Flash for DSC-R1

[Tom Orlowski]

I recently purchased a Sony DSC-R1 that I exxpect to take delivery of in about another week's time.

Until recently I have used a Canon G1 with my 25 year old Vivitar 285 flash. It has given me great results, but I would like something a bit more automatic and with TTL metering.

I think this might be the time to finally buy a flash with automatic modes integrated with the camera.

Does anyone know of a good powerful flash for use with Sony prosumer cameras that communicates with the camera both for aperture / shutter speed configuration and TTL exposure control? Maybe even auto zoom focus?

When I search online stores such a B&H, all of the 3rd party flashes (such as Metz & Sigma) do not come in Sony compatible flavors.

Anyone can provide feedback on the Sony HVL-F32X? So far this is the only flash I am considering.

Thanks,

Tom.

 

[Dmitry K]

Wow, first owner of the R1 around! Congrats on your purchase, we're waiting for real-life samples and shared experience.

32X should be fine with the R1; it's officially listed as a supported accessory on Sony website. You may also use Metz Megablitz 54 MZ-4 along with SCA 3602 M4 adapter, it supports TTL metering too. Note though that Metz is way more expensive that Sony.

Dmitry

 

[Mike Delaney]

Tom

I use that flash on my 828 and have had good luck with it, I intend on putting it on my R1 whenever it shows up. The only problem I see with it is that it is easy to run through batteries, because when the camera goes into sleep mode there is still drain on the batteries, just remember to switch it off when not in use. Have fun with the camera!
--
Mike D
http://www.pbase.com/miked

 

[Wolfgang Traut]

There seems to be a new Sony flash soon. If you can wait two or three weeks, wait to find out what kind of flash this will be.
There is another thread on this flash -> search for hvl-f36z in this forum.

 

[Just Call Me Stupid]

Agreed with all the above posters.

I've used the 32x with good results (it' will do the TTL you are after) however I would prefer a better one that doesn't devour batteries and would swivel horizontally as well as vertically. There is indeed a well founded rumor that a new flash from sony is on the horizon... problbaly will be announced about the time the R1 becomes available. Watch for Phil report.

 

[Don Roney]

You might consider the ProMaster flash with the Sony module. Tilt and swivel head and with the Sony module, TTL.

IIRC, it was ~$140 when I got mine (including the module). Much less expensive than the F32 with more power and more features.

Don
http://www.pbase.com/northtnguy

 

[randazzo]

The HVL-FX32 gives great results. Truly better results than my Canon Flash provides. But the Sony flash is so sloooow! And it doesn't swivel.

I would wait for the next type or go indeed for a Metz or a Promaster.

--
Jean-Pierre Randazzo

DSC-F828
Canon 300D
Canon 50 mm/F1.8
Canon 28-135/3.5-5.6 IS

 

[Greg Gebhardt]

If Sony is serious and the R1 is serious, they need something like the Nikon SB800. I got the 32x but it needs a swivel head and way more power. Hoping they will give us a new flash soon.

--
Greg Gebhardt in
Jacksonville, Florida

 

[Volker Graf]

Just recently I bought a small Cullmann ballhead for flash hotshoe for about 20 EUR. It is great for portrait shooting and even lets me use the 32X as a macro flash (it just reaches over the front of the lens at 28 mm), using the supplied ACC cable.

http://www.cullmann-foto.de/en/products/tripods/accessories/0902.htm

For most of my purposes, the reach of the 32X is enough, but it definitely could have a shorter recycle time and faster sync. Also, it definitely needs at least 2 sets of high-grade 2500 mAh NIMH batteries for stamina. I wonder what the wideangle coverage will be like on the R1, as the 32X is listed as covering down to 28 mm only.

Regards,
-Volker