Nice little flash for Nikon RFs

Huss

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Just got this little Sunpak flash. Works great, and the best part is it has a built in flash cord so it can be used with cameras without hotshoes like my S2, Leica M3 etc.
Of course it also has a dedicated terminal.

$10. Ebay. Like new.

It's nice because sometimes you just want to use a camera like this with a flash without having to deal with adapters etc.



Showing how the cord stores when not in use:

 
That cord storage solution is slick. I use a little Metz that can be set up with a bounce card on my S2. Never been a huge fan of direct flash. Can you diffuse that light at all, or does it rotate to be used as bounce?

Best,
-Tim
 
You can use the flash off camera as it just needs the sync cord connection. Something this small is designed to be used directly, there just isn't enough juice in it to bounce.
 
These are good little flashes. I have been using the auto 140 for years. You can put a little slave trigger on them and use with a point and shoot, which is good fun.

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The plastic cord housing tends to rip open at the point where it enters the flash body, but all the ones I have that have done that still work fine. Also, these are pretty battery hungry, and will drain batteries pretty quickly if left on in your bag.

I have recently started using the more modern Panasonic PE-20s, which is lighter and doesn't have the weaknesses above.
 
I have recently started using the more modern Panasonic PE-20s, which is lighter and doesn't have the weaknesses above.

The Panasonic does not have the built in sync cord. That's the whole point of the Sunpak - it allows super easy integration with cameras like the Nikon S2, Leica M3, M2 etc
 
The Panasonic does not have the built in sync cord. That's the whole point of the Sunpak - it allows super easy integration with cameras like the Nikon S2, Leica M3, M2 etc

I like those little Sunpaks; I have 3 auto 140s, but the Panasonic is the superior flash.

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I have one of those Sunpaks for my Canon P, great for slipping in a jacket pocket when going out to a bar or similar. Power/ range let’s it down though when using it outside.
 
For flashes with no cord, you can get a hot-to-cold accessory shoe adapter that has a PC cord. It also raises the flash a little to lessen the dreaded Red Eye.


PF
 
For flashes with no cord, you can get a hot-to-cold accessory shoe adapter that has a PC cord. It also raises the flash a little to lessen the dreaded Red Eye.


PF

Yes, it lessens it, which is really a benefit. Plus, the light is coming from slightly more above so it isn't as harsh (except for the wall behind the subject).
 
For flashes with no cord, you can get a hot-to-cold accessory shoe adapter that has a PC cord. It also raises the flash a little to lessen the dreaded Red Eye.


PF

That's how I used to use my Leica SF24D with my M3. Thing is it makes it tall (and big), feels a bit floppy and defeats the aim of having a "nice little flash" that has everything in one piece.

Don't forget, this Sunpak flash is only $10! Tiny, cheap, handy if you ever need it.
 
It's a great and inexpensive flash! I have used it on rangefinders small and large. I love the built-in sync cord. It looks puny on a big camera (pardon the Mamiya in a Nikon board)...


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It's a great and inexpensive flash! I have used it on rangefinders small and large. I love the built-in sync cord. It looks puny on a big camera (pardon the Mamiya in a Nikon board)...

very cool! I love that this flash is so cheap, tiny and handy. Just used it on my Cosina CX2.
 
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