RD-1S and flash

[victoriapio]

RFFers,

I am looking for a small flash unit to add to my RD-1S kit. Has anyone had success with a particular model? Has anyone tried any of the flat panel flash units with the RD?



O.C.

 

[georgef]

Hi Victoria,
I have used a number of flashes with my RD-1, and I think I will end up keeping a ringflash I have been using for a while (I like the lighting effect on people) and a sunpak manual I have been using also for longer reach.
Here is a page showing the trigger voltages for a hufge number of older flashes...I think the EPSON needs to run less than 3 or 5 volts (at least my NIKON D100 did).

hope it helps:

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html#Buff

take good care.g

 

[bluelight]

Hi George,

Just wonder what model of ring flash do you use?

Thanks,

Ed

 

[pzillig]

hi, still using this handy vintage model: Konica HX-14 Auto – with good results.

 

[georgef]

Hi George,

Just wonder what model of ring flash do you use?

Thanks,

Ed

Hi Ed,
I am using the sony HVL-RLS mini ring lite I had from when I owned a sony V3.
It works well in manual and its not too expensive, but is limited to only fill ins from fairly close. I like the reflection on people's eyes thats why I still use it. It will not light a scene like a regular flash though.

 

[bluelight]

Thanks,

The small ring flash must be cool for some up close portraits....


Ed

 

[RML]

Vivitar released a new version of the classic 285. One of the most versatile flashes out there, and not too dear.

 

[stefan_dinu]

But something smaller could you recomand? It is really frustrating because I don't make my mind with flash. And I really need it. But I need something small. What about the Metz system? Anyone use a small Metz on RD1?

 

[victoriapio]

Vivitar released a new version of the classic 285. One of the most versatile flashes out there, and not too dear.

For twenty years while I was a photojournalist, I used nothing but a single 285. They are wonderful units. But a bit large for the R-D1. I too am looking at something smaller.

The Leica flash may work

O.C.

 

[Jim Watts]

But something smaller could you recomand? It is really frustrating because I don't make my mind with flash. And I really need it. But I need something small. What about the Metz system? Anyone use a small Metz on RD1?

Metz 34 CS2 Digital. Small, good size match for the R-D1 and resonably powerful - guide number 34.

 

[georgef]

this looked good at a store in terms of size, but I don't know that much about flash photog to tell the specs.

http://www.metz.de/en/photo_electronics/mecablitz_28_AF-3_digital.226.html

 

[JNewell]

I am a big fan of the very small Nikon SB-30 as an always-carried backup. (LINK) Only disadvantage: doesn't tilt up for bounce (wouldn't be very helpful even if it did, due to lower output).

 

[akptc]

I second the Nikon SB-30 recommendation, have been using with my R-D1 for a while and it's simply perfect.

 

[victoriapio]

I second the Nikon SB-30 recommendation, have been using with my R-D1 for a while and it's simply perfect.

Thanks Andy and JNewell - it looks very interesting.

O.C.

 

[Burkey]

I've used an old 285 with my D2 for quite a while with an Omni bounce attached. I haven't tried it with the RD-1. I agree that without bounce ability the effect is pretty harsh. Check this site; http://www.stofen.com/. A wide variety of Omni bounce caps are availabile for various flash units.