smallest flash for M6 classic

Y

ywenz

Veteran
Local time
11:32 PM
Joined
Sep 8, 2005
Messages
2,457
What is the smallest flash out there for the M6? And what techniques should be applied when using it with the M6 classic? Can you direct me to some sample images if possible? Thanks
 
The cheapy Vivitar flash, sometimes found on Wally world, should do a good job. It has a tilting head. Other than that... in the category of 'small'... hard to find!

BTW, I own the M6TTL, and they work wonders with the SF20, which is the Leica flash unit.
 
Flash? Not a real issue for old school Leicaphilles... some modern photogs. shoot TTL Leica's with Metz or Leica flash units that do all the job.
The wisest way to use your M6 could be the Vivitar Flash that Francisco point out, some use the auto Thirystor system (not really TTL but helps). I use it as a fill light, it has a tilting head to use for bounce lighting... but most of the time I use B&W that can be shooted at any Iso rating you like, no need of flash.
 
ywenz said:
What are some of the flash techniques you guys can offer with the non-TLL M6?
Click to expand...

Get a tilting-head flash (like the small Vivitar), then rubber-band or tape a white 3x5 notecard to the back of flash as a fill-bounce. Get a flash meter and test your flash output, then set aperture accordingly based on your film ASA and the meter's reading. Even fill distribution results if you have a white ceiling overhead. Also you get no red-eye or weird shadows.

Chris
canonetc
 
The Sunpak 1600a softlight flash is tiny and even has a bounce head and if I remember correctly one manual mode and 2 auto modes. about the size of a pack of cigarettes.
 
Flash technique? Besides the card trick with the head tilted, there is "drag the flash" too!

Nope, you don't have to do it literally. Just set the flash intensity at one stop lower (or more if you can; this is done by setting a higher ISO in the thrystor) and shoot with at a very slow shutterspeed. Say... 1/15 instead of the customary (and very Leica-like) 1/50.

BTW, only the M7 has a high-speed flash sync. Other Leicas only go for 1/50.

This image was done with that technique, and using an Hexanon 35/2 wide open on an M6TTL with SF20 loaded with Velvia ISO 50, on Dec. 2004.
 
i would suggest the nikon SB-20...great little flash..not much more than the vivitar and has more features...

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf4/flash/sb20/

gives u 4fstop range to choose from..the head can tilt..it has a built in diffuser for wide-angle and tele lenses...and it has manual mode, which u can dial down to 1/16th...how's that for control?

and if you're in or around long beach, they have two of them at terry's camera on long beach blvd. and broadway
 
I feel a bit uncomfortable using flash with film since I don't see the result right away... is it safe to say though... If I adjust the camera exposure to say 1/2 stop under exposed and then dial the flash for 1/2 stop over exposure, then the exposure on the subject's face would be correct?
 
Last edited:
In theory, yes... but your subject would wind up with a very white, pasty face. Open up the lens, lower the shutterspeed, lower the flash output... and then you have a photo taken with flash that doesn't look like it was done with flash.

At least, that's what I'd do. But then, I'm used to TTL flash metering!

Oh, the joys of technology...

One last thing: the SF-20 on a Leica M6 (non-TTL) would be a bit too much. A regular Vivitar 285 will work, except for the fact that it's not small... Maybe the Nikon SB-20 mentioned above...
 
I just purchased a Metz 20BC6 flash. It is really small but strong. It is only a manual flash which is good. I got it on ebay for about $30 I think.
 
What is the trigger voltage of the M6? is there a convinient chart somewhere that list compatible flashes?
 
Check your camera manual for flash recommendations. If it's a Metz... it may need an adaptor. As for the output... Sorry, I really don't know.
 
would also recommend Nikon SB 22, uses it manually on both my M6 classic, Contax G2 and Olympus C8080, works fine to me, and since everyone "wants" digital this days it´s possible to to a bargain buy. The flash is not to big, uses 4 AA batteries and has a built in adapter for 28mm and you can tilt the reflector.

vha

edit : forgot that i have the 22s. But to mee they looks the same.
 
Last edited:
Rob said:
The Sunpak 1600a softlight flash is tiny and even has a bounce head and if I remember correctly one manual mode and 2 auto modes. about the size of a pack of cigarettes.
Click to expand...

I have this flash, it is indeed small. I velcro'd a small detachable bounce card I made from a plastic container lid, works well. Only caveat is that since it takes only two batteries it does not recycle fast. And the shoe of the flash does not lock, so it can get knocked off your camera if you're in a rough situation. But nothing a small piece of gaffer tape can't reinforce.

My all time favorite, if you can find one, is the Metz 32-Z1. Chunky, but low profile, swivels and bounces, takes 4AA batteries OR -- a 2CR5 lithium for fast recycle. But this was before double A lithiums which also recycle fast. It also has auto aperture (f4 at 400 -- lowest setting) which is nice to "feather" or just a "kiss" of light, especially if you bounce card it.
 
Olympus S20 ($50 new). Comes with a diffusor, if that's not enough, tape a piece of Kleenex loosely to it. Diffusion works IMO better for one-light portaits than bounce, which tends to leave shadows under the nose.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom