Flash + Rangefinder?

[phisto]

I know i might be getting flamed for this.... does anyone here uses a flash with a rangefinder?

The question just popped into my mind because there are times that you would probably need to shoot run-of-the-mill birthday parties photos with your rangefinders. These are times that a flash is needed.

Since i am using a vintage Yashica Electro GX; does that mean i need to get an vintage flash as well? Or just any modern flash will do? I am just thinking about low-powered flash.. nothing like the mega-sized flashes...

 

[ed9119]

yes we do

Usually a small auto flash with built in thrysitor is fine....flash exposures are automated

There is really no need to get a flash unit as old as the camera

Look around for Sunpak, Vivitar, Nissin etc ....2nd hand prices r very affordable

 

[bene123]

Actually Rangefinder and flash is a good combination. I got flamed about this before but flash + dragging the shutter should have powerfull pics! But discreet is difficult to achieve...

 

[Hacker]

Why did you get flamed? Just another tool....

 

[phisto]

I thought i might get flamed because i heard some purist might shun flashlights instead of natural light.

Anyway good to know can use cheap flashes. Any specific models to recommend or any specs that i should look out for. I am not that famillar with external flashlights...

 

[Hacker]

Most Nikons and those with auto exposure, but I personally use the SF58 and the SF24.

I thought i might get flamed because i heard some purist might shun flashlights instead of natural light.

Anyway good to know can use cheap flashes. Any specific models to recommend or any specs that i should look out for. I am not that famillar with external flashlights...

 

[Yoricko]

Actually, I'm looking for a small flash to go with my M8, but not sure which ...

Blasphemy, but whatever.

 

[Hacker]

Metz has some small flashes.

 

[glchua]

Since I bought a Metz 20C-2, it is always in my camera bag:
Metz 20 C-2
Tiny, cheap, and can tilt for bounce!

 

[Yoricko]

Is it like, automatic or do I have to manually adjust the settings on camera as indicated on the flash?

 

[bene123]

Since I bought a Metz 20C-2, it is always in my camera bag:
Metz 20 C-2
Tiny, cheap, and can tilt for bounce!

Saw one at ruby. he reccommend using lens paper/ tracing paper as dissfuser.

 

[enivre]

I thought i might get flamed because i heard some purist might shun flashlights instead of natural light.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with using flash with a rangefinder. If it helps you get the photograph you want, you can use studio strobes even. Don't sweat it.

 

[glchua]

Is it like, automatic or do I have to manually adjust the settings on camera as indicated on the flash?

You can use it only in manual and auto mode.

Manual mode I guess you know what is it about.

Auto mode is a bit restrictive. It has a setting of f2.8 and f5.6 only for auto mode at ISO 100.

That means that if you are using ISO 100 film, then the aperture setting on the lens should be either f2.8 or f5.6, corresponding to the flash.

If you are using ISO 400 film, then you need to set the flash at f2.8 and set your lens to f5.6. That is the only setting!

It is quite restrictive in this way but most of the time that I need to use it, I don't have any wants for anything more.

By the way, I use mainly ISO400 film and only use it as a bounce flash for indoor shots. If you are using it for fill flash outdoors, portrait shots etc, then it may not suit your needs.

I also use it on my Panasonic LX3 as it is very small and balances well on this camera too.

I have an SB28 (from my long time affair with the Nikon system) that have many settings for aperture and ISO, but such flashes are normally too big for RFs, and I hardly use it much.

 

[glchua]

Saw one at ruby. he reccommend using lens paper/ tracing paper as dissfuser.

In fact, I got mine from Ruby!

Almost all flashes need some diffusing if used as direct flash. For bounced flash, may not be required.

 

[Yoricko]

You can use it only in manual and auto mode.

Manual mode I guess you know what is it about.

Auto mode is a bit restrictive. It has a setting of f2.8 and f5.6 only for auto mode at ISO 100.

That means that if you are using ISO 100 film, then the aperture setting on the lens should be either f2.8 or f5.6, corresponding to the flash.

If you are using ISO 400 film, then you need to set the flash at f2.8 and set your lens to f5.6. That is the only setting!

It is quite restrictive in this way but most of the time that I need to use it, I don't have any wants for anything more.

By the way, I use mainly ISO400 film and only use it as a bounce flash for indoor shots. If you are using it for fill flash outdoors, portrait shots etc, then it may not suit your needs.

I also use it on my Panasonic LX3 as it is very small and balances well on this camera too.

I have an SB28 (from my long time affair with the Nikon system) that have many settings for aperture and ISO, but such flashes are normally too big for RFs, and I hardly use it much.

Actually, it sounds exactly like what I need. Cheers,

Btw, how much is the Metz 20 C-2?

 

[glchua]

If I don't remember wrongly, it should be $50 plus only. Call Ruby and ask.