M8 and TTL Flash

[whatmicah]

Hi,
I am wondering if anyone has any info about using the Metz (or other) flash systems with their M8s. Specifically, how well does the TTL flash work, which models are compatible and is there an IR TTL transmitter of any type available?

Does the Leica work ok with pocket wizards?

-m

 

[boilerdoc2]

With the proper adapter (?3502) Metz flashes work great. Just big and hunky!
I use the FreeWire radio for studio flash and works perfectly.
Steve

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I got an SF20 Leica flash. It's the best match.

 

[cme4brain]

Hi,
I am wondering if anyone has any info about using the Metz (or other) flash systems with their M8s. Specifically, how well does the TTL flash work, which models are compatible and is there an IR TTL transmitter of any type available?

Does the Leica work ok with pocket wizards?

-m

Note that no Leica rangefinder was ever designed to work with flash, if it in fact has a synchronized contact, it was begrudgengly put there by Leica 15 years later than it should have been. Flash technology has long been the last on Leica's list of development. There is one Leica brand flash, the Leica SF24D, with a GN of 66 or so, and it works TTL, auto, and manual. This is a good but outdated TTL function, compared to similar DSLR flash sophistication (meaning a centerweighted metering, with limited flash options). The SF24D (or the 20D for that matter) works virtually just as well on "AUTO" function as it does on TTL. I probably can tell no difference between pictures taken with my M8 and the 24D on TTL- vs. AUTO- function. You can use any other flash on the M8 on "AUTO" and probably get great pictures (be sure to use the Wein Safe Sync to prevent high trigger voltages from damaging the M8). I use the Metz 44MZ-3i, a smaller but still bulky flash. The advantage of the M8 is its diminutive body, so any flash other than the underpowered 24D will dwarf the camera. A proper flash does not exist. What we need it the Leica SF24D to have GN of at least 90 with a bounce head (minimum) with possibly a swivel head.