Leica M/M9 Compatable Flashes

[Intended Chaos]

Hi,

I'm interested in purchasing a Flash for my M9 (M is coming), I've read that the Leica SF-58 isn't very user friendly and I was wondering what other brands people are using, and also what trigger brands they are using that are compatible to use with off camera flash.

Thanks in advance. 🙂

 

[Richard G]

The only one I have used is a $19 Holga flash. LOL. Quite good.

 

[ChrisN]

I've used a Nikon SB-28, modified to remove the control pins from the foot. I use it in automatic mode - very easy. It does make the camera top-heavy, so an accessory grip for the camera is useful.

PS - welcome to the forum!

 

[gwg]

Hi,
I am wondering about this myself and am not completely satisfied with the SF-24D recycle time. I still have an old SB-28 that I was thinking of using - does one need to remove the control pins to gain auto mode - or why did you remove them?
Thank you in advance! 🙂

 

[sepiareverb]

SF-24D's here. Not ideal, as low battery power in the M9 causes lots of misfires. Leica had one M9 & SF-24D of mine for testing when I started getting the misfires, they blamed my batteries. The newest batteries I have (from the camera, 2 years old) still exhibit this.

With freshly charged batteries it works well. Recycle times are not all that long IME, and the 123 lithiums last a pretty long time. TTL and A mode are excellent, I tend to shoot at -1/3 or -2/3 on the flash when working in the dark.

The SF-24D is not terribly versiatile, but has worked well for my current project, and for some outdoor daytime use from time to time. I'm tempted by the SF58 for the swivel/bounce but can't swing one right now. I'm also looking at the Metz version and the next one smaller from Metz.

 

[ChrisN]

Hi,
I am wondering about this myself and am not completely satisfied with the SF-24D recycle time. I still have an old SB-28 that I was thinking of using - does one need to remove the control pins to gain auto mode - or why did you remove them?
Thank you in advance! 🙂

I guess I've removed them because I'm cautious, and I'm not certain how the control signals from the camera might interact with the control functions in the flash. More specifically, I don't want to risk hurting my cameras. As I'm happy with the simple Automatic flash (or indeed the excellent manual control available with the SB-28) all I need is the centre pin. The foot is easy to pull apart, and the pins ride on little springs. I kept the parts and I'm sure I could return it to standard if necessary.

 

[swoop]

Here's an overview of non-dedicated flashes that work with Leica's.

http://www.rangefinderworkshop.com/?p=346

 

[Roger Hicks]

Flash? On a Leica? BURN THE HERETIC!

Cheers,

R.

 

[sepiareverb]

Flash? On a Leica? BURN THE HERETIC!

Cheers,

R.

For some of us, it is our only option when a flash is needed :angel: Well, I do have that phone camera...