Recommend a flash for the Bessa R

[BillG]

What flash unit would you recommend for the Bessa R and why? Thanx.

 

[Fred]

If you need the power and a bounce I'd consider a Vivitar 283 or 285 if you can get one. Very good work horses I find. I use one with my Bronica ETRS.

For somethine smaller but reasonable cost I'd use a Metz 20 BC-6, cheap, reliable, small and with one auto aperture setting. It might get in the way of the shutter dial when mounted on the camera though. It does have a small front profile also. I use a used one rarely on my M7 and it's fine.

 

[pvdhaar]

With a Bessa-R (or any rangefinder for that matter) I would foremost look for a flash that balances well on top. Although I do have a large Metz flash with all the features that you can think of (tilt up/down, swivel, power), it doesn't sit well on an RF. The thing always hangs upside down on the neck strap. I much prefer a Konica HX18 (no tilt/swivel, moderate power), which sits entirely above the body, and so doesn't topple it over.

The HX18 by the way, was designed to go with the Hexar RF.

 

[Seele]

I used to like the flashguns by Unomat and found them to be even superior to Metz ones; not sure about the new ones but perhaps worth a look.

 

[Rick Waldroup]

Check out a Vivitar 2500. Very small and compact but it has auto settings and can bounce. I use one on my R2 and R3A.

 

[zuikologist]

I also like the Vivitar 2500 and also Sunpak MX14.

 

[trev2401]

Sb800

😀

 

[anglophone1]

Vivitar is the way to go........................283 for most power, four fstop range and off camera capabilty [with sc1 or 2 cord].........................or 2500 for less power and 2 stop range in a smaller package............................all for nearly nothing on ebay!
Either way use a stofen omnibounce!
Best
Clive

check out my info/resources page at www.clive-evans.com

ps I own 7 283s and 2 2500s!

 

[Toby]

Either way use a stofen omnibounce!

If you use a stofen omni bounce put black tape on the botton of it or it can give under exposure by throwing some light directly on the thyristor

Toby

 

[GeneW]

I've always liked my Vivitar 283 though it's not a tiny flash. I've also picked up a couple of very small used electronic flashes at yard sales that work quite well for fill lighting. A bit of tissue taped over one of these non-adjustable flash units reduces its impact and spreads the light. I'm not familiar with modern flash units -- never needed anything better.

Gene

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Another vote for the Vivitar 283 or the newer 285. Bounce capability is key...