Flash for M6

[Gilo25]

I have an M6 which I have been using for years without an on-camera flash, but recently I have been doing some documentary stuff for which an on camera flash would definitely be handy. What flash model (which could be found second hand) would you recommend?
Many thanks

 

[Al Kaplan]

Either a Vivitar 283 or 285. The 285 has a built in variable angle flash diffuser but it is more bulky because of it. The 283 is a time tested unit, first introduced about 1976 but I have a coiuple of them that must be close to 30 years old and are still working OK.

 

[BobPS]

Dear Al,

When you use a flash, do you use it on the camera or off the camera (via pc cord or off shoe cord)?

At the time being I use my old SB22 on my M6 and I'm still learning to use it off camera. I prefer the result of off camera flash, but it's not really practical. I find it's a completely different way of working than when I use my 30d with 430EX.

I mean with dslr, I don't worry about focusing, I can hold the flash with my left hand while, with AF, focusing at the same time. With M6, it's quite different. I'm still trying to get use to using the distance scale on the lens barrel. So most of the time I find myself focusing with my left hand while leaving the flash dangling (I use a strap on the flash, so I can leave it dangling while I focus. Learned this from Sean Reid's site)

Thanks, Bob

 

[BTMarcais]

283's are great... I have a few I use with pretty much everything. They're a bit bulky though w/ my M3, unless I'm using them off camera (which does generally give better pictures, just not always as convenient). If I'm ok living with direct flash, I'll use either a small old vivitar 252, or a metz 34 cs-2 if I need a bit more power, for on-camera flash.

As a bonus, for those who care about these things (usually NOT me, but hey...) the metz's silver and black color scheme almost exactly matches the chrome M3... 🙂

 

[Gilo25]

Thank you all. By the way, would a Nikon SB 80 DX flash work with an M6?