Flash recommendations?

Caithlin · Nov 9, 2024

Flash recommendations?

- Canon A1

- Olympus OM1

- Olympus trip 35

- Canon Canonet QL17 GIII

Manual mode
Used
Budget doesn’t matter
Size: small/not to big, that it fits on the hotshoe

I did a little research and came up with this

Canon A1: 199a
Canon Ql17GIII: Canolite D, 199a or Vivitar 285
Olympus OM1: Olympus quick auto 310, PS200, Vivitar 285 or T20/T32
Olympus trip 35: Pen Flash CL(hard to find, normal version a lot but with CL not), Olympus PS200 or T20/32

Chan Tran · Nov 9, 2024

For Canon A1 the best is the Canon 199A.
For the OM1 and the Trip 35 something with non TTL Auto would be good like a Vivitar 283.
For the Canonet QL 17 the same flash above can be used but it has the GN mode which you can use with a manual only flash.

ic-racer · Nov 9, 2024

Assuming you want a new auto flash, there are not many options. I could not find any with a brief internet search. There are many manual units available new.

Used, non-ttl auto flashes have been around since the early 1970s, are easy to obtain, but you may have to buy two or three to get a good working unit.

I have a small collection of Rollei E36RE with only two that work.

Chan Tran · Nov 9, 2024

ic-racer said:
Assuming you want a new auto flash, there are not many options. I could not find any with a brief internet search. There are many manual units available new.

Used, non-ttl auto flashes have been around since the early 1970s, are easy to obtain, but you may have to buy two or three to get a good working unit.

I have a small collection of Rollei E36RE with only two that work.

Actually I have a good collection of old non TTL auto flashes and all of them work except one but this one although does have non TTL auto flash it is a TTL unit and isn't all that old. I bought it in 2002 new. I found them last a very long time just make sure nothing is broken like broken foot, battery holder etc...

Sirius Glass · Nov 9, 2024

I look for features such as bounce flash, synchronizing with focal length, TTL auto flashes, and flash diffusers.

wiltw · Nov 9, 2024

Unfortunately, it seems that the current budget-priced flash units lack a photosensor Auto mode, for simplified use with non-TTL cameras like the Olympus OM-1. Sad, not 'progress'.

While no longer offering new flash units, the German company Metz is widely respected among pro users for its Auto mode flash automation. Metz flashes that are SCA-compatible support manual, Auto, and TTL flash modes, and with the use of the appropriate SCA module, the same flash can be used with many different brands of cameras and flash modes. Look for a used Metz, and for new stock or used SCA flash modules.

I used the same Metz flash units (Metz 45CT) with my Olympus OM-4 and with my Bronica ETRSi in TTL mode and with my om-1 in Auto mode.
I also can use the same Metz flash unit (Metz 54MZ) with my Canon dSLR in digital TTL mode, and in Auto mode with any camera.

The Metz 45 does everything in Sirius Glass' list except for automatically setting itself for FL (it does not have a zoom head).
The Metz 54 does everything in Sirius Glass list when used with my Canon dSLR.

In fact, I have an extra Metz 54MZ with Canon SCA module available if you have interest. Fully functioning, I power it up twice a year to keep itsts power capacitor formed. (I replaced it with a Metz 58MZ). Send PM to discuss.

xkaes · Nov 9, 2024

You don't say what you want in a flash -- small size? lots of power? auto-exposure? new or used? price? interchangeability? Without some details you'll get a plate of spaghetti of what everyone ELSE likes or uses.

Chan Tran · Nov 9, 2024

Sirius Glass said:
I look for features such as bounce flash, synchronizing with focal length, TTL auto flashes, and flash diffusers.

The Olympus OM-1, Olympus Trip 35 and Canonet QL17 all don't have any dedication function so there is no TTL or auto zoom to focal length.
The Canon flashes like the 199A will automatically set the shutter speed and aperture to match what set on the flash. Still exposure is done with on flash sensor no TTL. The same Canon 199A flash can be used on the other 3 cameras just fine.

Chan Tran · Nov 9, 2024

wiltw said:
Unfortunately, it seems that the current budget-priced flash units lack a photosensor Auto mode, for simplified use with non-TTL cameras like the Olympus OM-1. Sad, not 'progress'.

In fact, I have an extra Metz 54MZ with Canon SCA module available if you have interest. Fully functioning, I power it up twice a year to keep itsts power capacitor formed. (I replaced it with a Metz 58MZ). Send PM to discuss.

