noah b
Established
What are some good flashes for the M system? I've considered using one with mine but am not sure where to start. Any help is appreciated!
Flashin
- Thread starter noah b
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Artorius
Caribbean Traveler
Which M
Which M
and why flash. No available light? The M2-3-4-4-2, 4-p and 6, it really doesn't matter if you have the proper sync cord. With the 6TTL, 7, Mp and 8, you can use the Leica flash units. I have the 24, but don't use it much, but it's nice to have if I really need it. I am really happy with my IIIc which has no provision for flash. I think it makes my life simpler without it.
Which M
and why flash. No available light? The M2-3-4-4-2, 4-p and 6, it really doesn't matter if you have the proper sync cord. With the 6TTL, 7, Mp and 8, you can use the Leica flash units. I have the 24, but don't use it much, but it's nice to have if I really need it. I am really happy with my IIIc which has no provision for flash. I think it makes my life simpler without it.
swoop
Well-known
I use a Holga starblitz flash with my M7, and a Vivitar 285HV with my M8. I mostly try to use the Vivitar off camera via a microsync wireless setup and have the flash in a corner on a light stand bouncing off the ceiling.
M7 with Holga flash is a nice compact package. The flash is manual only.
M8 with Vivitar 285HV. Taken last weekend at a wedding.
Flash and Leica's may be a hush hush topic. But sometimes they work well together.
M7 with Holga flash is a nice compact package. The flash is manual only.
M8 with Vivitar 285HV. Taken last weekend at a wedding.
Flash and Leica's may be a hush hush topic. But sometimes they work well together.
Artorius
Caribbean Traveler
I "uh-hum" agree secretly
I "uh-hum" agree secretly
I "uh-hum" agree secretly
Flash and Leica's may be a hush hush topic. But sometimes they work well together.[/quote said:
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cmogi10
Bodhisattva
I use an SF20 I got a good price on.
I happen to not mind the direct flash look...
I happen to not mind the direct flash look...
Andrew Sowerby
Well-known
Same as above: Leica SF20 with TTL metering. Simple to use. I like direct flash:
waileong
Well-known
?
?
Big flash? 285HV.
Small flash? Any $5 flash will do if you have a hotshoe, else look for one with flash sync cord capability.
TTL? Get a Metz 54 MZ-3/4 with the correct foot. Prob cheaper than the Leica flash, and you can share flash among other camera systems.
?
Big flash? 285HV.
Small flash? Any $5 flash will do if you have a hotshoe, else look for one with flash sync cord capability.
TTL? Get a Metz 54 MZ-3/4 with the correct foot. Prob cheaper than the Leica flash, and you can share flash among other camera systems.
Muggins
Proprietor of Orphanage for Lost Cameras
I'm sorry, but I have to ask? Why do you cover your Leica logos but leave the Holga one? Is it a giggle at the contrast between the two (I had a good splutter when I spotted it!), or do you simply desire the fanciest Holga in the world?
Adrian
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Art, allow me to remark that Noah asked a question, he did not request an opinion.
SF20 is the best way to go if you have an M6, M6TTL or M7 and even MP.
SF20 is the best way to go if you have an M6, M6TTL or M7 and even MP.
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
Sometimes the only available light you have is the "available light" that you're carrying with you.. 🙂
I've used the trusty Vivitar 283/285HV series on both the M7 and M8.
Sure, there are times when one has enough light to shoot without it - but sometimes you want/need to freeze the photo and no matter how fast your ISO / film is, the action is blurred. Might be great from an aesthetic / artiste point of view but when someone's commissioned you to shoot the photos; they usually expect a certain result.
Dave
I've used the trusty Vivitar 283/285HV series on both the M7 and M8.
Sure, there are times when one has enough light to shoot without it - but sometimes you want/need to freeze the photo and no matter how fast your ISO / film is, the action is blurred. Might be great from an aesthetic / artiste point of view but when someone's commissioned you to shoot the photos; they usually expect a certain result.
Dave
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Good way to put it, Dave! And, oddly enough, that's what I told someone when I was asked about using flash: I said "It's portable light that you can use when you need it and the way you need it." 🙂
Besides, flash photography is fascinating.
Besides, flash photography is fascinating.
Jason Sprenger
Well-known
For a little flash with my ZI or Bessa R2a, I like the Sunpak DS20. The head can move vertically for bounce, it has an automatic mode, a PC cable, can be used as an automatic slave, and takes 2 normal AA batteries. It's guide number is 59' and is small enough to stuff into my Domke F-5xa with my Bessa R2a and 3 small lenses. The DS20 can be had at less than $40 at Adorama.
I usually use 400 speed film with this setup which makes the flash more effective. When the flash head is tilted, there's room to slip a business card behind the flash-head to act as a little bounce card.
I usually use 400 speed film with this setup which makes the flash more effective. When the flash head is tilted, there's room to slip a business card behind the flash-head to act as a little bounce card.
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
Ya know.. speaking of flashes - for those of us that want to use them that is - I wonder who makes the smallest swivel & tilt head non-dedicated flash out there - I don't think there's anything smaller than the Vivitar 285 HV or the Sunpaks..
anyone?
Dave
anyone?
Dave
Jason Sprenger
Well-known
I used to use a little non-dedicated flash with a PC cord. With this one, swivel and tilt meant holding it in my left hand and pointing it where I wanted the light to go.
Otherwise, you are probably right, Dave. I think flash units that take 4-AA's are the only ones with both tilt and swivel.
Otherwise, you are probably right, Dave. I think flash units that take 4-AA's are the only ones with both tilt and swivel.
swoop
Well-known
LOL. I've actually had someone ask me once what kind of Holga I was using.
Yeah, it's a bit funny. A $12 flash on a $4k+ camera. I wanted to get a small flash and after doing research, the Holga Starblitz was the only one I was aware of that was tiny and had a safe voltage rating and wasn't going to fry my camera. It works surprisingly well. Manual only, uses only one AA battery, and has a nifty exposure chart in the back that's pretty accurate.
I cover the logos for the "stealth" reason. I never bothered covering the Holga logo because I only use the thing like once a month, if even.
noah b
Established
I have an M3, older flashes anyone? 😛
waileong
Well-known
The unomat B24 does swivel and tilt and takes only 2 batteries. Sadly, it's hard to find.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
Does anyone understand guide numbers any more? (Yes, I do)
It sure does simplify everything and opens up a whole new realm of possibilities.
It sure does simplify everything and opens up a whole new realm of possibilities.
Sjixxxy
Well-known
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285 works well for me. Fits nice in the off-hand.
This seems like a perfect oppurtunity to advertise for my neglected "Bring your own light" W/NW thread.
This seems like a perfect oppurtunity to advertise for my neglected "Bring your own light" W/NW thread.
George Bonanno
Well-known
Flashbulbs are hot these days. I use a CHICO on my IIIf and M6 with No. 5 and 25 bulbs.
Guide Numbers: It's an inverse square law thing.
Guide Numbers: It's an inverse square law thing.
