SF24D flash question

[ellisson]

I'm considering a flash to use with my M9P, and the Leica offerings seem to be the SF24D and SF58, the latter larger and more feature-rich unit that you can tilt for bounce or other effects. I would prefer to go with the more portable SF24D despite the fixed flash head. Shooting off camera with a flash cord would be one solution. Going with a non-Leica tiltable portable flash like Metz or Sunpack would be another. Are other members satisfied with using the Leica SF24D and a flash cord to be able to aim the flash off camera?

 

[jaapv]

You can use a Nikon flashcord. You need three hands to use it this way, though😉.
Better to wait until the SF 26 becomes available.

 

[Godfrey]

I don't bother with TTL. I use an RF trigger ... transmit on the camera, receiver on the flash, and put the flash on some kind of support (a light stand sometimes, a small clamp others, a handy assistant yet others) ... with non-dedicated flash units.

G

 

[MCTuomey]

Here's my rig. That's a gordy's wrist strap and the flash cord is a contax (no ttl). I let the flash drop loose from my wrist when a free hand is needed (borrowed idea from Sean Reid). Works well. Off camera beats on camera every time 😎 Godfrey's radio rigging is great - use one myself - but it's kinda hard to fit a lightstand in my BBB when I'm out and around. SF24+cord in the bag is light and compact.

 

[maddoc]

Does the Nikon SC-17 TTL cord work with the M9 also? I have on order to be used with my M7/SF-20 for TTL flash.

 

[jaapv]

Probably does.

 

[dcsang]

Good question - I've been struggling with the same issue because the SF24D would "make sense" from a portability perspective but for shooting at events it's easier to have the functionality of the SF-58 (or similar flash).

To add to Ellison's question: Is anyone using anything that is similar to the SF-58?

Cheers,
Dave

 

[MCTuomey]

Does the Nikon SC-17 TTL cord work with the M9 also? I have on order to be used with my M7/SF-20 for TTL flash.

Yes, the SC-17 works with both the M9 and M7. But the SF-20 isn't ttl-compatible with the M9.

 

[arteryal]

I'm considering a flash to use with my M9P, and the Leica offerings seem to be the SF24D and SF58, the latter larger and more feature-rich unit that you can tilt for bounce or other effects. I would prefer to go with the more portable SF24D despite the fixed flash head. Shooting off camera with a flash cord would be one solution. Going with a non-Leica tiltable portable flash like Metz or Sunpack would be another. Are other members satisfied with using the Leica SF24D and a flash cord to be able to aim the flash off camera?

I'm very happy with my SF20 and sync cable!

 

[ellisson]

You can use a Nikon flashcord. You need three hands to use it this way, though😉.
Better to wait until the SF 26 becomes available.

I've seen some pre-order listings, B&H for example, but there is very little information on the SF 26. it looks very portable - no bigger than the SF-24, and it tilts at least in one direction. But no other specifics are given, like flash power, zoom settings, built in diffuser option, et al. I doubt it swivels around. And the listing states it is for other Leica cameras without mentioning the film or digital M models. It would be nice to find more info on the SF-26

 

[ellisson]

One of the things holding me back from the Leica SF58, a full function flash unit, was the cost. Oddly, the the Leica SF58 looks the same as the Metz MZ 58 flash and has identical functions and looks, front and back. Tech specs identical! For a little more than half the price!

 

[jaapv]

I've seen some pre-order listings, B&H for example, but there is very little information on the SF 26. it looks very portable - no bigger than the SF-24, and it tilts at least in one direction. But no other specifics are given, like flash power, zoom settings, built in diffuser option, et al. I doubt it swivels around. And the listing states it is for other Leica cameras without mentioning the film or digital M models. It would be nice to find more info on the SF-26

I inquired; it is suitable for all Leica cameraS and the guide number is 26- obviously.

 

[jaapv]

One of the things holding me back from the Leica SF58, a full function flash unit, was the cost. Oddly, the the Leica SF58 looks the same as the Metz MZ 58 flash and has identical functions and looks, front and back. Tech specs identical! For a little more than half the price!

It is the same flash with different ( limited) functionality on Leica cameras.

 

[ellisson]

Thanks Jaap. That information is very helpful on both units. I should not be surprised that the Leica SF58 is more functional than the Metz MZ 58 on Leica cameras. Otherwise there would be no advantage except possibly build quality.
Gary

 

[dcsang]

Thanks Jaap. That information is very helpful on both units. I should not be surprised that the Leica SF58 is more functional than the Metz MZ 58 on Leica cameras. Otherwise there would be no advantage except possibly build quality.
Gary

I looked at this too Gary.
And I believe, based on Jaap's confirmation, that the Leica flash will allow for full TTL (and other functionality) with the M(240) / M9 / etc. while the Metz MZ 58 does not (at least that's my understanding of it).

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Ben Z]

I have a 24D and I'm not sorry it can't tilt up to bounce, because I've used it with a cord and it doesn't have a lot of power so unless the ceiling is very low and very white or I crank up the ISO, it dumps the whole capacitor and barely makes the exposure, then takes longer to recycle. I find that using it on-camera with a piece of onionskin paper cut to fit inside the wide-angle diffuser works better for me. Also, I use this flash in AUTO mode. I was not happy with the GNC aka TTL mode. The preflash causes a slight delay, and alerts the subject, and I never found the exposure to be any more accurate or consistent.

I also have an older Metz 53Mz3 with the M1 version SCA3502 module. It transmits the ISO from the camera to the flash, which is all I need it to do. I also use it in AUTO mode. The problem with it, like the SF58, is that it is very top heavy on an M camera, and gives me the feeling (real or imagined) that it's putting a lot of leverage on the top plate.

 

[ellisson]

For my DSLR, I have a small flash unit, lowish guide no., but useful for close up fill flash and also to wirelessly trigger a macro (Metz) flash unit on the end of the macro lens. And I have a larger, more powerful unit for longer distance and greater illumination. For RF use, I did not think of the need for both a small portable unit and a larger, more powerful unit. I enjoy using flash and the creative effects that it enables and the greater aperture/ISO flexibility in low light. Now I'm thinking that having both a smallish portable unit like the SF-24 or SF-26 (when it's available) in addition to the more powerful SF-58 may be useful for my RF shooting, which I currently favor over using my DSLR.

 

[madNbad]

I have a SF-24d fitted with a Leicagoodies S-Fil defuser. To go with it there is a SC-28 cord which will send a TTL signal from my M6 TTL when I want to use it off camera. Lately I have been using it as a trigger for a pair of Metz 54s' fitted with the 3083 shoe, mounted on light stands and using a shoot through umbrella. For size it is a fairly versital flash. Small enough to toss in the bag and just enough power for decent fill. The problem is it's expensive for the limited features it offers and the SF-58 offers much more but it is almost as big as the camera itself. As I move toward radio triggers it will most likey end up as a backgound light. I have had mine for several years and have never regretted buying it. The SF-26 looks like much the same package with the addition of an adjustable head. The Metz 32 and 40 series were just about the right profile to use with a rangefinder but I doubt if we'll be seeing anything along that line again.

 

[ellisson]

I have a SF-24d fitted with a Leicagoodies S-Fil defuser. To go with it there is a SC-28 cord which will send a TTL signal from my M6 TTL when I want to use it off camera. Lately I have been using it as a trigger for a pair of Metz 54s' fitted with the 3083 shoe, mounted on light stands and using a shoot through umbrella. For size it is a fairly versital flash. Small enough to toss in the bag and just enough power for decent fill. The problem is it's expensive for the limited features it offers and the SF-58 offers much more but it is almost as big as the camera itself. As I move toward radio triggers it will most likey end up as a backgound light. I have had mine for several years and have never regretted buying it. The SF-26 looks like much the same package with the addition of an adjustable head. The Metz 32 and 40 series were just about the right profile to use with a rangefinder but I doubt if we'll be seeing anything along that line again.

Thats similar to what I have in mind for the smaller SF24d - toss in bag when only fill flash or low power illumination needed, and use as trigger for other lighting sources. I agree the Price/function-power ratio is high for this flash.

 

[Fred1848]

Looks like the 24D is being discontinued.