While the OP has a Canon A1 it's not compatible to the newer Canon SCA module which is for the Canon EOS series.

wiltw · Nov 9, 2024

Chan Tran said:
While the OP has a Canon A1 it's not compatible to the newer Canon SCA module which is for the Canon EOS series.

I consulted Metz documentation and the Canon A1 is spported by the SCA-310, the SCA-311, but the SCA-312 is for the EOS 620/650. The entire EOS line is supported by the SCA-3102.

blee1996 · Nov 10, 2024

LightPix Labs FlashQ Q20II seems to be recommended for simple auto-sensor modern flash that is compatible with all film cameras. I do not own one, but have seen lots of positive reviews about it.

Caithlin · Nov 10, 2024

Chan Tran said:
The Olympus OM-1, Olympus Trip 35 and Canonet QL17 all don't have any dedication function so there is no TTL or auto zoom to focal length.
The Canon flashes like the 199A will automatically set the shutter speed and aperture to match what set on the flash. Still exposure is done with on flash sensor no TTL. The same Canon 199A flash can be used on the other 3 cameras just fine.

Is there a lot of difference between the vivitar 285 and the 199a both of them can be used on all cameras.

I wanted to buy the pen flash voor the olympus, but is there a difference between the pen flash and the pen flash cl(cl is hard to find)

(I updated the post with more information)

Chan Tran · Nov 10, 2024

Caithlin said:
Is there a lot of difference between the vivitar 285 and the 199a both of them can be used on all cameras.

I wanted to buy the pen flash voor the olympus, but is there a difference between the pen flash and the pen flash cl(cl is hard to find)

(I updated the post with more information)

The Vivitar 285 and Canon 199A have the same power. The 285 has 4 choices of aperture for auto flash and the 199a only 3 choices. The 285 has a zoom head the 199a came with a wide angle adapter but it's often missing on used ones. The 285 also has variable power on manual while the 199A only has full power on manual.
The 199A would automatically set the shutter speed to 1/60 and the aperture on the camera to match what you choose on the flash with the Canon A1
Both the Olympus Pen Flash and Pen Flash CL use AG1 bulb. I don't think that is what you want to use. The difference between them is that the CL has hot foot and the other you have to connect to the camera via PC connector. CL stands for cordless (that is you attach the flash to the hot shoe without using a cord.

Caithlin · Nov 10, 2024

Chan Tran said:
The Vivitar 285 and Canon 199A have the same power. The 285 has 4 choices of aperture for auto flash and the 199a only 3 choices. The 285 has a zoom head the 199a came with a wide angle adapter but it's often missing on used ones. The 285 also has variable power on manual while the 199A only has full power on manual.
The 199A would automatically set the shutter speed to 1/60 and the aperture on the camera to match what you choose on the flash with the Canon A1

Then i will go for the 285 i guess

Chan Tran · Nov 10, 2024

Caithlin said:
Then i will go for the 285 i guess

Get the 285HV. It's has low voltage sync (although the HV stands for High Voltage to indicate that it can be power with a high voltage power pack but it has low sync voltage which is safe for modern camera if you want to use it on a new camera) and Vivitar made the 285 into the 21st century so perhaps you can find a unit that is not too old.

Caithlin · Nov 10, 2024

Chan Tran said:
Get the 285HV. It's has low voltage sync (although the HV stands for High Voltage to indicate that it can be power with a high voltage power pack but it has low sync voltage which is safe for modern camera if you want to use it on a new camera) and Vivitar made the 285 into the 21st century so perhaps you can find a unit that is not too old.

Can it be used on all cameras?

Do you know if there is a lot difference between the olympus pen cl and the normal olympus pen

Chan Tran · Nov 10, 2024

Caithlin said:
Can it be used on all cameras?

Do you know if there is a lot difference between the olympus pen cl and the normal olympus pen

you can use the 285HV on all cameras (provided your OM-1 has the hot shoe installed).
If you meant the Olympus Pen Flash and Pen Flash CL? They are bulb flashes that use disposable AG1 bulbs. You can't hardly get bulb any more and would be very expensive to use as you use a bulb for every shot. It was even expensive back in the days when they still made them and the price was low. The CL has hot foot the goes on the hot shoe of the camera. The other you have to connect via PC port.

Caithlin · Nov 10, 2024

Chan Tran said:
you can use the 285HV on all cameras (provided your OM-1 has the hot shoe installed).
If you meant the Olympus Pen Flash and Pen Flash CL? They are bulb flashes that use disposable AG1 bulbs. You can't hardly get bulb any more and would be very expensive to use as you use a bulb for every shot. It was even expensive back in the days when they still made them and the price was low. The CL has hot foot the goes on the hot shoe of the camera. The other you have to connect via PC port.

