Using a Canon flash with a Hassy 500 C/M

DrPablo · Feb 13, 2007

I have a PC-to-hotshoe cord that allows me to use my Canon 580EX with my Hasselblad 500 C/M. I also have a Sekonic L-358 light meter.

The Canon flash for those unfamiliar is their top line flash unit, and it has a fully manual, non-TTL mode. I know its guide number at various focal lengths at full output, and the output can be decreased in 1/3 stops all the way to 1/128 of full power.

What I want to know is how I can take readings from the meter (presumably in Ev mode) and use them to determine flash output with the 580EX. I'm a bit lost with all this, and it shouldn't be that hard. I don't have the time to get a more typical Hassy flash unit right now before I'll be on vacation hoping to use this combination.

Thanks.

Amund · Feb 14, 2007

While you can calculate output with guide numbers and so, why making it difficult? As the L-358 is a flash meter, just test and memorize wich apertures you`ll need for the different flash outputs at various distances, or even easier, have you subject hold the meter and measure.
Easier though, would be a flash with the good old "auto", works pretty good. Any old flash would be fine, I have an Nikon SB-26 wich works great.

Nick Zentena · Feb 14, 2007

Put the meter in flash mode at the shutter speed you need. Walk over to the subject point the meter towards the camera. Fire flash. Read meter. Either adjust the flash output or the camera F/stop. You'll likely need a cable from the flash to the meter sync port. Or do what I did. Go to Ebay and get a strobe radio transmitter. Attach the receiver to the flash. The sender attach to the meter with a short sync cable.

Forget EV mode.

JosBurke · Feb 14, 2007

Or just pick up a second hand Vivitar or Metz--- I realize the poster wants to make do with the 580 EX (I have one myself) but I personally prefer my Metz 45 CL-4 with my Hassy either dedicated or not and with my Mamiya 7 as well--If I could just use that Metz on my digital !!! Sigh !!

naeroscatu · Feb 16, 2007

"While you can calculate output with guide numbers and so, why making it difficult? As the L-358 is a flash meter, just test and memorize wich apertures you`ll need for the different flash outputs at various distances, or even easier, have you subject hold the meter and measure.
Easier though, would be a flash with the good old "auto", works pretty good. Any old flash would be fine, I have an Nikon SB-26 wich works great.
__________________
Amund"

no intention to steal the thread, but I have a Hassy 500 c/m and a Nikon SB-26 flash and was wondering if they work together. Amund, can I ask you on what mode is the SB-26 working with good results with the Hassy. thanks

Amund · Feb 16, 2007

naeroscatu said:
no intention to steal the thread, but I have a Hassy 500 c/m and a Nikon SB-26 flash and was wondering if they work together. Amund, can I ask you on what mode is the SB-26 working with good results with the Hassy. thanks

For studio type photos I use it in manual and measure with a flash meter, but for everything else I put the SB-26 on Auto, set ISO to whatever film speed I`m using.And set the aperture . The SB-26 is pretty smart in auto, it even knows when you`re bouncing off a white ceiling, no need to dial in extra exposure for it with normal ceiling height. Great flash!

Amund · Feb 16, 2007

Actually I just hung up a roll of TMY shot with my Bronica Etrs and SB-26, I`ll post a few scans when it has dried..

TheFlyingCamera · Feb 16, 2007

Actually, with the Sekonic 358, you put it in the "passive" ie non sync-cord mode, and have someone go stand at your subject, point the meter toward the camera lens, and then manually trigger the flash. The meter will then take a reading. Adjust the flash output up or down from the readings.

Nick Zentena · Feb 16, 2007

If you don't have a helper it's easier with a cable. Sekonic even sells a three way cable. So you can connect the camera,flash and meter.

Amund · Feb 17, 2007

Here`s a few snaps using the SB-26. I did not use a meter here, I just relied on the SB-26`s Auto function. I set the flash at ISO 400, f/5.6, set the camera at 1/125s and f/5.6 and fired away, with the flash bouncing off the ceiling. TMY in XTOL 1:1 9min 15s in a regular small tank.

MattKing · Feb 17, 2007

Amund - I think I can see your reflection in that eyeball!

Very well exposed flash shots.

Matt

Using a Canon flash with a Hassy 500 C/M

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