Which Flash for ZI ?

[theguy]

Dear fellow Zi users,

I am now a happy owner of a brand new ZI in black.

Needless to say, that this camera is amazing.
Yet, sometimes I wish I had a flash, which would allow me
to do some studio shooting.

So my question is:

Which flash (for the hotshoe) would you recommend?
I don't need an "uber-supersized-mega" flash.
I am more looking for a medium flash, that allows me
to do some occasional studio shooting.

I'd be very happy to hear some recommondations.

Have a nice ikonish day! =)

Regards, theguy

 

[theguy]

thank you very much for these information!
learned something new again. yipiieee =)

hmm, yeah bouncing capabilities would be nice, as direct flash often disturbs the harmony of the picture. didnt think of that!

thank you!

 

[goo0h]

Some would say this is overkill, but I wanted a flash that allowed me to easily set the ISO to just about anything I wanted because I'm always fiddling pushing with film one way or another. Still, even when pushing to 800, or even 1600, there are times when there just isn't enough light. If it's a choice between not taking the picture due to not enough light, and using a flash, I'll use a flash. So I got this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/273134-REG/Metz_MZ_54433S_mecablitz_44_MZ_2_Auto.html

It looks pretty big, but really isn't too bad on the ZI. And with the new Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries, the recycle time on this thing is incredible! I also got the sync cord so I can hold the flash off camera if I wanted. I haven't had it long so not terribly experienced with it to give a very skilled review, but so far I'm tickled with it. In auto mode it has so many aperatures you can select. Oh, and the LCD display on the back is very easy to read/use in very dark conditions.

 

[bobby_novatron]

You can use many auto/manual flashes with a rangefinder like the ZI ... FWIW, I use a 1983 Nikon speedlight from an old Nikon SLR I have. It works fine.

Older analog flash units commonly have a "chart" on the body to show the combo of ISO & F-stop to determine the range of the flash power for any given situation.

Just sayin', you don't necessarily have to buy a brand-new flash.

BTW, to use bounce-flash with a non-tilt head flash you can purchase a coiled flash remote cord, so you can aim it from the side, or wherever you want. The product is like this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/300477-REG/Nikon_4765.html

(This is a Nikon product but the one I bought is generic and can be used with any modern analog flash)

 

[Bruin]

Get a Sunpak 383 Super if you need the PC sync, or if you're only using it on the hotshoe a Sunpak 433 Auto will do (I use a Nikon-specific one and the trigger voltage is fine). They're cheap, can tilt AND swivel, use AA batteries, and are plenty strong.

 

[mfogiel]

For studio work, get a couple of pocket wizards and one of these cheap studio flashes. For outdoors, any flash with ae capability will do, I use an old Nikon SB26.

 

[Paul Luscher]

I've used a Sunpak 383 on mine, with good results.