Off Camera Flash for Leica M

[Turtle]

Hi,

I am looking to use an off camera flash on a Leica M and would like advice and reccs for the equipment required.

I've looked at the Vivitar 285 online and it looks rather large (or is it my imagination). I would like a decent amount of power but a reasonably compact size if possible.

I have no experience with off camera flash at all, but am I right in thinking I need:

• A compatible flash
• A cable that goes from the hot shoe to the flash

Presumably if the flash contains the batteries no external battery pack is required with yet more cables etc.

What sort of options exist and are there different ways to approach this?

Thanks!

 

[JHP]

Vivitar 285's are large.
I have always used a cable connected to a tiny Yashica flash that came with my 35 electro. Works fine.

 

[chrishayton]

I tend to use Nikon SB28s. They have auto modes and of course manual which is especially good as it gives you a digital readout of distance on the LCD. Expect to pay £80 for one ,though worth every penny

 

[jbielikowski]

SB28 work via pc-pc cable?

 

[chrishayton]

SB28 work via pc-pc cable?

Indeed it does, thats the sole reason I bought one in the first place, Got a couple now, I use them on anything with a hotshoe from my M4-p to my D3

 

[BillBingham2]

I used Vivitar 283 off camera all the time with my M6 and M4-P without problem. I used a remote sensor cord and the hot shoe 100% of the time with out problems. The 285 is just a rework of the old work horse and should provide the same great results.

When I started out learning photography I learn to work with flash with a Vivitar 192 in one hand and a Konica IIIM in the other. Worked great except for needing my left hand to wind the film.

Beware that the TTL electronics in the M7 and newer will get fried if you connect an older high voltage flash to it without a voltage protector. Not sure about the M6 TTL or not, mine was a classic. Older than an M6C will work fine.

Look for a remote sensor cable at KEH or EvilBay and your 285 should shine. Wein I think still make a hot shoe sort of voltage isolator but I'm not sure.

B2

 

[Turtle]

Thanks for the input so far!

I will be using it manually on older Ms without TTL capability.

Seeing as I also shoot Eos cameras (film and digital) might a Canon 430 EX II make more sense? Will I be able to use this in the same way I would be able to use a Vivitar 285 or SB 28. I see it also works in manual mode. Is there anything the SB 28 does that the canon unit does not? If not I could also use th 430 EX II on the Eos bodies in TTL mode...

Thoughts?

 

[presspass]

I've used older Vivitars - 2800 - on M7s without a voltage regulator and no problem. I wouldn't try that on an M8/9, however. The 285 Vivitar is big, but that's not a disadvantage if you want to hold it off-camera. The remote sensor cord is neat - it allows the sensor to see the light the camera sees, not what the flash sees, an advantage with off-axis or bounce flash. The 285 has four auto f-stop settings as well as several reduced output settings on manual. Not as sophisticated as the Nikon or Canon flashes, but a whole lot cheaper new. The flash is, or was a month ago, available new and I believe most of the accessories are also available new. A great flash at a reasonable price with enough power to reach out 40+ feet.

 

[Turtle]

Hi presspass, is there any advantage in a vivitar 285 over a canon 430 ex II? when used on a non TTL M? While the canon is a lot more expensive, it does have the advantage of being usable on my canons. I would be prepared to buy a separate flash of another type for the Leica M if it will do something a 430 EX II wont, or offer some advantages.

 

[presspass]

I, too, shoot EOS, but only digital and have a 5?? flash. Never tried it on the Ms, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. The only advantage of the 285 that I can see is the price and the remote sensor cord which allows the flash sensor to be mounted on the hot shoe while the flash is well off camera. As far as I know, the Canons don't allow this. I've used the 285 and the older 283 Vivitars that way and they work fine. Some years ago, there was an article in a photo magazine about a guy who did just that and put Velcro on a golfing glove and on his Vivitar. He then attached the Vivitar to the back of the golf glove and pointed the flash by pointing his hand. Neat trick, but never tried it.

 

[Turtle]

very interesting, thanks.

 

[summar]

I use a Vivitar 283 on a bracket with my M4-P. It's a good balance, and it moves the flash away from the lens, which I like.

 

[akalai]

M6TTL + Nikon SC-17 cord + Leica SF20

Small and easy to handle off camera flash kit. I think the current Nikon flash cord is the SC-28.

 

[Turtle]

In the end I bought a Metz 20 C-2 with a PC to flash cable allowing me to use the hotshoe for an auxiliary finder. I will see how this goes keeping it small and light and then consider integrating something more powerful and flexible once I have the basics of auto flash screwed down. The 20 C-2 only goes to f5.6 in auto aperture but I guess I can use it manually at any aperture as long as I figure out the distance/f-stop/film speed settings applicable.

I have a feeling I have a Sunpak 4000 or similar somewhere in storage which might fit the bill as that allows variable power settings, as long as I can find the necessary cables to hook it up.

Thanks everyone for your help. I am really excited at the creative possibilities that are racing through my mind. Should be fun...