Flash on M8

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nixphotopix

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Hi all
Could anyone recommend a good flash to use on the m8? I don't want a huge one to light up a stadium or anything. Just something small and compact just for a little fill in light. Was looking at these little contax units designed for G1&2's, http://cgi.ebay.com/Contax-TLA-140-...4|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

they look small and very cheap. If I was to buy one would I run into any problems, and would I have much control over intensity and so on, Or should i just look at getting the more expensive Leica sf24?
Ideally id like to set aperture value on flash so I could vary the output.
any suggestions would be appreciated
 
nixphotopix said:
Hi all
Could anyone recommend a good flash to use on the m8? I don't want a huge one to light up a stadium or anything. Just something small and compact just for a little fill in light. Was looking at these little contax units designed for G1&2's, http://cgi.ebay.com/Contax-TLA-140-TTL-Flash-for-G1-G2-MINT_W0QQitemZ270353702470QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Camera_Flashes?hash=item270353702470&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

they look small and very cheap. If I was to buy one would I run into any problems, and would I have much control over intensity and so on, Or should i just look at getting the more expensive Leica sf24?
Ideally id like to set aperture value on flash so I could vary the output.
any suggestions would be appreciated
Click to expand...
The contax units always produced very harsh light on my G1 and that was with TTL. You would have very limited control on an M8 as TTL would not work. That being said the TTL flash on the M8 is very primitive and generally better results (less shutter lag and no annoying pre flash) can he had using any auto flash just setting the desired apperture. The Leica SF20 (no TTL) or SF24 have the advantage of being light, but no bounce flash. They probably would not have enough power to bounce so not included. They are fine for fill flash and very handy to carry in a pocket. Well worth a try. Incidentally as the TTL is so lousy, the SF20 (no TTL) would be equally as good as the SF24 which most people use just in auto mode. It still communicates ISO setting to the flash, and the camera knows if flash is being used. If you do want more power and a bounce option, I can recomend a Metz 54Mz3 using just in auto mode. Its a bit heavy but nicely controllable light. Relatively inexpensive second hand as it does not have the latest i-TTL gimmicks. The only issue is that it does not read the appertures and the camera does no know it is connected so you have to make sure your white ballance is approrpiate (works best on daylight with my M8) and not change apperture too often.

best wishes

Richard
 
Small flash for the M8? Inexpensive? If you don't care about Leica's TTL, what's about a Nikon SB-22(s) or SB27? Both Nikon flashes accept AA cells, rechargables as well as batteries. The latter has four or five automatic apertures, which is nice sometimes. The flash's auto mode is better than TTL usually with people and animals, as it needs no pre flash.

The flashes go for about USD 20 or 50, used. Maybe add an SC-24 cord sometime to detach the flash from the camera.

Regards
Ivo
 
Anyone know if I can use a Canon 430ex on a leica m4-p? or a sigma ef500 for canon. I want to try some Gilden style portraits at parties over summer.

I would use my canon ettl cord for off camera stuff but would like to be able to mount a flash if needed/wanted
 
I would recommend the Metz 34-CS2. It is a GN34 ASA100, has 3-automatic F-Stops, a built in slave and is smaller than a deck of cards. I sold my SF20 as it ate batteries, and the LCD went flaky. No LCD, tilt or swivel, but it comes with a wideangle (24mm) and tele diffuser, works with a hot shoe or cord, and takes 2-CR2 batteries.

The Metz is a better unit. I bought a couple within the past year on EBAY for $100.00/ea. I have an extra one that is LNIB, mint. I'll sell it for $100.00 shipped within the USA.

Thanks

Brad
 
chrishayton said:
Anyone know if I can use a Canon 430ex on a leica m4-p? or a sigma ef500 for canon. I want to try some Gilden style portraits at parties over summer.

I would use my canon ettl cord for off camera stuff but would like to be able to mount a flash if needed/wanted
Click to expand...

I used the Canon 430EX flash on the M8 before I picked up the SF24D...
The 430 worked fine, other than it was big. The ability to bounce was good too.

Best Rob
 
I've also used the 430EX on the M8 without problems. Also works fine with the Canon off-camera extension chord. It gives you enough power and the ability to bounce for when you need to shoot indoors, but it's a little big and heavy for fill flash on a day trip. I'm starting to think that a smaller flash unit would be better.
Also, you have to set everything manually on the flash, so there will be some degree of experimentation for each venue / subject distance - especially if you are used to auto-TTL as I am. Sean Reid has a good article on use of manual flash with the M8 on his subscription-only site. His results look good, so it certainly is possible with practice. This is an area I am keen to work on more, so if anyone has any tips or useful links, please post!
 
M8 with 580EX

M8 with 580EX

M8 with 28 cron asph and 580EX flash bounced with white card extended.

3441461801_1e437090ee_o.jpg
 
hans voralberg said:
Get the Nikon SB-30, or SB-20. Work well on M8 and can adjust power output. Or the older cheaper SF-20.
Click to expand...

Thanks hans, the sb30 looks just like what i want. A (small) compact flash with manual settings on back that can be easily adjusted with a jog dial and it also has =/- compensation. If this will work no problems ill buy it for my M8 cause the price is just right. thanks everyone for there comments and keeping to the subject about (small compact) flash units. for the price this unit will do just fine and i could always update at a latter time if needed.
thanks
 
nixphotopix said:
Thanks hans, the sb30 looks just like what i want. A (small) compact flash with manual settings on back that can be easily adjusted with a jog dial and it also has =/- compensation. If this will work no problems ill buy it for my M8 cause the price is just right. thanks everyone for there comments and keeping to the subject about (small compact) flash units. for the price this unit will do just fine and i could always update at a latter time if needed.
thanks
Click to expand...

The SB30 is very small and will certainly work with your M8. It also has a built-in slave cell, IIRC, for remote triggering. The only downside is for me, that it doesn't accept AA cells. The +/- comp is overrated with auto mode, as this can be easily adjusted by adjusting aperture on the lens (that only becomes very important with TTL and the M8).

Rgds
Ivo
 
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