Compatible M6TTL flashes

DGA

DGA

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Hi all,
I recently got me an M6TTL from a fellow RFFer and I'm happy 🙂
I usually work in available light and rarely get the need for additional artificial light source.
But from time to time I'm required to enhance with a flashy touch here and there.
I currently have a wonderful Metz 32 Z-1 and it does excellent job, but it is an Auto-Flash,
with an external light sensor.
Since I am now a proud owner of a Leica with TTL flash abilities,
I started thinking of getting a Leica TTL compatible flash unit.
But, alas, the Leica brand flash units are very expensive (the SF-24D TTL is $360 in B&H).
I've seen that there is also the Metz 54MZ3 which is Leica TTL compatible, but it's very bulky
(the same as the 580EX on my Canon system).

What are the Leica TTL compatible flash units available?
And, out of your experience, which flash is a good choice?
 
The SF20 is a lot cheaper than the SF24. It works great in TTL mode, but you can't bounce, tilt, etc. unless you get a synch chord (Nikon TTL chords work).

I'm pretty sure that Metz makes a Leica TTL compatable flash, but I don't know the model name.
 
Andy Kibber said:
The SF20 is a lot cheaper than the SF24. It works great in TTL mode, but you can't bounce, tilt, etc. unless you get a synch chord (Nikon TTL chords work).

I'm pretty sure that Metz makes a Leica TTL compatable flash, but I don't know the model name.
Click to expand...

The SF20 really looks suitable, but it can only be bought second-hand since it 's no longer in production.
Metz have the 54MZ3 unit which is compatible, but as mentioned, it is big.
Is it safe to get a used SF20 (or any flash unit in general)?
The Nikon TTL chord is an excellent idea.
Thanks Andy.
 
I bought a slightly used SF20 a few years ago and didn't use it much myself. It did work fine with an M6TTL though. I wouldn't buy one off eBay but you might want to consider one from a community like RFF. The only issue is that you can't bounce and that is a significant problem, I now use a Nikon SB800.
 
hlockwood said:
How about the Konica HX-18W that came with the Hexar RF?

Harry
Click to expand...

Although a very compact unit, the HX-18X is not a TTL model and it is not swivel-bounce.

The problem with non TTL non swivel-bounce unit is that once you take it off
the shoe mount (using a compatible cord) you never know what you get.
It is very difficult to aim the flash at the object you take photo of and make 100% sure
the photo-sensor is pointing at the exact place where the lens points at.
I did that a few times with my Metz 32 Z-1 connected through an off-shoe cord to my Zeiss Ikon.
Although I've managed to get a few good shots, some images came out
were not for the faint hearted, to say the least.

That is why I'm looking for a TTL compatible flash.
 
I bought my SF20 used (from Popflash, I think). It's never given me any trouble. I can't comment on the Konica flash, as I've never used it.

Also, I've heard that Nikon flashes, although they have the same configuration of contact points, can damage the electronics in Leica TTL cameras if the flash is used in TTL mode. Perhaps someone can confirm.
 
It's a really good flash, but one of the best things about the SB800 is that it's not much bigger than the SF20. 🙂
 

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You have two options.
First is either an SF20 or SF24D unit. With TTL flash, it really makes no difference which unit as you don't have to set an F stop on the flash. Purchasing one used is no problem if in good condition and lightly used, it shoud last for many years.
Second option is a Metz unit with M3502 adapter. It is a bigger unit but does everything. There are many models and purchasing one used is not a problem as long as you do your research and assure yourself that all parts are there and has the 3502. Use the Metz website for instruction manuals and become familiar with how the one you want to purchase works and what should come with the unit.
I purchased both my SF24D and Metz 40 MZ-3 used from eBay with no problems but i knew exactly what I wanted and what should come with the units.-Dick
 
Thank you all, guys.
I think the SF20 would be a good solution (along with an off shoe TTL cord).
I've already seen it for about $150 in some places and I might just take one.

