Re: [Leica] flash sf20

[John Coan <jcoan@alumni.duke.edu>]

Muhammad,

I did much the same thing.  I already had a 40mz3 flash that I use with my 
Contax medium format camera.  I ordered the SCA module for Leica TTL on an 
M6 (see footnote) but returned it.  I got an SF 20 to carry around in my 
small bag.  And I just found out from this list that my existing Nikon 
SC-17 off camera flash cord happens to work!  Joy joy!  I haven't been to 
the store to get a pair of CR123 batteries, but plan on doing so later 
today and give it a try out.  Of course, with the off camera cord you can 
compensate for the Leica flash's lack of a tilting flash head by pointing 
it at a ceiling.  I was wondering if it is powerful enough to use a Stoffen 
omni bounce bare bulb simulator?  Stoffen probably doesn't even make one to 
fit the flash head, but something along those lines could probably be 
rigged up.  Perhaps a simple card rubber banded to the flash head --- I'm 
thinking that I'd like just enough direct light for catch lights and a 
little shadow fill.

Footnote:  B&H shipped me the wrong SCA module.  For the M6 TTL you need a 
3501 M1, not a 351.


At 03:05 AM 06/18/2000 -0400, you wrote:
>Jim:
>
>I have been using the Leica SF20 Flash with my M6 TTL and 35 Summicron ASPH
>for the past couple of months, with slide and negative film, both indoors and
>outdoors, in TTL mode in a variety of situations with great results.  The TTL
>mode exposures have always been correct.  I was a little skeptical at first
>about the power of the flash, but as long as you use it within the
>recommended maximum distance, you will be happy with the photos.  I did buy a
>Metz 40MZ3 with the Leica module at first, but returned it immediately as it
>was larger than the M6 body and created an odd shaped combination!  There is
>a smaller and newer Metz flash on the market (referred to in your posting)
>that may be better for the M6, but you cannot fit a Leica SCA module to it (I
>think).  You may be better off with the Leica SF20 for personal use and for
>TTL flash.  For professional use in large rooms, I would recommend one of the
>more powerful Metz flashes.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Muhammad R.K. Chishty, Ph.D.
>Associate Professor of Finance
>Graham School of Management
>Saint Xavier University
>3700 West 103rd Street
>Chicago, IL 60655, USA
>
>
>Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2000 08:01:29 -0400
>From: "Jim Olson" <jim862@hotmail.com>
>Subject: [Leica] flash sf20
>Message-ID: <20000617115923.83485.qmail@hotmail.com>
>References:
>
>I have just purchased an m6 with a 35mm f2.0 lens and am interested in the
>leica flash.  I am interested in hearing how others like this flash. I
>noticed that Metz has a small flash they reccomend for the m camera system.
>Anyone have any experience with the metz flash?