Re: [Leica] SF20 report

["Steve LeHuray" <icommag@toad.net>]

Erwin,
I am curious about the re-cycle time between shots with the SF20. I do alot
of flash shooting with my Nikon F3HP with motor drive and Metz. I often have
to fire 6 to 10 shots in a row. And my battery life for that kind of
shooting is usually no more than 3 rolls of film.
Steve
Annapolis

- ----------
>From: Erwin Puts <imxputs@knoware.nl>
>Subject: [Leica] SF20 report
>Date: Thu, Nov 18, 1999, 5:00 PM
>

>The SF20 is a compact and quite useful flash for the Mx and the TTL 
>versions. While flash photography with the Leica M series seems 
>counterintuitive, there are occasions when it is useful: strong 
>backlight, really dark situations or you are just lazy and do not 
>want to bother about exposure.
>So a simple report is required. I tested the SF20 with TTL and 
>non-TTL M versions.
>Non-TTL test: 3 apertures: 2.8 and 5.6 and 11. On the test equipment 
>the flash output at
>1 meter distance 1/3 stop underexposed
>2 meter distance OK, but the f/11 was far off (beyond the GN of 20!)
>4 meter distance is was OK till f/4. That is 5.6 was beyond the GN 
>reach. The SF20 is very sensitive to this: just beyond maximum range 
>the output drops dramatically.
>
>The TTL version gave at 1 and 2 meter distance results 1/3 to 1/2 
>stop underexposure. The f/2 position however gave a 2/3 stop 
>overexposure.
>The 4 meter position worked till f/4.
>
>The adjustment in ±1/3 stops is not  so sensitive. The 2/3 stop 
>adjustment had some effect, but not according to the settings: real 
>output changed by less than 1/2 stop.
>
>Generally the SF20 performs well in the midrange positions. At the 
>extremes caution is required. The ± 1/2 stop difference is no problem 
>for colorneg and even B&W. For slides the SF20 needs to be checked by 
>making a series of test pictures. Do remember that the sensor of the 
>flash also takes the reflected light. So shooting in a white walled 
>room will be different from shooting in a dark street. That is 
>something you need to check for yourself.
>
>Amazing is the battery power. I used the SF20 for four months 
>(non-continuous)  but shot per session between 50 and 100 pictures. 
>By now I have shot more than 300 pictures, but there is still the 
>original set of batteries in the SF20.
>
>Verdict: the redoubtable Metz 60 is still the best and powerful of 
>all portable flashguns. This SF20 is a pocketable and handy 
>additional light source for occasional photography. Its output is 
>predictable and once tested in typical situations can be used with 
>confidence.
>Erwin
>