Compact automatic Flash

[Thomas78]

Hello,

I am looking for a compact (=small and lightweight) automatic flash that fits on a "classic" hotshoe.
It shout be used when travelling with a Rollei 35 in the one and the flash in the other pocket of a coat.

The guide-numer should be between 14 and 20.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[sevo]

Tiny (cigarette box size), strong (GN34), modern and unlikely to develop a capacitor breakdown in the near future: Metz 34-CS2. It doubles as a slave flash too, but only the latest "digital" version will slave to pre-flashing (digital or "red-eye reduction") devices.

 

[Rico]

A recent Leica model is the SF-20 using photo lithiums. Another is the CF for Minilux P&S - a rebadged Olympus S20 - using two AA cells. Both can operate in auto-thyristor mode. Smaller still is my TLA140: a metal-clad jewel of a flash with GN 14, but only quenchable by Contax RTS/G cameras.

 

[kzphoto]

Another vote for the SF-20. No idea what the GN number is.

http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/0072tw
Some people like the SF-24d as well.

There's a Metz equivalent that looks just like the sf-20/24d and it works great. Won't carry a TTL signal from the M6TTL/M7, but it doesn't sound like you need that.

 

[charjohncarter]

Vivitar 2600-D, it has two auto settings and manual. I got mine for about $20.00 on Ebay. And it is small and light.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VIVITAR-FLASH-C...pt=Digital_Camera_Flashes&hash=item3f03db33c5

 

[presspass]

A vote for the Vivitar 2800. A little bigger, perhaps, but uses 4 AAs, has a quick reycling time, and will reach 40 feet outdoors at f 4 with TriX. Unfortunately, they're getting old and apparently cannot be repaired. There's also a 2800 D but it's a bit bigger.

 

[charjohncarter]

A vote for the Vivitar 2800. A little bigger, perhaps, but uses 4 AAs, has a quick reycling time, and will reach 40 feet outdoors at f 4 with TriX. Unfortunately, they're getting old and apparently cannot be repaired. There's also a 2800 D but it's a bit bigger.

I have the 2800-D also and it is slightly bigger than the 2600-D, but it has the bounce flash head. I find the power to be too low on these two (2) flashes. But I have seen some great photos using both. To me unless you have 50 ISO film you need a very powerful flash (to get the shutter speed down). I have a couple of two AA battery flashes and the problems is you have to be sure you have extra batteries with you; just in case. So I use my 2800-D and 2600-D with either my leaf shutter 35mm(s) or my Topcon Unirex (SLR) which also has a leaf shutter.