Poll: What on camera flash do you use with your Finepix camera?

[bebop1065]

My Sunpak strobe died unexpectedly and now I need to buy another flash for my brand new S2. Can you help me determine which flash S1/S2 users prefer?

I am (what I consider) a serious amatuer. I shoot mostly portraits of family, but when I travel, I seek landscapes and outdoors scenes. I shoot with a Nikon 35-80 mm, and a 70-210mm Sigma lens.

If it is possible, I would also like this same flash to operate with my Mamiya 645 Pro. I am sure that one (if not both) cameras would need to control the flash by sync cord.

Thanks for your input,

Bebop1065

[Bruce Tucker]

Hello,

I;m a P/T freelancer in NJ and have shot both portraits as well as action/event photography for the past 25 years. I currently use a Bronica ETRSi rig for Portraits and both a Nikon N90S and a recently acquired Fuji S2 (my first entry into serious digital) for candids, sports and whatever I can get paid for.

My flashes are a trusty Sunpak 120J and an old trusty 422D, both work well with a Bronica TTL and Nikon NE2 TTL modules and both can be extended easily of flash when I use my Stroboframe brackets. Both can also operate with rechargable NIMH or a Quantum Turbo Nicad. For the Fuji S2 I have successfully used both of the Sunpacks in TTL but recently picked up an experienced but in good shape Nikon SB-28. Im happy to report that it works superbly with the S2. I'm just hunting for an SC-17 cable so that I can use it off camera the same way I've used both Sunpak's. Just wish it could be adapted to my Bronica, but thats another story.
Anyway I hope that some of this helps you make your decision.

Hey, maybe we should start a NJ chapter of S2 users here on this board or perhaps at least a separate catagory. Let me know what you think and Good Luck :)

Bruce

[bebop1065]

Hey Bruce,

Thanks for your response. In my readings, I have noticed that many photogs. like the sb-28 and some even prefer the dx model. Although there still is some difference of opinion about the need for the additional features of the dx model. (I'm still reading up on this) Currently, based on my few readings, I think that I am leaning towards a sb-28 for my camera.

I think that a NJ section would be good. Perhaps after a while we might even arrange a day trip somewhere to meet in person and even TAKE SOME PICTURES.

Take care,
Bebop1065 @ netscape.net for other replies.

[Bruce Tucker]

Yes, I did some research on the 28 and 28DX debate for the s2 as well.

My own findings were based on notes read here and conversations with other photog's. It seems that whatever added Nikon centric features were added to the SB-28DX and SB-80DX, they apparently are not taken advantage of by the S2. The SB-28 seems to support everything feature wise that the S2 has the ability to support based on Fuji's designs.

If I had chose a D100 over the S2, I probably would have chosen the 28DX or 80DX since thats a Nikon intended match-up but thats a different story too.

I will see about establishing a NJ group catagory so hopefully we'll get more opportunities to chat and meet at some point since we are neighbors.

Bruce

[Mike Flood]

There is no need for an SB-28DX to be used with the S2 but they work just fine.
You could, like I did, find either SB-28 or SB-28DX's on eBay.
I bought one of each. I like the DX and it's become my standard flash even after my original SB-28 came back from Nikon repair.

You may still be able to buy new SB-28DX's (but probably not new SB-28's unless you find someone with left-over stock) and there's no reason not to get a DX just because they are DX's. Have no fear. They'll work fine.
The SB-80 looks very similar. More "stuff" and higher price. I haven't tried one so can't say if they are better or same or worse.

Mike

[bebop1065]

Thanks Mike,

Based on many published preferences, I think that your choice is similar to many other S2 owners.

As soon as I pay of THIS month's credit card, I'll look into finding one of those.

Thanks,
SPN

[Laren]

I use a Metz CL-45.

I use it for weddings and one of the reasons I bought the S2 is I did not want to give up my favorite flash.
Of course I would have bought the S2 anyway (it rocks!).

The CL-45 uses six batteries.

It has more power than most flashes (guide #150).

It charges up faster than most flashes (I have never lost a shot waiting for it to charge).

It has quick release battery modules that can be switched on the fly.

It has two flash tubes. The main can be bounced and the second will give fill. The second tube can be turned off.

I like the bracket. It mounts to the tripod release and gives you a nice handle to hang onto.
I don't have to worry about breaking the foot off the flash or the hot shoe out of the top of the camera (I see this a lot).
The batteries go in the bottom and It is not as top heavy as my other flashes.

The flash tube is located diagonally over the lens.
Although I do get a small shadow off to the side of the subject, it is not that bad and I don't get the severe shadows one gets with a hot shoe mounted flash when
shooting with the camera turned sideways.
Most of my people shots are verticle.

I also have a Nikon SB-16 that I use when I don't want to drag my Metz around.

I find that I use the built in S2 flash more than I thought I would.
It's always there and in many cases does the job.

