cost of flash

[wizard]

lots of forums...

I normally eschew the use of flash but occasionaly do think about getting one.
The cost usually puts me off as well.

What makes most name brands so expensive?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Name brand flashes normally have electronics to operate with the electronics of the camera, like TTL mode.

I end up using a Nikon SB-15 with its built-in sensor, cost all of $40 used.

 

[varjag]

If you need a flash for camera with no TTL flash support (like, vast majority of classic cameras), any automatic flash would do. They are dime a dozen; I got a nice, NIB, compact Metz 20 BC-6 for $6 plus shipping I think.

 

[JustPlainBill]

Hi Wizard,

I've had good success using a Vivitar 285 with my Leica M2 and M4. Used to mount it in the shoe of a Leitz flash bracket. Getting the flash a few inches away from the lens avoids "red-eye".
Cheers,
JustPlainBill

 

[wizard]

thanks guys!
I'm thinking of a small one for my rd1, sort of a back up in case it's needed.

 

[back alley]

If you need a flash for camera with no TTL flash support (like, vast majority of classic cameras), any automatic flash would do. They are dime a dozen; I got a nice, NIB, compact Metz 20 BC-6 for $6 plus shipping I think.

was that off ebay?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

When getting an electronic flash for a modern camera, be careful of getting an older one such as the early Vivitar 283's made before the age of electronic cameras. They dump the full load of the capacitor through the hot shoe and PC cord. They can possibly fry electronic cameras. The Vivitar 285 is safe, and later 283's are safe. Mine can be dubbed "The Digital Destroyer".

 

[charjohncarter]

You can purchase Flash guns on Ebay for very little. You just have to learn how to use them. And I don't mean each one. You have to learn the basics of light, which by the way will make you a better photographer when not using a flash. This was done, to/by me, in a situation that really required a flash. I bought the flash for $21.00 on Ebay, shipping included. It was foggy and and dull, but I wanted a little fill light and I set it up for that (my$21.00 flash). I've posted this recently but you will get better results if you learn flash principals and DON'T leave it up to the electronics.

 

[wizard]

that seems very bright to me.
i might cut the power a bit.

anyway, off to ebay to do a search.