Safe External Flash for GRD

[Lili]

Just oredered this one since the "Bigma" flash is a brick.
http://www.intro2020.co.uk/pdf/PF20XD.pdf
I like the camera they model it with

[Lili]

Ok here is even more on my GRD/Flash saga.
I was playing with the HUGE-but-recommended-by-Ricoh Sigma 530 flash and found out something really cool, the flash compensation introduced with the 2.40 firmware update works on this flash as well as the integral one!!!
Fascinating.
On the Sunpak flash, with its diffuser panel in place covers the FOV of the GW-1 perfectly.
In fact, I use this combo at a party this weekend, it was a lovely, little and light package.
Fast too.
w00t!

[odklizec]

Thanks for report Lili! Too bad it's sooooo huge I simply cannot accept the idea of using flash bigger than the camera?

[Lili]

Pavel,
Agreed, the flash is so big it is easier to hole the combination by the flash.
Scary
I will try to post some pics tonight.

[Lili]

Flash recommended by Ricoh.
TTL Flash Metering, On Camera flash compensation controlled as well.
As you see it dwarfs the camera for all this.
It weighs as much as 3 GRD's.

Or Sunpak PF20XD

Tiny, light, 3 auto levels, full range of manual power out put.
Covers 28mm field of view easily.
Has pull up diffuser giving excellent coverage with 21mm efl GW-1 installed on GRD.
Guess which one I use most

[Colman]

I got a Metz 20 C-2 which does the job nicely, though I've had an attack of flu so I haven't had a chance to play with it properly or do useful test shots. Manual, auto-f2.8 and auto-f5.6, with a neat little bounce head.

DSC_0011.jpg (25.94 KiB) Viewed 3041 times

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EXIF-Data

Image taken on: Fri Jan 18, 2008 2:43 pm

Focus length: 50 mm

Shutter speed: 1/60 Sec

F-number: F/2.8

ISO speed rating: 200

Whitebalance: Auto

Flash: Flash fired, auto mode, return light detected

Camera-model: NIKON D70s

Exposure program: Aperture priority

Exposure bias: 0 EV

Metering mode: Pattern

The auto modes do the job, though I've had to play with the apertures a bit because I've been shooting in smallish white walled rooms at home! Sync seems to work up to about 1/1000 or so - 1/1600 doesn't work right with that flash and it's unreliable with the Nikon SB-28 as well. The C-2 is cheap - €48, about the same size as the camera and works as well as non-TTL is going to. The coverage is fine at 28mm, though I think I need to find a diffuser for use with the 21mm adaptor. Metz say all their new flashes are OK on digital cameras that want lower trigger voltages.

[blestage]

I just purchased the Sunpak PF20XD and am in the process of testing it. So far, I am duly impressed with this little gem! In addition to it being a powerful little flash that mates perfectly with the GRD/GRD II hotshoe, it also comes included with a well-made mounting bracket that attaches to the GRD/GRD II tripod mount. This moves the flash outboard and to the left side of the camera body (see photo).

Sunpak PF20XD with bracket

SUPF20XD.JPG (37.71 KiB) Viewed 3037 times

The best feature, however, is that the PF20XD has built-in wireless slave capability and will trigger off-camera when using the GRD/GRD II's built-in flash. This makes for some very creative (and low cost) flash opportunities! Think bounce, macro photography, backlight, gelled background light, etc. -- Many, many possibilities, and for less than $75, you could have several in your kit.

I will post some pictures for review shortly.

[bidiere]

How about nikon SB800? Is it safe?!

[Colman]

Any modern Nikon flash should be safe, as I understand it.

[BillBingham2]

I have some old Vivitar flashes that I love and am wondering how to balance the high output hand held flash with the built in baby flash. Anybody had any experience with this?

Thanks.

B2 (;->