Fill flash for Mamiya 6

[luigipasto]

Hi,

I'm new to this but am looking forward to learning a lot. Any suggestions regarding a compact fill flash for a Mamiya 6? I've considered some "compact" Metz units but these turn out to be huge. All I need is a small unit with 2-3 auto aperture modes. I find that I'm using fill flash very often now, and my Nikon SB20 is a pain to carry around attached to the camera. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Louie

[john_s]

The Nikon SB-30 is quite small. You can get a manual from some Nikon web sites. You need to check that in Auto mode (which you'll probably find most convenient) you can get the aperture/film speed combinations that you need.

[nksyoon]

Here's information on the SB-30:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/NikonF5/Flash/SB30/index.htm

If you scroll to the bottom of the page, there are links for other Nikon flashes as well.

This is an alternative:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf4/flash/SB23/index.htm

[TJV]

I use a Leica SF-20 flash which has many several auto settings, manual and TTL if you decide to "upgrade" (?) to a leica kit.

[luigipasto]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. There are certainly many possibilities....

Louie

[charjohncarter]

I have three flash units and another coming. I have read that if you are using it as a fill flash just set your camera for the ambient light and use the flash on the auto setting (don't worry about the auto f stop) off camera. I have also read that: if you are using fill flash, set the camera to ambient light and use your flash at auto off camera, BUT either set the ISO (if it is connected to your flash) up one or two f stops (e.i. ISO number), OR figure the manual GN number setting and then set the flash at 1/2 or 1/4 power. I wish someone who knows this stuff would jump in here.

Here is one of the sites that I received this junk (after the BUT)(it is called 'synchro-sun' on this site):

http://www.dofmaster.com/courses/basic/photographycourse-143.html

[JeffGreene]

I use either a Leica SF24 or a Vivitar 283 with my Mamiya 6. If you use one of the old Vivitars just make sure you use it with a Wein Safesync to protect your camera's electronics.

[charjohncarter]

Excellent point Jeff, I did not know there was such a thing. Even though my flashes are low voltage output, I still will not use them on my digitals. This should solve it.

[katgut@earthlink.net]

I recently tried--and returned--said Wein gizmo. The wiring is cheap, and the front panel was taped on. It quickly failed. A good idea, but too bad only one company is marketing it. And vastly overpriced.

[Jim Watts]

I don't think trigger voltage is too much of an issue for the Mamiya 6, unlike most digital cameras. I have a number of Vivitar 283's that I use with mine and I have measured the trigger voltage of some of mine at 250 volts + and have not had any problems. So I would suggest 250 volts is a safe limit.

There are some 283's and other flashes with trigger voltages as high as 600 volts, so it probably is advisable to measure any flash unit first or check on Botzilla: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

[Resoman]

I've had excellent results with the Sunpak 383, which has bounce and swivel capability. It might be bigger than you're looking for, though...

Gary,

East Snook, TX

[vincentbenoit]

I've found the Metz 20 C-2 to be a perfect match for the Mamiya 6. It's very compact and has an auto mode for f/5.6. The head does tilt vertically so you can use a piece of white card (held in place with a rubber band) as a diffusor.

Vincent