Contax G with Sunpak RD2000 HELP

[MMarsh]

Hey,

I have been looking for a ' half decent ' travel flash for my Contax G1, and came across the Sunpak RD2000, after searching around on the web I can't find anyone that have used this comobo, also I've read about frying my camera, would the RD2000 do this, or is this just older flashes ?

Also would the TTL work ? ( I'm not too fussed if it doesn't )

Any help is very appreciated !

 

[sevo]

That will not do - it seems to have "digital TTL" (camera controlled off-the-sensor pre-flash reading) control only. At the very best it might do full power manual when on a incompatible camera, or it won't trigger at all (due to the way the different systems are triggered, the former is the most common behaviour for Nikon, the latter for Canon digital dedicated third party flashes).

Get yourself some (reasonably young, low trigger voltage) non-TTL automatic flash, or any dedicated Contax one (all Contax TTL is compatible, and their SLR flash components are cheaper and more sophisticated than the somewhat toy-like G flashes), or any SCA system flash with a Contax adapter shoe.

 

[j j]

I use the little 140 flash on my G2 http://www.contaxcameras.co.uk/gseries/gaccessories/g140flash.html

Works well for me. It's small, light, cheap and basic. No tilt and bounce but it's a decent distance above the lens and I can always shove a small plastic bag over it if I need diffused light.

 

[MMarsh]

Thank you both for your fast replies !

Sevo - I wasn't too bothered about the TTL with the Sunpak RD2000 having a EV adjustments, I was willing to make the compromise, size / bounce etc... But the risk of it not triggering at all is enough to put me off ! I have looked into the other TLA flashes and they are pretty cheap, but I like to travel as light and discreet as possible...

J J - I have been looking at TLA 140 too, I was actually outbid on one a few days back ! I have seen a TLA 200 but it's a bit on the pricey side in my opinion... I do like how they ' match ' the camera, I guess I should just get one of these...

I don't use the flash a lot but it's nice to have at least something there with me if needed !

 

[sevo]

Thank you both for your fast replies !

Sevo - I wasn't too bothered about the TTL with the Sunpak RD2000 having a EV adjustments, I was willing to make the compromise, size / bounce etc...

It does not appear to have EV adjustments other than within its digital TTL mode. And power control on a manual flash is not good enough to get properly exposed images when bouncing - for that you need either auto, or TTL, or a standalone flashmeter. The number of factors affecting the intensity of indirect flash is way too big to handle without resorting to some kind of metering.

 

[j j]

I don't use the flash a lot but it's nice to have at least something there with me if needed !

That pretty much reflects my usage. The 140 sits in my bag without taking up too much space and weight in case I need it. Were I serious about flash use I would be looking at sevo's options.

One point about the 200 is (I think) it uses the same batteries as the camera and (if I am correct) it might be a handy emergency spare.

And welcome to RFF.

 

[Dez.]

I use the TLA 200, works great, is quite small and comes with it's own svelte leather case. It also takes the same batteries as the body, so I can steal them if necessary.