Hexar AF: Which flash(es) can i use?

[Odot]

So the dirtcheap Hexar that i got came with no flash. The chanxces of getting a orignal flash alone are slim so i wonder, which other flashes can i use? What do you recommend? Thanks!

 

[AgX]

I think any non-dedicated autoexposure flash, with the camera in aperture-priority mode.

(Otherwise there could be problems due to that accessory contact.)

EDIT: It seems that this accessory contact is universal between brands in its use, but I am not sure it would function in all cases.
EDIT 2: The location of that pin varies between brands.

 

[macfred]

A few recommendations : https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/konica-hexar-af-flash-recommendation.322872/
I used a Nikon SB-24 (though it is kind of bulky on the Hexar AF) before I found the original HX-14.

 

[Lachlan Young]

Anything with a known manual guide number that won't damage the hotshoe/ top plate & doesn't have a high sync voltage. You can input a guide number manually - something fairly powerful used on 1/4-1/8 power will be pretty capable & a lot faster recycling than the hx-14.

 

[AgX]

Anything with a known manual guide number, and ...

I advised an autoexposure flash as it would work with an autofocus camera (within the AE-range and large enough subject), and as I assumed that people using an AF-camera would not like guessimating distances.

It could be though that the Hexar indicates the distance, its manual is not clear to me.

 

[Lachlan Young]

I advised an autoexposure flash as it would work with an autofocus camera (within the AE-range and large enough subject), and as I assumed that people using an AF-camera would not like guessimating distances.

It could be though that the Hexar indicates the distance, its manual is not clear to me.

The Hexar AF (not the Hexar RF) in 'P' mode uses a GN based system not unlike the GN-Nikkor of the 1960s - very simple, not fooled by subject reflectance & calculates fill flash all by itself. One of my all-time favourite cameras.

 

[AgX]

Interesting, I only know that from 70s scale-focusing cameras.

 

[Odot]

The Hexar AF (not the Hexar RF) in 'P' mode uses a GN based system not unlike the GN-Nikkor of the 1960s - very simple, not fooled by subject reflectance & calculates fill flash all by itself. One of my all-time favourite cameras.

I only unerstood half of what you said so let me be blunt: i am eyeing a Nikon SB 20 or 30 - is this compatible? . Thanks

 

[macfred]

... a Nikon SB 20 or 30 - is this compatible? . Thanks

Yes, they are.

 

[Lachlan Young]

I only unerstood half of what you said so let me be blunt: i am eyeing a Nikon SB 20 or 30 - is this compatible? . Thanks

As Macfred said, yes.

What you need to know is the guide number in metres, if it's different from 14, you set it by pressing 'select' when you turn on the camera and setting the guide number using the left and right selector buttons behind the aperture ring. The guide number system doesn't adjust the power of the flash, instead it adjusts aperture by distance from subject, then analyses if the flash is acting as the key or fill light & adjusts shutter speed accordingly.

 

[Chan Tran]

Something with 3 to 5 auto ranges. guide number 120 in feet for 35mm coverage.

 

[macfred]

A nice overview including most of The Lost Commands of Hexar https://www.johanniels.com/index.ph...7-konica-hexar-af-the-ultimate-compact-camera
As far as I know not every command is available with every Hexar model - Steven Gandy at cameraquest.com should know more details https://www.cameraquest.com/konhex.htm

 

[Odot]

Thanks for all the info. Just to clarify, the flash will be used to fill some light (direct and bounce) and kill a little grain so i wont need a super strong flash. Besides, i am also eyeing a F100 that i can use the flash (and my G lenses with). The only tricky part i see is getting the off brand flash to work with the Hexar. I never been big on flash so i have plenty to learn here..ahhh

 

[AgX]

As indicated above you can use best any cheap generic flash out of the rummage box in manual mode, and dial-in at your camera in that P-mode a guidenumber higher than the actual of that flash and thus make it into fill-in flash.