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NX200 with SEF42A Flash Questions

Started Jan 14, 2012 | Discussions
HankK
HankK Regular Member • Posts: 389
NX200 with SEF42A Flash Questions

Got my new NEX 200 and noticed the unique flash arrangement. Does anyone know if the red flash focus assist light on the SEF 42A works with the NEX200. Or maybe the SEF42A only looks like it has a flash assist light.

Is that SEF42A really that much of an improvement over the SEF20. I know it has more power but it looks like it is much larger.

I am really starting to like this camera. The RAW photos processed from Capture One are so good and so much better than LR.
--
Hank K
NEX 200 and Fujifilm X100 (former 5DM2 and GH2 Kit User)

Canon EOS 5D Fujifilm FinePix X100 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Samsung NX200
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Coldamus Senior Member • Posts: 2,281
Re: NX200 with SEF42A Flash Questions

HankK wrote:

Got my new NEX 200 and noticed the unique flash arrangement. Does anyone know if the red flash focus assist light on the SEF 42A works with the NEX200. Or maybe the SEF42A only looks like it has a flash assist light.

Samsung make it difficult to evaluate by not providing any specs. on their web site:
(Sorry, the Specs page is not available for this product at this time.)

The only specs I can find are here:

http://computershopper.com.com/flashes/samsung-sef-42a-hot/4507-13039_7-34083398.html

So yes, it does have an af assist lamp.

Is that SEF42A really that much of an improvement over the SEF20. I know it has more power but it looks like it is much larger.

It is about 3 times the size (in volume) of the SEF20A. Someone here mentioned that it has more features but I can't find that thread at the moment. It still only tilts and does not swivel, same as the SEF20A.

I have the SEF20A. It is adequate for bounced or direct flash in domestic situations but would not cope with large halls, churches etc. Exposure is spot on every time with my nx10 whether bounced or direct. It is simple to use and takes 2 x AA batteries but does not have an af assist lamp. The SEF42A uses 4 x AA batteries.

rembart79 Junior Member • Posts: 28
Re: NX200 with SEF42A Flash Questions

It has a assist light and has no problem with NX200
But keep in mind that SEF42A flash head only rotates up and down
It cannot rotate horizantally

SEF20A Guide Number : 20
SEF42A Guide Number : 42

So SEF42A is stronger than SEF20A
but for its price I'm not sure it is a good product to buy.

got3n New Member • Posts: 10
Re: NX200 with SEF42A Flash Questions

So which flashgun with bounce will be smallest and cheapest ?:) I have SEF15A but direct flashlight kills photos

Billx08 Forum Pro • Posts: 11,373
Re: NX200 with SEF42A Flash Questions

got3n wrote:

So which flashgun with bounce will be smallest and cheapest ?:) I have SEF15A but direct flashlight kills photos

The only one to consider should be the SEF20A. There may be smaller and cheaper non-Samsung flashes that bounce, but they won't be "smart" flashes that communicate with Samsung cameras. This little homemade video (link at the bottom) only has a little information about the SEF20A, but it's a lot more than Samsung has on its website. The Overview page only shows that the Guide Number is 20 (shouldn't be a surprise) but the Features and Specs pages show this :

Sorry, the Features page is not available for this product at this time. Please click the OVERVIEW link above for more product information.

Sorry, the Specs page is not available for this product at this time. Please click the OVERVIEW link above for more product information.

http://www.samsung.com/us/photography/digital-cameras-accessories/ED-SEF20A-features

http://www.samsung.com/us/photography/digital-cameras-accessories/ED-SEF20A-specs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzFjssUauTs

Coldamus Senior Member • Posts: 2,281
Re: NX200 with SEF42A Flash Questions

got3n wrote:

So which flashgun with bounce will be smallest and cheapest ?:) I have SEF15A but direct flashlight kills photos

The SEF20A. It is very compact to carry because its mounting foot rotates down inside the flash body. It comes with a carry pouch and fits easily in a shirt pocket.

http://www.adorama.com/SearchSite/Default.aspx?searchinfo=SAMSUNG+NX+FLASH

By the way, third party flashes advertised as being compatible with Pentax and Samsung are not suitable for NX. They are compatible with the Samsung GX series dslrs that were Pentax clones but won't work in TTL mode with NX because the pin layout of the hotshoe is different. They can be used in manual mode but it is not worth the effort.

