Flash for 35mm RF

[robertdfeinman]

I used to have a nice small electronic flash from Rollei (I guess it was for their 35 model). It took two AA's and allowed for automatic or manual exposure, although I think there was no choice of F-stop. Unfortunately I gave it away.

Modern flashes are increasingly designed for digital cameras, have dedicated features and are bigger than the camera. I'm wondering if there are any simple, small, automatic flashes that would fit nicely on a Bessa or Leica sized camera.

I realize that such direct, on camera flash has many drawbacks, but sometimes this type of lighting is adequate for the purpose. I'm also not impressed with the prices for many of the flashes being sold these days.

When you consider that there is an electronic flash built in to even the cheapest point and shoot these days, the cost of an external unit shouldn't be very great.

Suggestions?

 

[FrankS]

Hi Robert,

I just looked on ebay and there are almost 1000 items listed under film camera flashes. Many of them are smaller flash units that will work well on RF cameras. If you can find a camera fair or fleamarket, these small flash units are more than abundant.

 

[mcgrattan]

I use a little Sunpak Auto 140. Very small and compact. Has an auto mode [with a table of aperture values for various film speeds on the back] and a manual mode. Also has a built in PC sync cord which is handy.

See the bottom of this page:

http://www.sunpak.jp/english/products/archive/

As the previous commenter said, there are loads of small, cheap, compact flashes around.

 

[drewbarb]

I use a Nikon SB 30; it's also tiny, has 2 auto apertures and 3 manual power settings (as well as Nikon TTL capability...). Uses a CR123A lithium battery, but these are fairly easy to find, and last a long time- especially with the low power settings I like to use. Perfect with a small RF camera.

 

[Jacob]

I use the small Leica CF that has a choice of two f-stops, if i remember correctly. It is slightly thinner than most older small flashes, so it fits nicely even in tighter pockets. And it has a red dot! Metz recently made a small powerful (GN34) unit called 34CS-2. It lacks the dot but it is still made in Germany. Both these often float up on the bay. Many modern small units lacks a PC cord connection, something to remember if You intend to use it with an older cold shoe camera.
Good luck in the search of light!
Jacob

 

[swoop]

Cheap holga flash off ebay. Takes one AA battery, fairly quick recycle time with rechargeables. Manual exposure only but the chart on the back is pretty good and easy to follow. Small and balances well on the camera.

 

[payasam]

The chief difficulty with today's flashes is that they do not come with sync cords. With my M2 I use a manual Sunpak bought in 1975: but it is showing its age and I must soon get a hot shoe to PC adapter for other flashes.

 

[David William White]

I just picked up an Olympus T-20 for my Bessa for under $20 and I'm happy with that. This flash has ample coverage for my 40mm lens. No PC sync and no tilt, but quite compact and it 'sits' nicely.

 

[kevin m]

Sunpak 1600a. The ONLY small flash I'm aware of with a bounce head.

With a rubber band and a piece of notecard, you can achieve unbelievable results with it. 🙂