which external flash 100% works on the a100?

[tjman]

I am a bit confused - it appears that the a100 cannot work 100 reliable with external flashes?

I need to buy one, but it should work - can you point me to some model?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Greg Beetham]

I am a bit confused - it appears that the a100 cannot work 100
reliable with external flashes?

I need to buy one, but it should work - can you point me to some model?

Thanks in advance.

Why are you confused, and what gave you the idea that the A100 cannot work 100 (I assume %) with external flashes?

I have both the KM 36 and the Sony 56 flash for use with my KM5D and A100 and I would not hesitate too recommend them.
Greg

 

[Tom Harvey]

I am a bit confused - it appears that the a100 cannot work 100
reliable with external flashes?

I need to buy one, but it should work - can you point me to some model?

Thanks in advance.

They all will if you get a good one. None of them will if you get a duff one! If you buy one and it doesn't expose correctly then return it! Sorry for stating the obvious, but I have seen and heard of flash guns from all of the big three manufacturers (Sony/Minolta, Metz and Sigma) being perfect, and poor.

The other problem is the in-camera TTL system being fooled in some situations causing under exposures. This is not a failure of the flash gun, which is only doing as it is told by the camera, and could happen to any flash gun relying on the TTL signal. The Metz will be most reliable in these situations as it could be used in auto mode (using it's own metering calculations), but this is not infallible, and can also be fooled, although it tends to be more consistant.

--
Tom

 

[tjman]

The problem is that i cannot return the brand new Sigma after it is delivered to me

That is why I want something that should work on 100 percent, also I am going to use it for situations where it should be 100 percent reliable ...

 

[lonewolf69]

TJMan,

Get the SONY HVLF36AM or HVLF56AM both are 100% compatible with SONY Alpha 100. Both of these lenses are re-badged Konica Minolta FLASHES 3600HS and 5600HS respectively.

You may have heard/read about some minor flash issues regarding A100 and external flashes, (eg, lazy eye, or underexposed pictures...) but there are workarounds for these issues.

-Alex

PS. In electronics, when in doubt about compatibilty issues, always stick with the Manufacturer's accessories instead of 3rd party. Also the SONY Manual and SONY's tech support staff will recommend the correct flash for you as well

BEFORE anyone starts a FLAME, 3rd party FLASHES will work with the A100, but to what degree and what work arounds are needed can be found here on this EXCELLENT review of multiple flashes for the A100:

http://photoclubalpha.com/?p=73

 

[Greg Beetham]

The problem is that i cannot return the brand new Sigma after it is
delivered to me

That is why I want something that should work on 100 percent, also I
am going to use it for situations where it should be 100 percent
reliable ...

As Tom Harvey said, and I agree, sometimes you get a lemon, but there is probably less chance of this happening with OEM stuff, although even with my two units it did take them a little time to settle down (they were both occasionally a little flakey to start with, and I don't think it was body or flash related so much, more lens related, after changing to a lens for the first time) but seem to be very trustworthy and predictable now.
As your flash is a new one it stands a good chance of being ok, I would think.
Greg

 

[banzen]

If 100% reliability is a requirement. I will recommend the SONY HVLF36AM or HVLF56AM like the others said.

banzen

http://www.flickr.com/photos/banzen/

 

[tjman]

I will go with the Sony HVL56