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Replacement adapter rings for 1200 Macro Flash?

Started Sep 22, 2020 | Discussions
unrealreality Forum Member • Posts: 94
Replacement adapter rings for 1200 Macro Flash?

Hello,

I just recently picked up a Minolta 1200 ring flash with the MFC-1000 controller. I read that they were very difficult to come by (and expensive, is that still the case?) and was the only thing that worked on the digital A-mounts. I picked it up in a bundle for dirt cheap so I'm thrilled about that, however it only came with the 49mm adapter ring. As the 100mm macro lens is 55mm, I can't mount it correctly.

Are there any solutions or places to get something so the 1200 ring can attach to the 55mm? Or should I just keep waiting for someone to list a 1200 flash with the mounts, and just buy one that way?

Other question, if I buy a 1200AF ring, that'll work with the MFC-1000, correct? I know the controller that comes with the 1200AF does not, but the ring itself is the same? Are the thread mounts/size the same? They seem to be. Meaning I could just pick up one of those with the thread and be fine.

Looking forward to using this in the field! Thank you for any information!

neilt3
neilt3 Veteran Member • Posts: 3,008
Re: Replacement adapter rings for 1200 Macro Flash?
1

unrealreality wrote:

Hello,

I just recently picked up a Minolta 1200 ring flash with the MFC-1000 controller. I read that they were very difficult to come by (and expensive, is that still the case?) and was the only thing that worked on the digital A-mounts. I picked it up in a bundle for dirt cheap so I'm thrilled about that, however it only came with the 49mm adapter ring. As the 100mm macro lens is 55mm, I can't mount it correctly.

Get a filter step down ring off eBay .

As you've a 49mm adapter you need a 55mm to 49mm step down ring .

Don't worry about it being narrower , especially if shooting with APSC .

Are there any solutions or places to get something so the 1200 ring can attach to the 55mm? Or should I just keep waiting for someone to list a 1200 flash with the mounts, and just buy one that way?

Other question, if I buy a 1200AF ring, that'll work with the MFC-1000, correct? I know the controller that comes with the 1200AF does not, but the ring itself is the same? Are the thread mounts/size the same? They seem to be. Meaning I could just pick up one of those with the thread and be fine.

Looking forward to using this in the field! Thank you for any information!

Yes , if you can buy a complete 1200AF ring flash kit , as long as it has the adapters you need , with it , you'll be all set .

These come up on eBay frequently .

The flash unit will do as a spare , it's just the control box that isn't compatible with digital .

You've already got the MFC controller , so that's not an issue .

 neilt3's gear list:neilt3's gear list
Minolta DiMAGE 7 Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 +68 more
OP unrealreality Forum Member • Posts: 94
Re: Replacement adapter rings for 1200 Macro Flash?

Excellent, thank you for answering both questions! I shoot with the a99, so not APSC. I'm not sure if the 49-55 will have an effect on the photo with fullframe. I'll have to run a test. but I didn't think about the step down on the other side and then use what I have. Thanks for that!

and also about the 1200AF. Good to know they are both compatible. That might be an option to have one as a backup. Not sure how long these things last. Still, the step down ring might be the easiest to try right now.

Have a great day!

neilt3
neilt3 Veteran Member • Posts: 3,008
Re: Replacement adapter rings for 1200 Macro Flash?

unrealreality wrote:

Excellent, thank you for answering both questions! I shoot with the a99, so not APSC. I'm not sure if the 49-55 will have an effect on the photo with fullframe. I'll have to run a test. but I didn't think about the step down on the other side and then use what I have. Thanks for that!

Using a stepdown adapter would only cause vignetting when fitted for distance focussing , i.e , probably from over ten feet to infinity .

Which you won't be using a macro flash with anyway at that distance .

In macro as you focus closer the the lens moves away from the sensor ( unless it's an internal focus one ) and the image that is projected back is spread out further , so much of the projected image is unused .

If you want to see this , if you have a lens with a manual aperture , say a 50mm lens , hold it facing a bright window , 1" away from some white paper and you'll see an image say 1 1/2" diameter .

Now do the same holding it 3" away from the paper , the projected image will be about 3" diameter , but you sensor stays the same size .

So vignetting  ? no problem .

and also about the 1200AF. Good to know they are both compatible. That might be an option to have one as a backup. Not sure how long these things last. Still, the step down ring might be the easiest to try right now.

Have a great day!

They last a long time .

I bought one in the late 1990's to go with my Minolta 7000AF , and still have it , works fine .

When I went digital with the Sony a100 in 2006 I needed a new macro flash and got a Centon branded one .

I finally got Minolta MFC-1000 and ring flash to use on it .

Then I got a Sony one with the twin flash set up that works with the Minolta , but doesn't have the socket for the ringflash .

A few years ago ago i got another Minolta MFC-1000 with ringflash for a silly price off ebay .

Someone was selling a Minolta DiMage 7 for £29 or make an offer .

I didn't waste any time making an offer , I just got it bought !

the camera on it's own was worth that .

The main cameras I'm using now are the Sony a900 and a77ii , the macro lenses I use are the Sony 100mm and a Minolta 50mm f/3.5 , which is probably one of my favourite lenses .

I also have a sigma 180mm f/3.5 macro , but that works best with an on board flash and diffuser .

The flash works well with all of them ( except the big Sigma ) .

 neilt3's gear list:neilt3's gear list
Minolta DiMAGE 7 Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 +68 more
neilt3
neilt3 Veteran Member • Posts: 3,008
Re: Replacement adapter rings for 1200 Macro Flash?

I don't know if your still after a set of adapter rings , but a lamp unit and both rings are up for grabs on ebay U.K .

You might want to check if they ship to your country , and you might want to see if they'll come down with the price .

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Minolta-Macro-Flash-1200AF-without-Control-Unit-view-pictures-with-2-x-adapter/254769887369?hash=item3b5177f889:g:vIEAAOSwmGNfpGyN

item number is ; 254769887369

 neilt3's gear list:neilt3's gear list
Minolta DiMAGE 7 Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 +68 more
Minolta4me New Member • Posts: 2
Re: Replacement adapter rings for 1200 Macro Flash?

Absolutely amazing to hear recent news of vintage Minolta gear ! I sold one of the largest Vintage Minolta collections in the UK, in one go, to a retired French Chemist a few years ago. But like you I had bought a MFC-1000 that was with a Dynax camera. I was told the seller had used on one project, a book of Knots and Knot tying.  More recently I got a MFC-1000 and Twin Flash that had never been unpacked ! Used it with twin flash and agree with previous comments, it's fiddly and a bit fragile for field work, BUT I did use it in a Butterfly farm and got good results, handheld, chasing butterflies on my Sony gear. Full frame previously A850,A900,A99 now A9 and A7R3.

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