Suitable Flash for R3M

[CuS]

Hi all,

Just got a wondeful R3M Anniversary set from my wife for Xmas (I am spoiled).

I plan to use it in an upcoming photog class and there will be a session requiring flash.

I have a Canon 580EX (alas not the 580 EXII with pc port), but I don't have one with a sync port.

So, what flash would you all suggest?

Would the given flash be best mounted on the camera or on a bracket?

Much thanks!

 

[Pablito]

Would the given flash be best mounted on the camera or on a bracket?

Neither. Off camera, at arm's length, with a bounce card.
Vivitar 285.

you might be able even to use the flash you have with a hot shoe cord, fits on the shoe of the flash, plugs into the pc on the camera.

 

[mr_phillip]

My fave on-camera flash for rangefinders is the Leica SF-20. It's light weight doesn't overbalance the body too much and, since the SF-24D came out, the prices aren't too bad either.

 

[kevin m]

The Sunpak 1600 is the best non-TTL flash for rangefinders, hands down. Dirt cheap, small (runs on two AA's) and a Swivel Head (which the SF-20 sadly lacks)

If you're going to use a big honkin' flash, then you should probably be using an SLR anyway. 😀

 

[back alley]

i have a sunpak softlite 1600a flash but have never used it.

the best flash is high speed film and a fast lens...

 

[kevin m]

...the best flash is high speed film and a fast lens...

Fast lenses don't eliminate raccoon eyes or provide lighting balance. Available light shooting isn't a religion. When there's no good light to be had then a small flash can work wonders. And the sunpak 1600 is the perfect companion for any rangefinder camera. Bounce it off a white ceiling and you can hardly tell a flash was used.

If you don't want yours, I'll take it off your hands. 🙂

 

[back alley]

i never siad it was a religion but it provides a look i much prefer to a flash lit scene.
none the less - i'll hold on to my 1600.

 

[kevin m]

If it's used properly, you can't tell a flash was even used.

I'll dig up an example an post it. One picture's worth a thousand something or other... 😉

 

[kshapero]

Gosh, to me a flash on a rangefinder is against the faith. Fast lenses and fast film for me. Just being contrary.

 

[chrish]

i use a nikon sb-28 just because its all i got.

 

[CuS]

Great idea

Great idea

Neither. Off camera, at arm's length, with a bounce card.
Vivitar 285.

you might be able even to use the flash you have with a hot shoe cord, fits on the shoe of the flash, plugs into the pc on the camera.

I have no idea why i didn't think of a hotshoe cord - duh!

I absolutely prefer available light with a fast lens - but th couse requires an assignment with flash.


Thanks!

 

[kshapero]

Now I have calmed down. I have a Vivitar 285 HV and it would work on my RF, but I still refuse to use it. I bought it during a confused GAS attack.

 

[kevin m]

The 285 is too damned big, and using an off camera cord means you're playing a game better played with an SLR.

KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid. 😀

 

[kshapero]

The 285 is too damned big, and using an off camera cord means you're playing a game better played with an SLR.

KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid. 😀

Damn right. (Man, I'm cranky tonight), damn right.