Small flash for wide-angle?

[vodid]

I have an embarrasing amount of camera equipment, including lots of flash attachments. For the smallest, I've got a coupla Hitacons...tiny little flashes that use one AA battery, but they don't cover wide-angle. Everything else I have (Vivitar 283's, Sunpak 120J's, an Armitar, a Nikon SB28) are inappropriately huge for a rangefinder. I've also got REALLY old stuff, but I'd prefer not to retro back all the way to flashbulbs, even though there are some wonderfully compact units that use AG-1 bulbs.

Specifically, I'm looking for the smallest flash that will provide coverage for the 25mm Skopar, that has an auto mode (they used to call it "thyristor"), and has a cord that can be plugged into a standard camera PC connector.

Suggestions?

 

[amateriat]

This is the only good one I know of, although the price is rather steep for its size:

http://tinyurl.com/ywc98

I particularly like the fact that, in addition to having WA and tele adapters, it has a built-in slave-flash function - no need for any additional dongles.


- Barrett

 

[VinceC]

I've always liked Sunpak flashes. The auto 222 is quite small, uses a shoe or a cord and has auto settings at ISO 400 for f/4 and f/8 plus full power and 1/16th power, plus is tilts 90 degrees for bounce flash. Coverage is probably closer to 35mm, but most flashes can be diffused pretty easily with a rubber band and translucent material. (I use bounce mode most often). With a long cord and holding at arm's length, coverage is less critical. It uses four AA batteries and fits well in the pocket of a sports jacket.

My everyday flash is a Sunpak 383. Same specs as above but adds an automode of f/16 at ISO 400, plus fully adjustable manual mode -- full power, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16. A little larger, about the same size as a Vivitar 285/283. Killer app: bounce AND swivel head.

Both are relatively inexpensive. I think $40 or so for the small one, $75 or so for the larger one.

 

[FPjohn]

I can second...

I can second...

Hello:

I can second that for the Metz-it's the respectible option I use for the M-I don't admit to using my noname Quantaray (GN 60).

yours
Frank

 

[vodid]

The Metz 34-c2 indeed looks to be the best option. Covers 24mm, but jeez, the price...over two hundred bucks for this little flash?

In my dreams there is a tiny bare bulb flash...for that, they could probably charge a REAL premium price!

Thanks to all who've provided helpful suggestions.

 

[troym]

The Metz 34-c2 indeed looks to be the best option. Covers 24mm, but jeez, the price...over two hundred bucks for this little flash?

Despite the high sticker price on the 34-CS-2, you can find it for less if you're willing to search a while and don't have an urgent need to get a flash. Sometimes they'll show up in the used equipment departments of B&H and the like. I bought mine new for much less than the sticker price on a certain auction site that shall remain nameless.

 

[vodid]

I decided on the Metz 34 CS-2, and bought one...

I decided on the Metz 34 CS-2, and bought one...

As suggested, I found it in the used department of B&H for $89...a do-able price for me. If anyone else is interested in one of these flashes, B&H has another one, probably in a bit better condition, for ten bucks more.

Thanks everyone, for all the good suggestions.