Oke thanks for helping!

ic-racer · Nov 10, 2024

Interms of my personal experience I have multiples of each of these which I use in AUTO mode non-TTL with just about any film camera with flash contacts.

Nikon SB-28
Metz 54MZ
Rollei E36RE

The Metz 54MZ is a 'high end' late model unit and the can be expensive.
The SB-28 has almost as many features as the Metz and is easier to find.
The Rollei E36RE is a much older 'potato masher' unit that is probably only of value if one has the mechanical adapters to hold the flash to SL66, TLR Handgrip, SL3003, etc.

The SB-28 and Metz 54MZ are nice if you also DO HAVE TTL cameras as they work in both TTL and Non-TTL auto modes.

xkaes · Nov 10, 2024

blee1996 said:
LightPix Labs FlashQ Q20II seems to be recommended for simple auto-sensor modern flash that is compatible with all film cameras. I do not own one, but have seen lots of positive reviews about it.

View attachment 383072

$85 for a weak, manual exposure only, two AA battery flash? I can buy a dozen 283s for that price. It's always nice to wake up to a joke -- even a bad one.

Chan Tran · Nov 10, 2024

ic-racer said:
Interms of my personal experience I have multiples of each of these which I use in AUTO mode non-TTL with just about any film camera with flash contacts.

Nikon SB-28
Metz 54MZ
Rollei E36RE

The Metz 54MZ is a 'high end' late model unit and the can be expensive.
The SB-28 has almost as many features ad the Metz and is easier to find.
The Rollei E36RE is a much older 'potato masher' unit that is probably only of value if one has the mechanical adapters to hold the flash to SL66, TLR Handgrip, SL3003, etc.

Although the OP has no Nikon I do feel the old Nikon top of the line flash like the SB-28 is a good choice. They are as powerful as a shoe mount flash can be. Very compact for the power. Has a very good range of aperture choices. Has zoom head and also tilt and swivel. And they are cheap now

Chan Tran · Nov 10, 2024

xkaes said:
$85 for a weak, manual exposure only, two AA battery flash? I can buy a dozen 283s for that price. It's always nice to wake up to a joke -- even a bad one.

yeah good luck to use that thing with a film camera. The power is so weak you can only shoot direct flash at f/5.6 at 10ft distance ISO100. Forget about bounce. They are for those who shoot digital at ISO 3200 and use a flash.

ic-racer · Nov 10, 2024

Nikon SB-28: The Last Great Film Camera Flash?

I happened across the Nikon SB-28 about ten years ago when I started shooting Nikon. This was after 3 decades of only using Rolleiflex cameras. I'm still very impressed with the SB-28, that I just bought a second one. I found that not only is the SB-28 awesome with my autofocus late model...

www.photrio.com

blee1996 · Nov 10, 2024

Chan Tran said:
yeah good luck to use that thing with a film camera. The power is so weak you can only shoot direct flash at f/5.6 at 10ft distance ISO100. Forget about bounce. They are for those who shoot digital at ISO 3200 and use a flash.

I'm not promoting that small flash, but they do have their use cases. For example, I need a small and lightweight flash to mount on my rangefinder and compact cameras. A Vivitar 285/283 will be unbalanced in that configuration.

I tried several small flashes from the 60-70's, but often the electronics (esp the capacitors) are not working that well anymore. They often have a quite long cycle time.

In addition, the new flash has wireless flash trigger built-in so you can do off-camera strobist type of flash photography.

So again, it all depends on OP's use case and style of photography.

xkaes · Nov 10, 2024

blee1996 said:
I'm not promoting that small flash, but they do have their use cases. For example, I need a small and lightweight flash to mount on my rangefinder and compact cameras. A Vivitar 285/283 will be unbalanced in that configuration.

The 283/285 (and similar) flashes are large -- but powerful. That's why I asked if the OP wants ONE flash to use on ALL four cameras -- and how much power! While a 283 is big for a Trip 35, there are a ton of great small flashes with 283-type features that are much smaller and lighter (only 2 AA batteries) that have auto and manual modes and cost less than $10 used. The SUNPAK Auto 101 comes to mind as does the Minolta Auto 118X. The SUNPAK Auto 121 S is incredibly small.

Here are just Minolta's flashes:

http://www.subclub.org/minman/flashes.htm

Flash recommendations?

Attachments

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency