Re: [Leica] SF20 questions/ I need a logic check.

[Henry Ambrose <henryambrose@home.com>]

Roy Feldman wrote:

>I'm working on a project that requires a consistent look, I've decided to
>shoot with Provia 100f ( @80iso) and M's. I have found the SF 20 (TTL mode)
>with EV at -.7 is a real nice fill but on sunny days I'm at f16.5 and the
>flash only has a range of about 4 feet (@-7EV). If I add a 1 stop ND I would
>double that distance? Recommendation for ND manufacture that will FOR SURE
>allow the hoods to fit on the lenses (35/f2 asph,24/f28 new,21 new and 50f2
>new, 75 old. I once bought a B+W which would not allow the hood to fit  .

I'd go to a 2 stop ND to give more leeway. I have B+W and Heliopan, they 
work with my hoods on the 24, 35 and 50. The 24 requires a bit of 
wiggling to get the hood on but it does fit (with a B+W). Others have 
reported problems with this, I have not experienced them.
BUT
You're not going to increase your flash range. NDs will get you into sync 
speed at a larger aperture (as marked on the camera) but you're cutting 
the same amount of flash exposure as you are ambient, so no gain of 
range. I'd look at a more powerful flash that does TTL with your camera. 
Maybe one of the larger Metz units? One of the big handle units would 
give you fill capability at any aperture and pretty long distances and 
move the flash away from the lens. More powerful  flash AND NDs will get 
you going.

Have you shot any using your current set-up? I wonder if it would still 
give a nice touch of fill even if its not exactly -.7stops. May still 
look fine at 8 feet, just a bit less fill effect, which might be good.

Henry