Flash for Zeiss Ikon

[drjoke]

I have never used a flash before. I think I need a Flash for my Zeiss Ikon. Even with ISO 400, I miss out on family occasions all the time. What would be a good flash to use that? I prefer one that would outlast even my Zeiss Ikon in longevity. Perhaps when Zeiss Ikon Digital comes out, I will still be using it.

 

[troym]

I don't use flash frequently, mostly because I tend to have to fumble around with the darn thing too much if I'm using a camera that doesn't have TTL flash (and none of my rangefinders has TTL flash).

But I bought a Metz 34 CS-2 to use on my Zeiss Ikon. It works well. It's small but pretty powerful, given its size. And it has 3 auto settings for flexibility. I haven't put it through any rigorous testing, but it doesn't seem particularly fragile.

I seem to remember a thread on this topic way back (as in a couple years ago). A Google search of the site might turn up something useful.

 

[BTMarcais]

I second the Metz 34 cs-2... I use one with my M3, works great if you all you need is direct flash (and looks great w/ a chrome finish camera btw...). It's small enough that you're likely to have it with you too. I also use a (even smaller) old vivitar 252, which takes standard AA batteries (the metz takes 2 - CR-2's), which isn't quite as strong as the metz, but lets me get in a little closer without totally blowing the highlights for a portrait. And if I need bounce... my 20 yr old vivitar 283's do the trick. Not exactly a small flash though. I almost always have the 34 cs-2 with me because of it's size. (or the 252).

 

[mcgrattan]

My middle sized flash of choice is the Nikon SB-20 which is very compact but full-featured:

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/sb20.html

But I also have a tiny Sunpak with a built in sync cord which is great for very small cameras. Like the one stuck on this Olympus rangefinder:

http://homepage3.nifty.com/nabelab/img/35dc/dc20.jpg

 

[Olsen]

I have never used a flash before....

Then it's about time.

All the sharp glass you can buy for your Zeiss Ikon excels with the use of flash. Nor do it have to be expensive either. Buy 2.hand Vivitar 283 or 285, Metz - or even better, the best flash ever: http://www.qtm.com/?res_set=yes&res=1280&resh=1050

The problem with flashes are the small reflector. They cast a harsh light which creates sharp shaddows. Try to reflect the flash in the (preferably white) ceiling. Use several flashes and have the fired by 'slaves', like this: http://www.bugeyedigital.com/product_main/sam-csa576.html that makes the flash on the camera fire the flash no. 2 placed somewhere else in the room. Preferably somewhere in front of the camera and facing the camera, but not so that it is visible in the picture. Also reflected in the roof.

 

[wizofz2k]

One word of warning about flashes for the ZM:

Zeiss in their (lack of) wisdom have decided to shorten the flash shoe slot in this camera to the point where, for example, a significant portion of the shoe of a Nikon Speedlite sticks out the back of the slot. It doesn't make for a very safe fixing, so if you decide to go for a Nikon, keep an eye out for this.

I don't know if this problem is common to other flashes, but I do know that all my Speedlites don't fit properly, although of course they operate fine.

I do have a Metz as well, with a Nikon adapter: same problem.

 

[payasam]

High trigger voltage is unlikely to be a danger, but I'd suggest you play safe by finding out how much the camera can take.

 

[italy74]

What's that ??? A flash with GN=160 at iso 200 ??? Is it a stadium light ???
Never heard of that....

 

[Rudolphono]

I've got a SB-24, but it is to big for small cameras.
Is there a smaller flash with tilt reflector and adjustable flash output?

Ralle

 

[troym]

I think the Nikon SB-20, which has a tilting head and adjustable output, is smaller than the SB-24.

 

[Rudolphono]

I think the Nikon SB-20, which has a tilting head and adjustable output, is smaller than the SB-24.

Thanks for the info.
Thought the SB-24 was the smalles with this features.
Bought a SB-20 on e-bay today.

Ralle