Re: what flash to buy

[P3D Gregory J. Wageman <gjw@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Patrick Boeckstijns inquires:

>Up to now I've been using a simple VIVITAR flash with satistactory results.
>I always use the automatic mode combined with the 100 ASA FUJI SENSIA film
>and it works just fine.
>For my VM pictures however, 100 ASA shows too much grain and I'd like to
>switch to 50 or even 25 ASA.  But this implies It will be impossible to keep
>using the automatic mode. Is there a flash that allows it's automat to adapt
>to lower speed films ? The famous VIVITAR 283 pehaps ?

Doesn't your VM camera have an adjustable aperture?  If so, you don't
need a new flash, simply change the recommended aperture based on the
film speed.  50 ASA requires one full stop more exposure than 100; 25
ASA requires two full stops more exposure than 100 ASA.

I use a Metz Mecablitz handle-mount flash, and the little exposure guide
on the head works exactly this way-- when you change the film speed dial,
all it does is rotate the f-number scale under the indicator.

Of course depending on the guide number of your flash, you may be limited
in how slow a film you can use by the smallest f-number of the camera.

        -Greg


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