simple, compact ,+ powerful metz or other flash for konica hexar rf?

[peter16]

Looking for suggestions of something reasonably compact (ideally 2 double AAs instead of 4 or some sort of rechargeable battery pack). I currently have the matching Konica HX-18w, but dislike how slow it is to recharge between flashes and how weak it is - was shooting with a friend yesterday at dusk and his built in on-camera flash on the D810 was way more powerful.
My konica doesn't have TTL so does that mean that any of the Metz flashes listed on B&H site would work? I do like the simplicity of the controls on my HX-18w Dead Link Removed
ie Auto 1, Auto 2 and Full. I also have a vivitar thyristor 285 but it's bigger/heavier than my camera. Are there any options for a 'bare bulb' style that is more compact? Would those smaller Metz ones where the whole contraption tilts 45 degrees still allow for same ease of use as my current Konica? I want to be able to manually adjust the power of the flash...

 

[John Koehrer]

Looking at the link suggests that the 285 is doing the same thing with it's four ranges, just a matter of
the Konica probably picking up the film speed from the camera and gives two range choices. The 285 you set the asa
and you select the aperture or distance.
If Metz makes a small flash with two auto ranges and is powerful enough for you anything from Metz should be OK
problem being comparing the GN of the Metz to the built in unit on your friends camera.

 

[peter16]

Thanks John, I can't really tell if any of the smaller metz flashes on the B&H site have two auto ranges.
Why is it a problem to compare the guide number of the Metz to the built in unit on my friend's camera?
are you suggesting that I would need to step up to a unit that takes 4 AAs to gain more light that would compare better?

 

[Patrick Robert James]

The best flash I have used on my Hexar RF is a Metz BC series. Can't remember the model number, but it takes three AAs. The only problem with it is I think it doesn't have a thyristor so it dumps every time. I could be wrong on that. I have another Metz that is larger, 32 CT 7. It is still fairly compact, but it is a bit unwieldy on the Hexar. Not as big as the 285 though.

Another option is one of those pancake flat flashes. I have one from Sunpak (auto 322) and I know Nikon made them as well. They aren't too big, but they are big enough.

Hope that helps you....

 

[peter16]

Thanks Patrick – will look into those...

 

[AgX]

Looking for suggestions of something reasonably compact (ideally 2 double AAs instead of 4 or some sort of rechargeable battery pack).

All compact flashes I know in the region of GNm 40 use 4 AA cells. There is a very old Metz flash that uses smaller soldered-in NiCads.

 

[John Koehrer]

A guide

Thanks John, I can't really tell if any of the smaller metz flashes on the B&H site have two auto ranges.
Why is it a problem to compare the guide number of the Metz to the built in unit on my friend's camera?

A GN is simple. For a given film speed. In Manual mode. Set the calculator dial to 100(used as a standard, it will change with different ISO's)
Look at 10 feet on the dial, take that value and multiply X ten. That's your GN with that flash and film.

If 100 film shows f5.6 at ten feet indicated on the distance scale, The GN is 56.

You may be able to compare the output of the two flash units with a flash meter set up ten feet away
but a GN is based on manual operation. In Auto the camera cuts of the flash when it thinks it's
had enough light to make a correct exposure, just like the 285 in Auto mode.
but I have no idea how to compare them without the figures.

 

[MattKing]

Be careful to be consistent - if you work in feet, use the feet based guide number, whereas if you work in meters, use the meter based guide number.
Some trivia: the Metz 45 and 60 series flashes generally offer, respectively, a metric guide number of 45 for the 45 series and 60 for the 60 series.

 

[AgX]

A GN is simple. For a given film speed. In Manual mode. Set the calculator dial to 100(used as a standard, it will change with different ISO's)
Look at 10 feet on the dial, take that value and multiply X ten. That's your GN with that flash and film.
If 100 film shows f5.6 at ten feet indicated on the distance scale, The GN is 56.

Not quite that simple:
-) there are two guide numbers, the metrical and the imperial
-) old european flashes had their guide number based on ASA 50 not on ASA 100
-) manufacturers of modern flashes base the guide number on the tele setting, whereas the classic setting was for a 35mm lens

Keep that in mind when reading flash descriptions.

 

[peter16]

Ah Okay. All good to know....Thanks Everyone. I looked up the guide number of the D810 on-camera and it says 39 ft but can see how it could be complicated to compare.

 

[craigclu]

I have Konica RF gear and the 18 flash is fine for fill work and generally cycles quickly for that duty. I've used mid-size rigs like the Metz 54's on a Strobframe for easier balance and handling. Keep in mind the orientation for RF duties as you need to hold and release the shutter with your right hand while focusing with the left. Trying to use my Metz 76 MZ-5 had me flattening my forehead when that detail dawned on me! I have a few of the Osram studio flashes accumulated that use 4 AA's and feature a unique head design that allows some bounce/wink uses.

Be wary of the second contact on your Hexar hot shoe as you could damage something if it contacts a flash with the wrong shoe attached. I just recalled.... I played with a remote cable for my Godox 860's (for my Fuji digital gear). With a single pin coiled cable, it functioned fine in auto mode. Your 285 may be about as compact as you'll find that still has some punch. I use a Mr Zhou case with the thumb bump and it really helps to stabilize the gripping of the Hexar. A surprising difference.

 

[peter16]

Merci