Hi,

I'm looking for a recommendation for a small, bounce flash for use with my M-6 (non-TTL version).

Jim

-- J.L.Kuhn (james.kuhn-1@kmail.ksc.nasa.gov), September 08, 2000

Answers

Jim, I hate direct flash, (and to a lesser degree, any flash), and wouldn't buy the new Leica flash introduced for the TTL M6 because it lacks the ability to bounce. I have tried the Vivitar 283 on my M6... the flash is my standard on my Nikons... but quickly gave up due to the fact that the combo is way too top heavy when using the 35 and 50mm summicrons. Verticals are the worst... you can almost support the camera by holding the flash.

Additionally, and the biggest reason, IMHO, to forgo flash with the M series Leica is the 1/50th of a second flash sync. Except for near total darkness, or exteme closing down of the aperture, It is very hard to avoid "ghosting" due to ambient light building up.

I and many others have arrived to the conclusion that wide apertures, fast film, and great ease of handling of the "M" makes the use of flash better left to SLR's.

Others may have a different opinion... and I'm sure they will offer them up. Good luck.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), September 08, 2000.

I think Al is right on the money here. The M6 is just not a very good camera to use with flash. Its use as an existing light, wide aperture, fast film, *DISCREET* camera is its 100% virtue.

The M6 is more specialized than most people think or believe. Too many people are trying to use it as a "general" camera, complete with filters, flash, and tripods. Sure you can use these things, but the camera won't shine for you like it could. Use a modern SLR instead.

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@mail.com), September 08, 2000.

I do not know if this is appropriate to the discussion, but, normally when I cover an event I use Nikon's with a flash. At this event a few months ago, http://www.icommag.com/august-2000-page-24.html I had my Leica M's with me so I said to myself "what-the-heck" and shot the event in color, Nikon with flash, and Leica in B&W. Both color and B&W were published and you may find it an interesting contrast between the two formats. I used ISO 400 for both, with the Nikon F3 I used a 24- 50mm and a Metz flash, the aperture was set at f8. With the Leica I used a 60th/sec and f2 or f2.8. You can see a couple pictures where the same people were in B&W and color. One color picture is cut off at the bottom and that is because I had the 24mm setting on the lens (I had to use that picture because my girl freind is in it). Anyway I hate using a flash but sometimes I have to, but in the future I may just put some fast color film in the Leica and see what happens.

-- Steve LeHuray (icommag@toad.net), September 09, 2000.

Some of the smaller Sunpak flashes work pretty good, but I will join with the other posters in saying I hate using flash with my Leica M3. I do my fancy flash stuff with my Nikon SLR and stick to existing light with the Leica as well. I can not believe the quality of some of the new 400 and 800 speed print films. If I can see it, I can take a decent shot of it at 1/30 f2.0.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), September 09, 2000.

Thanks to all for your thoughts and ideas. Yes, I agree, flash photography is not the Leica M's forte'. I specifically agree with the idea Leica is a lot more specialized than most would think. Over the weekend I picked up an old beat-up Vivitar 2500 ($15)in working order. It is the perfect size and it bounces also my Sto-Fen difuser fits. I don't know how long it will last but for now it's good and the price was right.

Thanks,

Jim

-- J.L.Kuhn (james.kuhn-1@kmail.ksc.nasa.gov), September 11, 2000.