Believe me, the SEF20A is so easy. Turn it on, tilt to your preferred bounce angle and shoot. Provided you are within flash range, you should get perfect exposure every time. The SEF42A is much more powerful but I couldn't justify the extra cost.

Loring von Palleske Contributing Member • Posts: 532
Re: NX200 with SEF42A Flash Questions

The 42 also has manual output.

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Daniel1977
Daniel1977 Senior Member • Posts: 1,013
Re: NX200 with SEF42A Flash Questions

SEF42A This lamp is much better to SEF20A. It is also more complicated in use.
It is also, unfortunately, a large and must have 4 batteries.

The lamp is able to adapt to the mounted lens - of course when you turn on the appropriate program.

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HankK
OP HankK Regular Member • Posts: 389
Ordered SEF42A Flash

Based on the comments here and a price on Amazon of $179 USD, I ordered the SEF42A. I wanted to additional focus assist for very low light focus. I hope that works. I will let you know.
--
Hank K
Samsung NX200 Kit, Fujifilm X100 (former 5DM2, GH2 Kit shooter)

leszkom New Member • Posts: 3
AF-assist diode does not work with NX11...

Have anyone idea how to make it run? AF-assist does not work, even in IR...

HankK
OP HankK Regular Member • Posts: 389
Re: AF-assist diode does not work with NX11...

Got the flash and the assist light does NOT work. It may be related to the focus technology that is used by the camera. I do not know that but maybe someone on the forum does. Possible that the newer NX200 cameras do not see the red light of these older flashes. I do not know. Seems a shame.
--
Hank K
Samsung NX200 Kit, Fujifilm X100 (former 5DM2, GH2 Kit shooter)

supeyugin1 Contributing Member • Posts: 912
Re: AF-assist diode does not work with NX11...

There is no focus assist light with NX100 too. It activates camera built-in FAL.
BTW, SEF20A GN is 20 at 28mm and SEF42A GN is 26 at 28mm, but 42 at 105mm.
All focal lengths are 35mm equivalents.
Both flashes are made by Sunpak.

HankK wrote:

Got the flash and the assist light does NOT work. It may be related to the focus technology that is used by the camera. I do not know that but maybe someone on the forum does. Possible that the newer NX200 cameras do not see the red light of these older flashes. I do not know. Seems a shame.
--
Hank K
Samsung NX200 Kit, Fujifilm X100 (former 5DM2, GH2 Kit shooter)

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zkz5
zkz5 Contributing Member • Posts: 665
Re: AF-assist diode does not work with NX11...

I find it a bit hard to believe that their own flagship flash isn't fully compatible with half their camera lineup. On the other hand, B&H says it only works with the NX10, and one of Samsung's various web pages about it says NX5, 10, 100 only: http://www.samsung.com/sg/consumer/camera-camcorder/nx-system/nx-accessories/ED-SEF42A

supeyugin1 Contributing Member • Posts: 912
Re: AF-assist diode does not work with NX11...

This flash was announced together with Pro815 in 2005, and since then it was not updated. I heard rumors that Samsung is planning to release some new flash. I think, it will replace SEF42A

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2005/6/2/samsung_pro815

zkz5 wrote:

I find it a bit hard to believe that their own flagship flash isn't fully compatible with half their camera lineup. On the other hand, B&H says it only works with the NX10, and one of Samsung's various web pages about it says NX5, 10, 100 only: http://www.samsung.com/sg/consumer/camera-camcorder/nx-system/nx-accessories/ED-SEF42A

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Andy Middleditch Forum Member • Posts: 93
Re: AF-assist diode does not work with NX11...

I have the SEF42A with the NX200. It is a good combo. Uses the built in camera auto assist lamp which is fine in most situations I've found...

Good bounce flash, which doesn't burn through batteries too fast.

straylightrun Senior Member • Posts: 1,441
Re: NX200 with SEF42A Flash Questions

rembart79 wrote:

It has a assist light and has no problem with NX200

This is WRONG. DO NOT SPREAD FALSE INFORMATION.

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