remphoto
Established
I know it is a sin to use a Leica M with a flash, but occasionally it is useful. Other than using a flash dedicated to a Leica is it possible to use a small generic flash (i.e., Vivitar 2500) with an M8 using a a flash hot-foot/PC adapter?
victoriapio
Well-known
Most modern flashes should work, I use a small NikonSB30 on my M8. The ideal flash would work on the hot shoe and have a pc link, and have bounce flash capabilties.
charjohncarter
Veteran
Be careful, older flashes have too high a voltage feedback, and the can cook the electronics on the Ds. I use CyberSychs for my DSLRs and also for all my older cameras (mostly to get the flash off the camera). Sometimes I use the unit on camera but these are SLRs from the 90s on.
250swb
Well-known
A lot of flashes will work on the M8, although in 'Auto' or 'Manual' mode only. I use an old Leica SF20 or an Olympus FL36 (not to big and with a tilt and swivel head), both set to auto. The Olympus unit works really well.
Steve
Steve
Richard Marks
Rexel
It is certainly not a sin to use flash with a Leica!
However TTL flash is criminally poor on the M8 as the pre flash is nearly as bright as the main one. It also introduces some shutter lag. If one accepts that the TTL is not needed then you may as well choose any relatively modern flash. One with a bounce head is worth the effort. Check the weight on the M8 anything reasonably powerfull makes it feel very top heavy. I am also very impressed with off camera flash (as is 'Idea Dog') with a diffusor and you might think about exploring this option with a wireless transmitter. This leaves the camera nicely manouverable. If you have any other current camera sustem its as well to get a flash which is versatile. Metz certainly have some advantage via SCA adaptors.
Richard
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Cyriljay
Leica Like
I have a Nikon Sb 80 Dx which is very big for m8 but great lighting. Use auto. and have a Leica dedicated compact and small one very comfortable and precise results.