Flash for M9

[elmer3.5]

Hi, i´m low on budget and need a flash for my m9, can you tell me if there´s a unit that can be used with ttl function that´s not expensive, perhaps metz or nikon or other brand.

Also recommend if there´s a safe flash unit without ttl funtion.

Bye!

 

[swoop]

Nothing that's TTL and cheap. But there are plenty of non dedicated auto flashes that work very well.

 

[fotomeow]

Not sure what you mean by "cheap", I mean after you've put out for an M9?!🙄
I actually in the same boat, kind of. before I sold my M8, I used a 24D, great flash, but not as compact-able as I wanted. Sold it for about $225, which is the going rate if you want one.
That said, my consideration for a new compact flash would just be for a smallish metz. I have a Metz CS-2(?), which is an auxillary flash that goes off when your camera's primary flash goes off. Its great, and I think they make a Metz equivalent as a primary flash, smallish and such. The GN is enough to get light for the shot, but not full coverage like the 24D. I think they go for $100-150 or so, check B&H.
good luck

 

[elmer3.5]

Thanks!!!

Very helpful advice!

Bye!

 

[250swb]

As I understood it even though Metz makes the Leica flashes not one of their models will work with an M9 in TTL mode?

I use an Olympus FL36 in Auto or Manual modes, its the right compact size that suits an M9, and has a swivel and tilt head.

Steve

 

[rogerzilla]

IME Metz flashes are rather unreliable; both my 45CT-1 and 45CL-4 stopped working completely. I would look out for a NOS Vivitar 283 (mine cost 25GBP earlier this year) and use it in auto mode.

 

[PaulN]

Why the TTL requirement? Even on my DSLR I never shoot it in TTL mode. You know the general range to the subject, just calculate the distance/power in your head - or take a test shot and chimp.

Most of the time I usually shoot the flash on 1/8th power and adjust the aperture as required. Increase the ambient by lowering the shutter speed if you want to balance the light.

-Paul

 

[flyalf]

An earlier thread with much useful information:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101865&highlight=flash

 

[rxmd]

TTL can actually be quite useful in fill-flash situations, when bouncing the flash, or when using the flash off-camera. You need to keep in mind that on a digital camera, the only reliable way to get TTL with any flash is through pre-flashes, which may irritate your subject. However, so will test-firing the flash and chimping.

The Leica 24D is nice, but rather limited and comparatively expensive.

If you want to go the Metz route, a newer Metz xxMZ unit with the SCA system and the Metz SCA 3502 hot-shoe adapter for Leica would probably be the way to go. It also gets you more choice in flashes. Get a newer revision of the SCA 3502 adapter, and remember to set the flash to "gnc" mode for pre-flash TTL operation.

 

[PaulN]

The problem with TTL is that it is skewed by the subject - e.g. black cats, white wedding dresses, etc. You have to compensate either through flash exposure compensation and keep adjusting as the scene changes. After years with 4 canon 580EX flashes and a bunch of ETTL stuff, I find it easier to just run everything in manual and chimp once. Ambient light not right? Change the shutter. Main light not quite right? Adjust the aperture. One chimp and I'm good, as long as the flash-to-subject distance doesn't change. It doesn't matter how the scene will meter; it will be properly exposed.

Once you learn how TTL fails and how simple non-TTL is, it is hard to go back.

 

[rxmd]

The problem with TTL is that it is skewed by the subject - e.g. black cats, white wedding dresses, etc. You have to compensate either through flash exposure compensation and keep adjusting as the scene changes.

Not exactly different from plain old metering, though. If you meter on black cats and white wedding dresses, you're inviting trouble too if you don't compensate, and TTL is just the same.

 

[Shade]

I don't think there are any TTL flashes that works on the M9 other than the leica brand itself unfortunately. 🙁