Hi, What type of batteries give shortest recycle time for 380EX used in E-TTL with ISO400 or even 800 negative films? The place will be relatively small chapel and a club with a low(8ft) ceiling. No, it's just a birthday party, not a wedding and I won't be a "pro", just candids...

Thanks to all.

-- Dariusz Szpunar (dszpunar@flash.net), August 11, 1999

Answers

Just like it says in the manual, NiCads give the shortest recycle time, but less total flashes than alkalines. Doesn't matter what film, what lens or where you are.

-- Bob Atkins (bobatkins@hotmail.com), August 12, 1999.

Dariusz,

Alkalines will require a good 9 seconds to recycle the 380. A quantum 1+ will pay for itself in a surprisingly short time with a 2-3 second recycle-especially events that give photo opportunities that change every second. Costs about $150 but will last you for years. Carol

-- carol l. marcely (cmphoto@mailcity.com), August 12, 1999.

OK, I used alkalines, Duracell Ultra, went through 15 rolls of film and the recycling time never exceeded 2 sec. Call me lucky...

just for a follow-up. Thanks for your advices anyway.

-- Dariusz Szpunar (dszpunar@flash.net), August 15, 1999.

Dariusz, you probably never had the flash fully discharge. If your film and lenses are fast enough and your subjects aren't too far away you will get great recycle times with just about any power source. Under adverse situations (especially cold), NiCads and external battery packs can be real life savers.

-- Geoffrey S. Kane (grendel@pgh.nauticom.net), August 20, 1999.

NiMH batteries are just about as fast as the NiCads and last about as long as the Alkalines. They work well in the 380EX too.

-- Jim Strutz (jimstrutz@juno.com), August 20, 1999.