Re: Realist w/Potato Masher Flash?

[P3D Greg Erker <erker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Anyone used/using a Realist and "potato-masher" flash like the one
>sold by Reel-3D?  Comments, opinions, recommendations?

  I have my Realist almost permanently attached to
a used Metz 45CT5 I bought. I have the flash on the
right (viewed from the back) which leaves my left
hand free for the shutter button. My hands are also
big enough that I can hold the flash with my right
hand and reach with my middle finger to focus.

  One problem with grip flashes is you get more
pronounced side shadows than with a shoe flash
sitting on the Realist.

  If you use fast enough film a dual tube flash
like my Metz can solve that problem by bouncing
most of the light off the ceiling.

  Though large and heavy, I find the combination
easy to hold for shooting, and easy to carry
around.

  I usually use Kodachrome 25 in my Realist so
the Metz's 150 ft GN (at 100 ASA) is cut in
half to 75 ft.  This is still powerful enough
to shoot indoors at f8 with a reach of 8 or 9
feet.

  I also use the Metz outdoors for fill flash.
With the camera at 1/50 f11 under sunny conditions
I can shoot the flash at f8 or f5.6 settings
for 1 stop or 2 stop under fill.

Note to Metz-ophiles: I know the 45CT5 doesn't
go to f8 on auto with 25 speed film, but I've
covered the sensor with some 2x ND film which
makes the f5.6 setting work like f8.

  Back to Reel-3D: a used Metz 45CT1 or 45CL1
might be a better deal than Nissin (sp?) flash
that they sell.

Good luck - Greg



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