Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/03/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Harrison McClary wrote: > > The device is called the Varipower Vivitar VP-1. I've had one on my 283 > for 11 years and love it. It allows an almost continuous adjustment of > the flash output. > Harrison, do you meter the flash output when using a Vivitar 283 with VP-1 in manual mode? Or do you have (ugh!) guide numbers calculated for various outputs at a given distance? Having to meter and then adjust the output for a desired fill ratio would seem to take away some of the spontaneity of using a Leica. I know when using a Canon EOS with 540EZ flash I can just program in -1/3, -2/3 or whatever fill flash and be done with it. On the other hand, if the situation is static enough when using the Vivitar, you can do what I've also done and mount the flash on stand or clamp with radio receiver. Then you can position it accordingly where it will fit your lighting concept (bounced or otherwise), take your readings and with transmitter (very lightweight) on Leica you can preserve some of the spontaneity and flexibility we've come to know and love without on-camera flash or bothersome wires trailing about. And, presumably, you would only use enough fill-flash to enhance the available light qualities of the scene rather than dominate it. Carl S.