Cheers.
 
I used a Nikon SB-30 in A mode which was quite nice, and very compact. Then I got an SF20 and what I like about it (with the M6TTL) is that (in TTL mode) is you want to uses subtle fill flash then it's more accurate and predictable if you want just a little, especially with faster films. The A setting on most flashes won't go low enough in my experience.

I'm thinking of rigging up a 90 degree reflector so I can use bounce flash off the ceiling.
 
john_s said:
I used a Nikon SB-30 in A mode which was quite nice, and very compact. Then I got an SF20 and what I like about it (with the M6TTL) is that (in TTL mode) is you want to uses subtle fill flash then it's more accurate and predictable if you want just a little, especially with faster films. The A setting on most flashes won't go low enough in my experience.

I'm thinking of rigging up a 90 degree reflector so I can use bounce flash off the ceiling.
Click to expand...

As previously mentioned, I think the best way of bouncing with that flash would be using an off shoe cord.
(I'm waiting for mine to arrive along with an SF20 🙂 )
 
DGA said:
As previously mentioned, I think the best way of bouncing with that flash would be using an off shoe cord.
Click to expand...

Have you tried doing that for an evening or so? You need three hands if you also want to focus. You always have the cable dangling around. It's much more convenient to have a flash unit with a swivel/bounce head. A small Metz unit (such as a 32 CT4 or a 32 Z-2, very similar to the Z-1 you have) with SCA3502 foot would be quite compact and much more flexible.

(Here's an overview which Metz flashes need which SCA adapters with which cameras.)
 
rxmd said:
Have you tried doing that for an evening or so? You need three hands if you also want to focus. You always have the cable dangling around. It's much more convenient to have a flash unit with a swivel/bounce head. (snip)
Click to expand...

I have done that many times. M6 with off camera flash (SB22 flash with canon off shoe cord and bounced). You don't need a third hand if you use a wrist strap attached to the flash. I learned about this trick from Sean Reid's site, and it's really helpful.
Anyway, when focusing I simply let go the flash and leave it hanging on my wrist. When done focusing, I grab the flash and shoot. Or, you can also use zone focusing, set it at f/5.6 and just shoot... some people set it at f/8, that way you don't need to focus the lens every time.

Yes, probably it's much more convenient to use flash with tilt and swivel head, but you can also use off shoe cord easily with no problem if your flash don't have swivel head.

Bob
 
BobPS said:
I have done that many times. M6 with off camera flash (SB22 flash with canon off shoe cord and bounced). You don't need a third hand if you use a wrist strap attached to the flash. I learned about this trick from Sean Reid's site, and it's really helpful.
Click to expand...

I know the trick, too. What puts me off is that you always run around with a wire attached to your left wrist. Every time you put the camera down you have to get your left wrist free, you can't just put the flash in your pocket, and focusing accuracy isn't helped by having a flash dangling from your wrist either. If I had to choose between a flash with a cable dangling from my wrist, or a compact (Metz 32-series-sized) flash with TTL, the TTL flash would win any time.

Incidentally, how do you use TTL with a Nikon SB22 flash on a Leica? If you don't need TTL, it's quite easy to find a flash with a swivel head and an A mode, so even less need for a wire.
 
rxmd said:
Incidentally, how do you use TTL with a Nikon SB22 flash on a Leica? If you don't need TTL, it's quite easy to find a flash with a swivel head and an A mode, so even less need for a wire.
Click to expand...

Hi rxmd,

No TTL with the SB22. Besides, my M6 is an M6 classic not the TTL one. I use the flash in Automatic mode, either A1 or A2.

Yes, it's easy to find other flash, but so far I feel that the SB22 is good enough for me. I also tried to use my canon 430EX several times, but it has no A mode so it has to be used in Manual mode and I found that I'm too lazy to check the guide number and adjust the power output every time😀 So I always use the SB22 instead.

bob
 
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