F5 and flashes

Chan Tran · Nov 12, 2015

MartinCrabtree said:
Have to agree with that. Don't use flash with film often. However with digital (yep I said it) my experience is TTL isn't what the advertising leads you to think it is. That's why I picked up a flash meter.

When I first bought the F5 in 2002 I fought with TTL flashes for about 3 years before I gave it up. It does the fill flash very well but when the flash is the main light source it keeps underexpose my film. It's so bad that the amount of underexposure varied so I can't simply dial in compensation to correct for it.

bo eder · Nov 12, 2015

Chan Tran said:
When I first bought the F5 in 2002 I fought with TTL flashes for about 3 years before I gave it up. It does the fill flash very well but when the flash is the main light source it keeps underexpose my film. It's so bad that the amount of underexposure varied so I can't simply dial in compensation to correct for it.

Again, I reiterate: TTL is for the birds

When I took a class in studio lighting and bought my first meter, the amount of control you get is astonishing, and I discovered there would be no way I could get it lit the way I want by using TTL on or off camera. When I studied stuff on the Strobist blog, it was even more practical, and with a DSLR, I didn't have to meter that much because I could chimp and know I got it. But I always have my meter with me anyway. I so recommend forgetting the TTL stuff and just going manual with your strobes or even moonlights. It's so easy!

MattKing · Nov 13, 2015

TTL flash is wonderful for things like close focus flash work. But for multiple light source setups - not so much.

filmamigo · Nov 13, 2015

bo eder said:
For years, I've been using whatever manual flashes I could get and triggering with a few pocket wizards. I even have the PocketWizard module in my Sekonic L-358 meter and use that to trigger the lighting to get readings. Works like a charm for film or digital. In your situation I would do that, then you could get cheap flashes, like those YongNuo flashes ($70 each on Amazon), and pick up however many PocketWizards you need (I have four) and the Sekonic with that module. I just think having that kind of control is more fun than letting the TTL stuff do its thing. Then you can modify however you want and it all fits in a small bag.

Have you ever visited the Strobist blog? Go there and check it out. TTL is for the birds

I agree with this 100%. I do much the same, but with cheap (Cactus) triggers. If I was shooting on someone else's dime, I would invest in the PocketWizards.

The thing about this approach is that it's completely predictable and consistent. So while it seems like a slow way to work at first, the consistency allows you to learn. The consistency rewards your practising. You can practise with digital, or with Polaroids, or with film on off days. Having a flash meter with wireless trigger gives you complete confidence in the actual light levels and contrast, both while practising, and in uncertain conditions while shooting.

F5 and flashes

Chan Tran

bo eder

MattKing

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filmamigo

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