HX-18W vs HX-14

[flip]

I've no flash.
I don't really like flashes.
However, this is a small, cheap flash and I'd like one for fill on occasion.

Is there a reason to select one over the other aside from power?

Thanks!
Phil

 

[pvdhaar]

I've had both the HX-14 and the HX-18, they came with the Hexar-AF and Hexar-RF respectively. I'm not sure the HX-18 is exactly the same as the HX-18w you mention. For what it's worth though, the HX-14 has one aperture priority setting, the HX-18 has two, making it somewhat more flexible. Both also can shoot at full power. The other advantage of the HX-18 is that the flash tube sits higher, reducing the probability of red-eye.

 

[mfunnell]

I've had both the HX-14 and the HX-18, they came with the Hexar-AF and Hexar-RF respectively.

I have both, and for the same reason. I don't think I've ever used the HX-18 I have - I don't even know if it works. The HX-14, though, when used with the Hexar (AF) has a rather clever program flash mode, so when used with that camera there's a reason to prefer it.

...Mike

 

[pvdhaar]

I have both, and for the same reason. I don't think I've ever used the HX-18 I have - I don't even know if it works. The HX-14, though, when used with the Hexar (AF) has a rather clever program flash mode, so when used with that camera there's a reason to prefer it.

...Mike

If you're using a Hexar-AF and have it programmed with all the options (see e.g. http://photo.net/photo/hexar.html ), then you can tell the Hexar what the guide number is, and it does the program flash mode for that guide number:

. switch from Off to P-mode while pressing SELECT
. keep pressing SELECT and use UP/DOWN for GN selection
. when releasing SELECT, camera displays [PFl].
. switch to Off, and the selection is deleted.

when required GN number is not available, select nearest lower number, e,g. GN24 not available, then select GN23.

 

[flip]

Thanks for the info....

 

[Paul T.]

If anyone has a spare HX-14, I'll buy it. Mine has died.

I bought a Nikon speedlight SB-15, in the box, but it's too bulky, I need something that's pocketable (i only use a flash as a backup in maybe one shot out of 30). If anyone would like to swap, or will sell for a reasonable price, please email me!

 

[johannielscom]

The HX-14 and HX-18w will work on Leica M8 and Nikon cameras without any trouble. Use Auto setting on the Nikon, and fully manual on the M8.

When in need of a suitable flash for the Hexar AF, use the HX-18w or the Speedlight SB-30, which is small and fully compatible with the Hexar AF, guide number 16. Dial in the GN on the Hexar manually, not sure whether it is stored when powering down though, see Hexar manual.

 

[Mablo]

I have a black Hexar AF and I recently found a new-in-the-box Nikon SB-30 flash. However, my Hexar AF doesn't seem to have the firmware upgraded because I cannot use the manual GN selection described above by pvdhaar (and found on Johan's web site as well). I assume the Hexar firmware upgrade is no more possible.

So no P-mode flashmatic for me unfortunately. But I think I still can use my SB-30 in Hexar's M-mode like any normal auto-thyristor flash. I just set the aperture in the camera and in the flash to be the same and shoot away. In case I need a fill flash I just trick the SB-30 to give out a bit less juice by setting it to one or two stops larger aperture (like f/8 -to- f/5.6) than in my camera. I will take a test roll or two later with SB-30 flash and Hexar but I just want to make sure I'm on the right track here.

Of course I could just buy a Konica HX-14 or -18 flash but I think the SB-30 looks kind of nice on the Hexar.

 

[Dante_Stella]

Have you tried simply putting the flash on M and letting the Hexar shoot in its native programmed flash mode? The SB-30's ready signal will trigger the Hexar's programmed flash mode (just like an HX-14).

The SB-30 has a guide number of 16; the Hexar flash has 14. Those are very close. If you think about it, at 2m, that's the difference between f/8 and f/7 - which is not going to be much - it's like 1/3 or 1/2 of a stop.

If that's not close enough, erecting the small built-in diffuser on the SB-30 would probably drop the guide number to 14 (as would putting a 0.15 - 1/2 stop - ND filter over the flash tube).

Dante

I have a black Hexar AF and I recently found a new-in-the-box Nikon SB-30 flash. However, my Hexar AF doesn't seem to have the firmware upgraded because I cannot use the manual GN selection described above by pvdhaar (and found on Johan's web site as well). I assume the Hexar firmware upgrade is no more possible.

So no P-mode flashmatic for me unfortunately. But I think I still can use my SB-30 in Hexar's M-mode like any normal auto-thyristor flash. I just set the aperture in the camera and in the flash to be the same and shoot away. In case I need a fill flash I just trick the SB-30 to give out a bit less juice by setting it to one or two stops larger aperture (like f/8 -to- f/5.6) than in my camera. I will take a test roll or two later with SB-30 flash and Hexar but I just want to make sure I'm on the right track here.

Of course I could just buy a Konica HX-14 or -18 flash but I think the SB-30 looks kind of nice on the Hexar.