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Photography Question 

BetterPhoto Member 		 

Portable flash for medium format


HI

I have a medium format mamiya 645 and mainly use it with studio flash or ambient light. HOwever I am wanting to take some photos at a friends wedding and wan to invest in a flashgun. I have no idea about how these work, and would appreciate any help anyone can offer. I had been thinking about the sunpak 383 or the vivitar 283. I am confused as to how exposures are calculated with a flashgun, and would like to know if these models offer an option to alter the power of the light given from the flash. I will probably buy a diffuser or softbox also.

All comments appreciated! Thanks


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March 26, 2006

 

Michael H. Cothran 		  Either of the flash models you mention will work fine. However, I would strongly recommend the Vivitar 285 over the 283. The 285 flash can be zoomed to match the focal length of your lens.

They can fired in two configurations - manual, which can be incrementally dialed down from full power to about 1/16th power, and Auto Flash. For Auto, there is a light sensor built into the front of the flash. The sensor reads the flashlight when the flash is fired, and cuts off the flash at the appropriate time. Two things you need to remember when using the Auto Flash - your flash sensor MUST be aimed at the subject with nothing blocking the way, and your camera and flash both have to be manually set to the same aperture. There are some older Sunpak 'potatoe mashers' (like the 522, and a couple of others whose model numbers I can't remember) which have optional remote sensors that will mount in your camera's flashshoe. This way, the sensor is always aiming the way your lens is, and allows you to shoot the flash off-camera with more convenience and accuracy.
Bottom line is you can't get better flashes for the money. However, if you want something more powerful, or with external battery packs, also look into Metz and Quantum. The term you need to look for in their literature is the word "Auto" if you want something more than barebones Manual.
Michael H. Cothran


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March 26, 2006

 

BetterPhoto Member 		 
 
 
Promaster offers a line of quality flash units that are able to be connected to your camera. Most of the higher power units are connected through a dedicated module (these modules are offered for most cameras, both available and retired). Since the hot shoe is mounted on the side of your 645, I would suggest a module type flash with a grip. This will help keep your camera in balance. Also, if you decide to opt for another camera, a module flash will allow the flash to be used by simply replacing the module.

Have fun and keep shooting,
Mark H.


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March 26, 2006

 

BetterPhoto Member 		  One thing I failed to mention. There is a cable available to connect the flash to the module.


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March 27, 2006

 
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