Smallest, Cheapest Flash I could get away with on the M8?

[jsrockit]

I don't use flash at all right now, but I'm in need of using one very soon. However, I'm too cheap to buy any of the Leica ones because I won't use it 99.9% of the time. I'd like it to be at least proportional (or even smaller) to the M8 and I would like it to be relatively cheap (say under $100)... any ideas?

 

[emraphoto]

I have always been a fan of the sb-30 (nikon). Small and simple as pie. Used it with an M8 with no problems.

 

[Mablo]

Metz 20 C-21, $53 new in Amazon.

 

[tlitody]

I don't use flash at all right now, but I'm in need of using one very soon. However, I'm too cheap to buy any of the Leica ones because I won't use it 99.9% of the time. I'd like it to be at least proportional (or even smaller) to the M8 and I would like it to be relatively cheap (say under $100)... any ideas?

flash for what? Fill only or more powerful. Specifying minimum GN might be helpful in answering. I just bought a Sunpak PF20XD for some fill lighting when needed but haven't tried it yet. It's very small and ideal on a rangefinder providing position doesn't limit access to any controls but you can work that out before comitting to it.

http://www.sunpak.jp/english/products/pf20xd/index.html

I got the above because its manual output level control is better than most. Counting the difuser as 1 stop then it has 6 stops reduction in power from full when in manual mode. But it doesn't do TTL if that is what you are looking for.

 

[jsrockit]

flash for what? Fill only or more powerful. Specifying minimum GN might be helpful in answering. I just bought a Sunpak PF20XD for some fill lighting when needed but haven't tried it yet. It's very small and ideal on a rangefinder providing position doesn't limit access to any controls but you can work that out before comitting to it.

http://www.sunpak.jp/english/products/pf20xd/index.html

Yes, for fill basically... and I don't mind it not being TTL (I've never used TTL). This (Sunpak) is the flash I really want to use, but I just can't find any info if it works on the M8. It doesn't work on the Epson R1d for some reason... would be great if you could try it.

Thanks guys... most of these seem fine. I prefer the Sunpack, but would be fine with the Nikon or Vivitar.

 

[tlitody]

Yes it will work on any camera. Even the RD-1 I think. I think the note relates to some auto flash or preflash functionality sync.
In manual all it needs is the most basic of hot shoe connectors to fire it. In Auto it does its own metering according to how you set it. i.e you specify the aperture and it does its stuff.
Or on manual for fill you can simply calculate power output for distance from the GN/Distance minus 1 or two stops and set the power output level accordingly.

 

[tlitody]

p.s. Only disappointing thing is that the power output level has a click stop for each level but doesn't have values printed against the scale. But you can mark them on there if you want to make it easier to see what its set at otherwise you have to count the clicks to know where its set.

 

[jsrockit]

Thanks tlitody!

 

[Stephen G]

I use a Nikon SB-15.

Has tilt & bounce and cost me a grand total $20.

I've bought and sold a dozens of cameras and lenses in the last 8 years, but the one constant has been this flash..

 

[dshfoto]

Use a Win Safe-Sync Hot Shoe from Adorama, for about $49.00 and
Mfr. Part: 990560 SKU: WNSSHSHS and a Vivitar 283 Flash for about $50.00.
The Safe-Sync also has a PC type connection, so you can hook up to studio flash or remote flash units. The Safe-Sync provides protection from to high a voltage flowing to the camera from a cheap flash. Some of the older flashes use a high trigger voltage on that circuit.

 

[dcsang]

Hmm.. I've been following this thread - not because I want one for my M8 (I don't have an M8) but I would like one for the M7s - I've had no issues using the Nikon SB-900's currently but it seems a bit of "overkill" ya know?

My concern is I'd like the flash to swivel.. not just tilt and bounce... any suggestions?

Cheers,
Dave

 

[250swb]

Hmm.. I've been following this thread - not because I want one for my M8 (I don't have an M8) but I would like one for the M7s - I've had no issues using the Nikon SB-900's currently but it seems a bit of "overkill" ya know?

My concern is I'd like the flash to swivel.. not just tilt and bounce... any suggestions?

Cheers,
Dave

If you don't mind using the flash on Auto or Manual rather than TTL you could look at the Olympus FL-36?

Steve

 

[LeicaTom]

I use a Metz 20 C2 with my M8 ~ LOVE IT!!!!!!

You can find them as low as $25 on evilbay new in the box 🙂 (sure beats paying $300+ for the Leica one and the Metz has a rotatating adjustale flash head for bounce, the Leica one is rigid/fixed)

Tom

 

[dshfoto]

Here's an example of an M8, with a Vivitar 283, and Sto-Fen Diffuser.

 

[jsrockit]

I ended up buying the Sunpak PF20XD and it works perfectly fine with the M8. It is nice and small too... 🙂

To me the Vivitar 283 is way too huge...

 

[dcsang]

Any photos with either the Metz 20 c2 or the Sunpak?
I'd be interested to see your results 🙂

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Mudman]

I use a Metz 20 C2 with my M8 ~ LOVE IT!!!!!!

You can find them as low as $25 on evilbay new in the box 🙂 (sure beats paying $300+ for the Leica one and the Metz has a rotatating adjustale flash head for bounce, the Leica one is rigid/fixed)

Tom

Hey Tom will that do TTL with an M6 TTL??