lousy, but well. The SB-27 is probably already to large for you.

 

[kshapero]

Metz C-20 at about $60.