Larry
:) :D :)

[memobug]

Hi Laren, I'm using Metz 45-CL4 too, in TTL with the SC-3402 adapter. Seems to work pretty well at lower ISOs. At higher ISO I can't get as much exposure control for some reason.

More testing is in order.

I modified a Custom Brackets QRS-35 (S1) bracket to match the S2, so now I have the Metz head right above the lens no matter which orientation the camera is in.

Regards,

Matt

[Mike Flood]

I don't have the manual handy but I have heard that TTL on the S2 doesn't function for ISO 800 and ISO 1600

[Laren]

Matt.
I mounted my cl-45 on a stroboframe bracket to get the flash directly over the lens.

But I found that when I rotated to verticle I lost light coverage on the top and bottom of my photos.
It seems the flash tube is mounted horizonatal and it throws out a horizontal rectangle of light.
It is made to cover a 35mm lens, but when the camera is rotated the edges are clipped.

You might want to check it out.

I went back to just using it without the bracket.
It's easier to manage and the shadows aren't that bad.

I use a 35-105 for weddings with my N90s.
Haven't used the S2 for one yet.

As Mike correctly said, the S2 cannot control TTL flash over 400ASA.

Auto should work though.

Larry

[Bruce Tucker]

Laren,

Just curious about your wedding work with the 90S. I use my 2 90s cameras equipped with SB-28 or Sunpak 422D for my sports action but have not tried to use them much for events like weddings.

Are you also shooting medium format for weddings or just the 35mm ? Are you considering substituting the S2 for a 90S on future jobs ?

Anybody else already doing this or contemplating it ?
Anybody go the the Photo Expo show at the Javits center in NYC this past weekend. Fuji was there in force.


Bruce

[Laren]

Bruce,

I use an N90 with a 35-105 lens and the Metz cl-45 flash, and an N8008 mounted with a 180/2.8 for candids.
I usualy have both these cameras with me at all times.

I think one of the Metz or Sunpak bracket flashes might be great for your work.
Some of them have adapters that refocus the light into a tighter/brighter patteren for telephoto lenses.
They do have more power and faster recycle times.
Norman also makes a focusing reflecter for thier portable flash units, but without auto ability.

I shoot all the formals with a 645e.
I use one or two Norman 200c flashes or Novatron 500 mono lights on stands for the formals.

If I use my S2 for a wedding, I would probably shoot it all digital.
I would probably shoot all the candids at 6 megapixels and the formals at 12.

I have not used my S2 for a wedding yet and I am a little worried about the decreased latitude of the CCD compared to film.
It requires a different way of shooting.
Hopefully I will be more familar with it by then.

Larry

[deluco]

Originally posted by memobug
Hi Laren, I'm using Metz 45-CL4 too, in TTL with the SC-3402 adapter. Seems to work pretty well at lower ISOs. At higher ISO I can't get as much exposure control for some reason.

More testing is in order.

I modified a Custom Brackets QRS-35 (S1) bracket to match the S2, so now I have the Metz head right above the lens no matter which orientation the camera is in.

Regards,

Matt
Matt,
I'm curious about the Custom Bracket design. The only thing that concerns me is that I'm accustomed to holding the bracket with my left hand and turning the camera with my right hand. How does this work with the extension on the right side instead of the left side?

Thank's..

[memobug]

There are some different Custom Bracket designs, but with the AF version I am using you hold onto the camera with both hands, the way you normally would if you had no bracket at all, and the bracket supports the flashhead.

When you go to turn the camera, you support the bracket with your left hand, and turn the camera using your right hand.

Here is a photo from the Custom Bracket site. You can see you don't really support the camera with the bracket.

http://www.custombrackets.com/Fuji%20S2%20pro/QRS-35.jpg

Regards,

Matt

[lightwrangler]

I use an SB 26 on a Stroboframe, over the lens. It also works with other cameras (Hassie, Nikon film gear,etc). Most of the time I add a Lumiquest Pocket Bouncer to soften the shadows and spread the light. I don't shoot weddings so this is mainly used for quick portraits and fill while shooting PR and corporate assignments. It works well and doesn't take up much room in my bag.

[Jess]

SB 24 on ol Manfrotto strobe frame......great to have the ol girl out again ...The S1 didnt like it at all!

[Jacques Gratton]

54MZ3 with Nikon module. Already used the strobe with my E-10. Backup is a 285.

[deluco]

Originally posted by memobug
There are some different Custom Bracket designs, but with the AF version I am using you hold onto the camera with both hands, the way you normally would if you had no bracket at all, and the bracket supports the flashhead.

When you go to turn the camera, you support the bracket with your left hand, and turn the camera using your right hand.

Here is a photo from the Custom Bracket site. You can see you don't really support the camera with the bracket.

http://www.custombrackets.com/Fuji%20S2%20pro/QRS-35.jpg

Regards,

Matt
Thank's for the info. I wrote Custom Brackets asking about an adapter that will make either the S1 or the S2 bracket fit the other body. They have not responded. You state you modified the S1 bracket to fit the S2. What did you have to do? Do you think the S2 bracket will modify backward to the S1? Thank's..

