what kind of flash to get

[msbarnes]

Maybe a real quick primer for on camera flash?

I want to do a photo series at night using on camera flash. I'm fine with hard light because I value portability, convinience, and cost.

I like what Patrick Demarchelier has done here:
http://agent-lee.blogspot.com/2010/03/ode-to-female-form-by-patrick.html

I have no flash and no experience using it...can I get similar results using on camera flash on my rolleiflex? I was thinking of attaching any flash with a PC sync connection on my Rolleiflex using a flash bracket. I figured that I'd meter for the ambient lighting and then power my flash accordingly via guide numbers and maybe overexposing a bit (depending on the aesthetic).

Does this sound about right? It doesn't have to be soft/flattering.

 

[tuanvinh2000]

Dont really know much about using flash with rolleiflex but i'm quite impressed with this guy's flash use with his wide/normal rolleiflex:
Sample:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55411539@N04/6992691756/

(a lot newer photos with flash but more street style than what you are looking for to use)

 

[presspass]

Flash works wonderfully with a rollie. It can be used at any shutter speed, and works well to fill/lighten shadows for daylight shots. Years ago, I used a rollie and a non-auto Metz flash for newspaper work. The newer Metz auto units will make it easier, and if you have a really modern Rollie, TTL is a possibility. Rollies aren't easy to focus after dark, but it can be done. Good luck.

 

[msbarnes]

Dont really know much about using flash with rolleiflex but i'm quite impressed with this guy's flash use with his wide/normal rolleiflex:
Sample:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55411539@N04/6992691756/

(a lot newer photos with flash but more street style than what you are looking for to use)

Thanks! I browsed his flickr and it looks like he mostly (or exclusively?) uses Flash with his SWC. His earlier works seem to rely on natural light and what is probably just a Rolleiflex.

 

[msbarnes]

Flash works wonderfully with a rollie. It can be used at any shutter speed, and works well to fill/lighten shadows for daylight shots. Years ago, I used a rollie and a non-auto Metz flash for newspaper work. The newer Metz auto units will make it easier, and if you have a really modern Rollie, TTL is a possibility. Rollies aren't easy to focus after dark, but it can be done. Good luck.

I don't have a newer Rollei...just 2.8E so I don't think TTL is possible. I've shot in the dark before so I know that focusing can be done.

http://cargocollective.com/michaelsergiobarnes#laura

But I think that night time shooting might look better with flash. Maybe, I'd have to try it first or see some good samples of someone who has done this the way I intend on doing so.

Anyways my question is:
1. Is the type of look from above possible with on camera flash? It looks like it but sometimes artificial lighting can be more complex than it seems. The flickr link is mostly in the daytime and at close distances. Kind of like Bruce Gilden.

2. If so, what kind of flash would you recommend? I don't need any automation...I would just like some control on the lighting. I have a light meter and so I figured that I can use that and/or GN's. TTL isn't necessary (or possible). What is Metz? A brand or a type of flash technology?

 

[lynnb]

1. The easiest way to get look from above flash (which I take to mean, flash is above the camera looking down on the subject) is to use a flash bracket that mounts the flash above the camera (RRS make one, as do other bracket manufacturers); or use a flash extension cord and hold the flash above your head (which requires one-handed camera operation). I'm talking outdoors here - indoors you can bounce the flash off a white ceiling if the flash has a tilt/swivel head (as most do).
2. Metz is a quality brand of flash. But for your purposes something like a Vivitar might be all you need - it will do the same job and cost less.

 

[msbarnes]

Thanks!

The flash bracket sounds like a good idea. I'd definitely get one for the Rolleiflex. I don't know about the one hand operation though. It gives more flexibility, but one handed operation sounds tricky.

 

[giellaleafapmu]

But for your purposes something like a Vivitar might be all you need - it will do the same job and cost less.

Vivitars are famous for being reliable and cheap but be aware that recently (her, well 2007ish) there was some strange thing going on with the name which was apparently bought by another company, or at least some models' names, I don't know. Point is that apparently the flash Vivitar 285HV is now only labeled so but it is not made by Vivitar, it is now made by somebody else (Cactus KF36) and is supposed to be not reliable. I am not working for Vivitar, or Cactus or against any of these, just rewriting information which can be found in reliable site such as The Strobist, just do your own research before buying. There are many manual flashes which are simple, cheap and reliable such as LomoPros.

GLF

 

[Kirbot]

I would go for a Metz without a second thought. I had one for a while, and liked it, but I replaced it with a shoemount flash, since I was using it with a regular SLR.

Keh has one now for $109.
http://www.keh.com/camera/Metz-Flash-Handle-Mount-Flashes/1/sku-MF229991160590?r=FE