lds2k
Well-known member
Can anyone recommend an on-camera flash for the CL besides the Leica flash units?
lds
lds
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Flash for the CL?
- Thread starter lds2k
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l_objectif
Forum Pro
I ordered a Metz Mecablitz 26 AF - 2 that looks quite small and well balanced on CL. I had severs Metz flashes in the past and I have always been very satisfied. The Leica flashes are all made by Metz but several times more expensive with the red dot.
Metz is making several version of the same flash for different camera brands. If you order one, make sure it is also for Leica.
I also have the Metz 26AF2. Nice but a little underpowered. Appears to put out less power than advertised.
Also got the Meke MK320 from Amazon. It was $60 and it is TTL, bounce, and with diffusion dome. I prefer it more than my Metz. Just about the same size.
Also got the Meke MK320 from Amazon. It was $60 and it is TTL, bounce, and with diffusion dome. I prefer it more than my Metz. Just about the same size.
Godfrey
Forum Pro
I don't own a CL, but I'd use the same little Nikon SB30 that I use with it with my M-D and SL. It's a great little flash, with manual power control and in-flash unit auto flash. The TTL flash metering doesn't work with the Leica, but I've not found that much of a bother.
G
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ayewing
Leading Member
ayewing
Leading Member
Thanks Vetteran,
Just to clarify, the flashes you mentioned are the Metz 26AF2 and the Meke MK320 which both have the same pin layout and work well with the V-Lux 114 providing TTL compatibility. This is what I would expect assuming that the Metz AF26 is Olympus/Panasonic /Leica compatible as the V-Lux is a Panasonic clone. However you also refer to the SF26 which is the Leica branded flash and it has the traditional Leica pin layout and is incompatible with the Olympus/Panasonic system. The CL has I understand the same pin layout as the Leica M.
I cannot confirm this yet as I am still awaiting my pre-ordered CL but past experience with the D-Lux 109 confirmed that it was incompatible with the Leica SF26 as the pin layout is different. I will try to confirm this in practice when my CL arrives hopefully in the next week or two.
Kind regards,
Just to clarify, the flashes you mentioned are the Metz 26AF2 and the Meke MK320 which both have the same pin layout and work well with the V-Lux 114 providing TTL compatibility. This is what I would expect assuming that the Metz AF26 is Olympus/Panasonic /Leica compatible as the V-Lux is a Panasonic clone. However you also refer to the SF26 which is the Leica branded flash and it has the traditional Leica pin layout and is incompatible with the Olympus/Panasonic system. The CL has I understand the same pin layout as the Leica M.
I cannot confirm this yet as I am still awaiting my pre-ordered CL but past experience with the D-Lux 109 confirmed that it was incompatible with the Leica SF26 as the pin layout is different. I will try to confirm this in practice when my CL arrives hopefully in the next week or two.
Kind regards,
You are correct:
”Just to clarify, the flashes you mentioned are the Metz 26AF2 and the Meke MK320 which both have the same pin layout and work well with the V-Lux 114 providing TTL compatibility. This is what I would expect assuming that the Metz AF26 is Olympus/Panasonic /Leica compatible as the V-Lux is a Panasonic clone.”
i don’t own the Leica SF26.
”Just to clarify, the flashes you mentioned are the Metz 26AF2 and the Meke MK320 which both have the same pin layout and work well with the V-Lux 114 providing TTL compatibility. This is what I would expect assuming that the Metz AF26 is Olympus/Panasonic /Leica compatible as the V-Lux is a Panasonic clone.”
i don’t own the Leica SF26.
I just viewed the hot shoe pin layout of the CL and it DOES not match the VLUX114 or apparently the D109. Also, the Metz flash AF26-2 and SF26 have different pins. Looks like the SF26 would match the CL's layout, but not the Metz or Meke flash. Oops!
ayewing
Leading Member
It is confusing that Leica use two different flash systems. This is not very clear in the documentation.
Btw, if you go to the B&H website to check out the Metz flash, the hit shoe connections depicted are not the same as on my Olympus/Panasonic/Leica flash. Not sure what they are for, but it’s the same photo regardless of which camera manufacturer is chosen. Ironically those depicted on the website look like they would match the CL.
ayewing
Leading Member
That is interesting. Metz do offer versions for most makes except Leica thus forcing us to buy the very expensive Leica branded version. Red Dots are not cheap!
lightandaprayer
Veteran Member
IMO TTL is way overrated and is not worth the premium cost of Leica branded flashes. I've shot professionally for many years using Metz and other strobes with the auto thyristor/auto aperture technology. The results can be better than TTL. To adjust the flash output in 1/3 stop increments simply adjust the flash ISO.
Used flashes with the auto aperture tech can be downright cheap. I don't know about the current models but older Metz flashes seem to work forever. I still use a Metz that I bought new in the mid 90s. It's my primary flash.
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l_objectif
Forum Pro
ayewing
Leading Member
Louis,
It is possible that the contractual arrangements that existed between Metz and Leica may no longer apply as I think the most recent Leica branded flashes are made by Nissin.
It is possible that the contractual arrangements that existed between Metz and Leica may no longer apply as I think the most recent Leica branded flashes are made by Nissin.
ayewing
Leading Member
lightandaprayer
Veteran Member
Archie, do you know of a good small third-party flash with the auto thyristor tech? Older/used OK. All the current models I've found are TTL/Manual. I figure that one of the smaller strobes would be nice for an M or Q. . . I use the pop-up flash on my DSLRs mainly for fill-flash and except for casting a shadow when using a Tokina 12-24 zoom at wider than 18mm they work really well.
Regarding the Wein SafeSync, better Safe Than Sorry!
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l_objectif
Forum Pro
ayewing
Leading Member
Nikon use the same layout of hot shoe pins as Leica so their extension cords work with the Leica system but I would expect the flash system to be different. Nearly all cameras use the centre pin to fire the flash so many flashes that do not support Leica TTL do work if the flash offers Auto Thyristor mode. I do not have a SL so I cannot really comment. I am still waiting for delivery of my pre-ordered CL so at present I am only going by the manual which I have downloaded. I hope to clarify matters when I get my hands on a CL.
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