[Bruce]

My Nikon SB-24 works fine on mine.

[Igor]

Re. Stroboframe, unfortunately it STILL can't defeat the red eye! :(
I bought one recently to fight this problem, but my recent shooting still had a few r-y shots at 135-200mm...

[Chris M.]

Igor, you may need a bracket with an adjustable height feature. If you're shooting bracket mounted flash with a lens somewhere in the 135mm-200mm focal range, you're not going to get the angle you need to prevent redeye like you would have if you were shooting with a 50mm to 100mm lens. You're going to need to raise the flash another few inches. Or you may be shooting in darker environments with these long lenses, and your subjects pupil may be wide open, increasing the chance of redeye.

I currently shoot a 70-200mm f2.8 lens with a bracket mounted SB-80DX flash unit, and I've got the flash pretty high up above the lens axis. Never had a redeye problem to date while shooting at 200mm.

[pauly99]

I just purchased the Custom Brackets QRS-35-EV from Tallyn's with all the necessary mounting hardware/quick releases. A fellow forum member and great friend "tgvf5" let me know about its use in his wedding work and word was passed on to me as well that this bracket allows for some extra space for adding radio slaves.

[lightwrangler]

Although I still have a Stroboframe, I mostly use a Manfrotto 233B. It goes very high and I haven't had any kind of red eye problem with it. I use a Lumiquest Pocket Bouncer on a SB26. While the stobe doesn't sit exactly over the lens in landscape mode (it can be made to go very close) this isn't a problem for me, and the unit goes very high.

[LAH]

I shoot all my wedding formals with medium format and I use the S2 for almost all the wedding documentary shots. When I first started with the digital I had the camera set to give me 6mb jpg files but I dropped that to 3mb jpg files for most of the documentary work.

Almost all of my weddings are indoors and many of the reception venues are dark. Generally I set my iso at 400 or 800 depending on the amount of light I have to work with and bounce the flash from my SB28, with the shutter set as low as I can handhold, kicking the shutter up for some of the first dance shots. I almost never direct flash with the digital. I tried a bracket but didn’t care for the results, but assume that would be a matter of personal preference.

Now I have a D70 too and am thinking about getting the SB800………just what I need to do, spend more money.

[bebop1065]

I'm late posting this, but I bought a Metz 54MZ-4 back in May. My girlfrined's family begged and begged me to shoot their second wedding ceremony to each other. I shot the wedding and everyone was happy. I surprised myself how well I think I handled it. I will still recommend professionals for weddings in the future. This just helped me gain the confidence that I COULD do it if needed.

So, I bought the strobe, a stroboframe and the necessary modules to allow me to use this strobe with my Mamiya 645Pro TL.

Needless to say, my pockets were light shortly after the purchases.

It is a very fine strobe, I must say.

[Wichita Wayne]

You guys might think I am crazy but I have started using my Metz 60CT4. I do not us an adapter for TTL. I just put the thing on auto flash and plug it in with a Paramount hot shoe cord. Then the camera is set to manual (usually f-11) and I use it just like I use to use the Metz on a Hasselblad. If I get close to the subject I flip the big flash head up and bounce off the ceiling and have the small kicker flash light up the subject. This thing is big and it uses a brick battery with an over the shoulder strap. It has a GN of 197 and will really light up just about any room you can find. And it has a beeper that tells you when the flash has fired and all is OK. You can get a TTL module for it but I have never found it necessary. Maybe I will keep my eye on eBay since I now use it on a camera with a film plane flash meter. If you are interested in one get ready for sticker shock. The things sell for about $850, but to me they are worth every penny. The dry fit battery are easily replaced for about $100, last for a whole wedding, and has no memory. The thing also covers an 18mm lens on my S2 Pro. Believe me when I say that this flash rocks.

[zoidberg]

Sorry to offend any diehard techno-pro's, but I use a Metz CL-45 without bothering about the ttl. I've done enough flash photography to know pretty much what settings to choose and most of my shots work out fine. I didn't have the cash to buy the adaptor a year ago when I got all my equipment. After 3 weddings I've only had a few stuffed shots, usually in the reception venue cause I keep changing iso, shutter speed etc...
I take a lot of shots and quickly and the CL can't always keep up despite the quick chargeup time.
I use lumiquest diffusers for close up portrait and candids and bounce most other times.
I do all my wedding shots with the S2, formals and other. And why not, I do all my formal portraits with the S2 as well. But for portraits I use Prolinca flashes...
whatever -
:eek:

[ernieshrew]

Hi all
Jusy bought a mint condition SB28DX from eBay £87 (about$160) and it works perfectly with the S2. Fantastic indoors and out. Just thought I would input my two penneth for what its worth :)
Ernie

[ernieshrew]

Maybe that should have read
Just bought :dunce: