Need Advice! ~ What Cheap Flash Rig Will Work On The M8?

The Olympus FL36 works very well and is quite controllable. It has a decent range of head movement and is a good match sizewise for the M8l. I also use an Olympus twin flash unit without problems.
 
Used the old ones in my cabinet:

Osram C180 Studio
E 24 C Rollei
and my old trusty Canon 244T

I have the Mecablitz 45 but never used it on the M8.2
 
which Achiever are you using? I have a 25-yr old 260T and worry that the voltage is too high even for the protection built into the M8 AND I am not ready to test the voltage using Jaapv's method (I'm sure he's right; I simply not fond of being the guinea pig on this). I think my flash puts out 255V or more.

what kind of trigger do you use? I'm totally uninformed about flash and haven't used one in more than 20 yrs.

thinkfloyd said:
I use a cheap "Achiever" brand flash (for film so never on cam), with cheap chinese wireless triggers... so basically it's strobist style :) cost of the whole rig is about $40...
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I think I'm going with a Metz Flash now....I'll keep everyone informed and post photos as soon as I get the right ambiance, (cheap trashy/vintage motel room) and one of my lovely retro model friends.....

Tom
 
I bought a Brand New Metz 20 C-2 flash this afternoon for $41, so waiting for it in the mail and as soon as I can, I'll post samples taken with it. :D

Tom
 
Anyone ever try a Leitz CEYOO on the M8?
Yeah, it's flashbulb but there are a few interesting quirks using FB. In color the IR sensitivity will be very high especially with the non-corrected clear bulbs. The synch would have to be first curtain of course and at a speed below 1/30.
I love flashbulbs and the long duration of the light which has a significant reach. In theory, if the synch of the shutter could be set for a few milliseconds before the first curtain, then a much wider range of bulbs could be used.
Then again, maybe I shouldn't be digging this up...

Have fun.
Phil Forrest
 
I sometimes need flash and usually carry one with me when on assignment, just in case. I find the most versatile are manual/auto non-dedicated flashes.


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The Holga starblitz 120 is the most portable flash solution and has a wide throw. It's small enough to have no excuse not to be in a day bag for whenever. About $15 on ebay.


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Metz 20 C-2. My favourite flash. It's small and light and can bounce in a pinch. I usually end up using it straight on. $50 at B&H.


mzm9.jpg

Metz 36 C-2. My most used flash. It's powerful and there's an omnibounce attachment for it. $100 at B&H.


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View from the side.


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The Vivitar 285HV works on the Leica's but it is so beastly it makes the whole thing awkward to hold. Only paired with my SLR. $90 at B&H.
 
swoop said:
I sometimes need flash and usually carry one with me when on assignment, just in case. I find the most versatile are manual/auto non-dedicated flashes.

mzm8.jpg

Metz 20 C-2. My favourite flash. It's small and light and can bounce in a pinch. I usually end up using it straight on. $50 at B&H.

side.jpg

View from the side.
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Thank You Swoop for posting the pix with the M8 and the Metz 20 C-2 ~ now I know what to expect, just hoping I can get that cheap, gritty and nasty 1950's Men's magazine look when shooting my indoor Retro Lingerie PinUps....we'll see :D

Tom
 
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Is there a reason/explanation why the Leica Flashes are so expensive?
I like the secondary flash on the 58, but at 600 euro's?
And the SF20 can be found for a much kinder price, but is not compatible with a M8 TTL.
 
I use the Konica HX18-W (dedicated for the Hexar RF) on my M6. Has three settings, one of which is full power.

In general it produces great shots, at 100 set it to 5.6, at 200 to 4.0 and at 400 to 2.8, easy as pie.
 
alecgold said:
Is there a reason/explanation why the Leica Flashes are so expensive?
I like the secondary flash on the 58, but at 600 euro's?
And the SF20 can be found for a much kinder price, but is not compatible with a M8 TTL.
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I don't really know, they are not built by Leica but by Metz. I guess one has to pay for small series. Otoh, I had to pay 600 Euro for an Olympus ringflash the other day:eek:, so I guess I am getting used to such prices.:eek:
 
Instead of a expensive SF-58 a Metz 44 MZ-2 with the SCA 3502 works also with full TTL ( and even coded lenses) on M8, M8.2 and M9. Got a used one for 125,-€, a new set will cost around 250,-€. But I like the little 20 C-2 also very much.
 
SunPak pf20XD

GN 20 (66ft)

non ttl. Works as slave unit or from hotshoe in auto using reflected light or best of all in manual mode. Can be set a power output 1/1, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 or 1/32. And with built in diffuser it lose another stop so 1/64 which is 6 stops less than full power.
Permanently set for 35mm lens coverage or 24mm coverage with diffuser.
Runs of 2 AAA batteries.
Vey small and light so won't make a rangefinder top heavy.

Uses dials to set functions and or power. No messing with menus so its quick to set.
Vey cheap too.

http://www.sunpak.jp/english/products/pf20xd/index.html

providing you don't want TTL connection then its better than a metz 20 C2 as it has far better manual output control.
 
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