M7 (Leica), which flash?

[RobertV]

I am looking for a flash for my M7. What will be a good solution keeping in mind the flash unit must be compact.

Best regards,

Robert

 

[budrichard]

Best compact solution is the SF24 from Leica. Just set on TTL and it obtains the ASA from the M7 and sets the correct shutter speed if the M7 is in AUTO. You can also see the flash ready light in the finder. It doesn't swivel and thier are no extras ala Metz units or the new SF58 but these are much larger units. I have an SF24 and Metz unit and use the SF24 for everything other than my 21mm ASPH because it won't cover 21mm. For that I need the Metz. I may purchase the SF58 in the future but for right now my current Metz unit does everything I require.-Dick

 

[keeds]

Er, best flash for an M... None ;-)

 

[RobertV]

I think you're right. I went for the SF24 flash ("made by Metz" for Leica) which is indeed the best compact solution. Foto Gregor had it in stock.
My widest lens is the S-W Heliar 4,5/15mm but here it is impossible to find any good solution for flash. Next is my Elmarit (IV) 2,8/28mm and this is covered by the SF24 with the WA option (till 24mm angle). The widest tele is my Summarit 2,5/75mm and this is covered by the tele option of the SF24 (till 85mm).
My flash photography with the M7 is limited so indeed the last remark is not so strange.

Thanks for your input.

Best regards,

Robert

 

[rpsawin]

How often are you going to use it and under what circumstances? You may not need the SF24 and might find the SF20 will work fine...lots of used copies available.

Best regards,

Bob

 

[budrichard]

I think you're right. I went for the SF24 flash ("made by Metz" for Leica) which is indeed the best compact solution. Foto Gregor had it in stock.
My widest lens is the S-W Heliar 4,5/15mm but here it is impossible to find any good solution for flash. Next is my Elmarit (IV) 2,8/28mm and this is covered by the SF24 with the WA option (till 24mm angle). The widest tele is my Summarit 2,5/75mm and this is covered by the tele option of the SF24 (till 85mm).
My flash photography with the M7 is limited so indeed the last remark is not so strange.

Thanks for your input.

Best regards,

Robert

You will find the the 'tele option' attachment is for 85mm lens and greater so use with the 75mm lens is not required and you may get light fall off if used with a 75mm lens.
For wider than 18mm (SF58) there is no present option that I know of. I use a Metz unit for my 21mm ASPH flash pictures, but since one needs the external viewfinder attached, TTL flash is not possible. But if in 35mm to 75mm which is what I mosltly use on my M's the SF24 in its normal configuration without any attachments works quite well.-Dick

 

[budrichard]

BTW the major difference between the SF20 and SF24 is that the SF 24 gives more aperture Options in AUTO mode which is not needed with an M7 and TTL Mode.-Dick

 

[RobertV]

Dick,

Thanks for your input.

Best regards,

Robert

(20g less in the back, 1 diffusor less )

 

[Chaplain Jeff]

Hello,

I second the Metz. You'll get even better light with a 54MZ, but you've stated you want compact. While the 54 on the M7 is still much more compact than an SLR, it's not your "most" compact option for RF.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

[RobertV]

OK, it's the SF 24.

After 3 months the same view from my hospital room. Made with an ash wood 8043 tripod from Berlebach with 551 head. M7 + Summicron 2,0/50mm. (Emergency generator building).
The second picture my hotel in Prague (Made this week). M7 + Elmarit 2.8/28mm with the new SF 24 flash in TTL-mode.
Same Fuji Pro 160C film.

 

[budrichard]

Nice job with the SF24. You encountered one of the hardest scenes to photograph without bounce flask, a tables set with a white table cloth!-Dick

 

[RobertV]

Indeed, a good check if the TTL-mode is working fine.

I am quit pleased with the compact flash unit SF24 and the M7 with Summicron 2,0/50mm, Summarit 2,5/75mm, Elmarit 2,8/28mm and the CV SWH 4,5/15mm.

Best regards,

Robert

 

[nicefor88]

SF 24 or SF 20, both with TTL mode. The M7 and M6 TTL cameras give outstanding results when equipped with these two compact flash units.
I use a SF 20 on a M6 TTL, especially when working with a backlight. It's not very powerful but, as I always say, when there's no light enough it's just better not to take the picture!