FW: [Leica] David Allen Harvey's flash, lens use, etc.

["Tim Atherton" <timphoto@nt.sympatico.ca>]

And yet another one from the archives...:

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Jim Laurel
> Sent: May 10, 1999 3:23 PM
> To: 'leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us'
> Subject: [Leica] M6 flash solution (long)
>
>
> I notice that flash solutions for the non-ttl M6 classics are
> popular topics
> here on the LUG.  Up until recently, I have used my M6s primarily as
> existing light cameras, turning to my EOS equipment when fill flash is
> needed.  I had dismissed using the M6s with flash for a variety of reasons
> including a distrust of non-ttl flash units, 1/50 synch, etc.
>
> However, I spent some time recently really trying to get a good, compact
> flash solution worked out.  In an interview with Bob Krist a
> couple of years
> ago, David Alan Harvey revealed that he uses a small flash, a Vivitar 2800
> for fill in low light.  He also talks about using a little
> warming gel on it
> which, I assume, is the one that ships with the flash.  I had
> tried it a few
> times and didn't like the excessively orange results.  If you look at
> Harvey's fill flash shots in Natl Geo, you'll see the same effect.
>
> The Vivitar 2800 is a compact auto thyristor flash with a bounce
> and swivel
> head, and two auto settings.  With ISO 100 film, these are f2.0 and f4.0.
> This little flash recycles quickly, has decent power, and is very
> lightweight, especially if you use lithium batteries.  And it's very
> inexpensive at around $29.95!
>
> Next, I picked up a Lumiquest "Pocket Bouncer" and a pack of
> reflectors and
> rigged the velcro up on the Vivitar.  Fits perfectly and costs around $17
> from Cameraworld.com.
>
> With the gold reflector on the Lumiquest, and the camera set up to expose
> for ambient light at an aperture 1 to 1.5 stops smaller than the
> (recommended) auto setting on the flash (i.e, set the flash for an f2.0
> exposure, then make sure your ambient exposure is 2.8 or 3.5), I have been
> getting beautiful, natural-looking results.
>
> The whole contraption looks a little odd on the M6 (unnaturally tall), but
> it is very light weight, and compact enough for the flash + Pocket Bouncer
> kit along with a little Bogen table top tripod to fit in just one of the
> front pouches in a Domke F-803 satchel.  It's not perfect, and
> your Canon or
> Nikon is going to be alot more flexible with thier higher synch speeds and
> multi-zone TTL capability, but it works perfectly with an M6 as a lighting
> supplement in existing light.  If your subject is at least a foot
> or so away
> from a wall, you will generally not see any shadows at all.  The gold
> reflector gives a nice warm look and even with E100VS, skin tones
> look good.
> All in all, I am very encouraged with the results.
>
> So, for less than $60, I have a flash solution for the M6 that produces
> beautiful results.  Try it, you'll like it!
>
> Other observations/thoughts on this setup:
>
> 1) The Lumiquest consumes around 30% of the flash's output, which makes it
> possible to work closer to your subject.  The scale on the
> Vivitar 2800 (set
> at the f4.0 setting for 100ISO) shows the minimum distance at 7ft.  I have
> tested this setup as close as 3.5 ft, with excellent results.  You could
> work in even closer by using the little 28mm diffuser that comes with the
> flash.  Of course, this power reduction also limits your max working
> distance.  But with the M6, I am generally working close in anyway.
>
> 2) I assume the flash's auto thyristor sensor measures a fairly
> broad angle
> of view.  Could this be an advantage when working with wide angle lenses,
> where the subject is off center?  I understand the M6ttl measures flash
> center weighted, so if you're shooting with a 28, and your
> subject is off to
> the side, is it possible that the non-ttl flash will give a more accurate
> exposure?
>
> 3) Compared to modern electronic cameras, the effective range of uses for
> this setup is clearly more limited.  For example, as fill flash in broad
> daylight, it is virtually useless.  This is for fill flash in low
> light.  In
> terms of ambient lighting, you can use this rig whenever a good ambient
> exposure can be made at 1/50th of a second or slower, and f5.6 and wider
> apertures.
>
> Hope this helps some of you and...good shooting!
>
> --Jim Laurel
>