Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/03/22

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: [Leica] On using flash with leica M
From: Chong Eric <ericssan@singapore.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001 04:27:46 -0500 (EST)

hi LUGgers...

I'm new to this list. I bought a used M6 classic from a friend of mine and
after a month, I swapped it for a mint M2 that has just been CLA by Leica
GmbH. Its rangefinder mechanism are recalibrated and shutter mechanism
replaced! Its old flash bulb and syn ports are replaced with new syn PC
posts! The vulcanite is replaced with M6's leather. The best part is that
the viewfinder is replaced with a new M4 type viewfinder with 35, 135, 50,
90 framelines. It is as new as a new M6, yet housed in a old  mint housing.
I call my M2 as M2-4-6 !!!

I've been quite preplexed by the different opinions voiced by many veterans
here. I do know that we should not use flash with our precious leica, but
there are unbearable situations where I need flash to freeze events indoors.

I'm therefore left with two options:

1. Buy a hammerhead style flash and a PC cord... but this is bulky and goes
against the style of leica M's unobstructiveness.

2. Get a short PC cord with a hotshoe & get a small flash (eg. Olympus OM
flash, Konica Hexar flash, Leica CF flash or Leica SF20 flash).

I've confirmed with Metz's agent that SF20 is made by Metz for Leica! I
expect the colour temperature of this flash tube to be the best and warmer
than the rest of the above mentioned small flash.. So I'm leaning towards
SF20. But I can't use its TTL mode and due to its size, weight and batteries
(been expensive and rarer) is making this whole flash choice a great
dilemma. All this does not justify me spending double the price of Leica CF
flash on SF20.

Any experienced LUGgers care to give me some tips on making my choice of
flash?

TIA
ericssan

from Sunny Singapore


______________________________________________
FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com
Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup