Can you recommend a small flash for G1?

[montaggio]

I just bought a G1, primarily due to the excellent reputation of the lenses and the intention of using it as a packable travel camera. In keeping with the travel theme, I wanted to find a small flash, like the TLA200 to use with it. I have heard that the Contax flashes might be the weak part of the G series lineup. Can anyone recommend a small non Contax flash for use with it - Metz or other? Appreciate the advice.

 

[Doug]

I haven't heard anything bad about the Contax flashes, and they certainly will interface well with the camera. I have a TLA140, which some prefer over the TLA200 because the flash tube is higher above the camera and thus is less likely to produce "red-eye" in the subject. They can be found pretty reasonable in price.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Whoever said the Contax flashes were not good wasn't good in the head.

A small, really small, almost cute flash for the G1 and G2 is the TL140. It's high enough, low-priced enough, tough enough and good (more than) enough for the Contax G. I'd recommend you buy one immediately.

And if you find its above-the-camera placing problematic, you can always buy the Contax G remote cable (B&H used to sell the stuff) and a bracket. That'll get you going.

BTW, if size and looks don't convince you, how about TTL-flash and synchronization at all speeds with any Contax G? And rear-curtain with a Contax G2! 😱

That ougth to do it.

 

[Socke]

Only problem I have with the TLA200 are the CR2 batteries, somewhat expensive and no rechargeable alternative.

 

[montaggio]

Thanks for the information, folks. The contax flashes are perfect for me in terms of size and portability. I read about the batteries and wish they ran on AA, but willing to live with this. I think I will go ahead and hunt down one of them - probably the TLA200 based on the size, but we'll see how the hunt goes. Thanks again.

 

[plummerl]

I don't think you can go wrong with the two that Tony has listed in the Sponsor Ads: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3466&cat=10 and http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3465&cat=10, especially the price.

 

[DavidH]

Thanks for the information, folks. The contax flashes are perfect for me in terms of size and portability. I read about the batteries and wish they ran on AA, but willing to live with this. I think I will go ahead and hunt down one of them - probably the TLA200 based on the size, but we'll see how the hunt goes. Thanks again.

I love the TLA200 - such a neat little package - and was also initially worried about the batteries - but they can be sourced relatively cheaply and are same type as the camera - so only need one type of spare battery in the kit...

 

[SolaresLarrave]

<recites mantra>TL140: the best deal</mantra>
<recites mantra>TL140: the best deal</mantra>
<recites mantra>TL140: the best deal</mantra>
<recites mantra>TL140: the best deal</mantra>

Yep, I want to brainwash you into purchasing the TL140. Very inexpensive, taller than the TL200, and a lot cuter. Only drawback: it uses CR123 batteries (different from the camera's).

Happy shopping! 🙂

 

[montaggio]

I like the fact that the TLA200 shares the same battery. That goes along well with a good travel kit. And I like its size. That fits the bill as well. Any other big benefits to buying the TLA140 instead?

 

[uhligfd]

KEH sells the Contax flashes at their cheapest; TLA 140 at Ex+ condition around 37 $; TLA 200 Ex+ at around 100$. On ebay they will fetch and cost you much more. Good luck.

You could also look into the Contax TLA 280 which swivels and can give you 1/4 and 1/16th output etc. Search ebay and find out.

 

[joachim]

I like the fact that the TLA200 shares the same battery. That goes along well with a good travel kit. And I like its size. That fits the bill as well. Any other big benefits to buying the TLA140 instead?

The TLA200 has a bad reputation for causing redeye. I got a TLA140 for that reason since it's flash tube is further away from the lens.

Both of them go really cheap these days on ebay. If you are lucky for less than a lenshood goes.

 

[Issy]

re: TL140

btw, there is such a thing now as a rechargable CR123 (NiMH)

 

[Socke]

re: TL140

btw, there is such a thing now as a rechargable CR123 (NiMH)

this would be a real boon! Got a link?

 

[Issy]

Ebay item 5802105183

I am assuming you can get them on your side of the pond, too. Haven't tried one yet, but probably will.

 

[sepiareverb]

I've found the TLA200 Contax flash to be great- simple, with excellent daylight fill exposures- shot a lot with it in the woods hiking last summer/fall and had great results. Wish it would cover the 21 a bit better, but it does a surprising job with that lens set at 28. Haven't used it with the 45 or 90, but with the wides it is a real gem.