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Author Topic: Flash for the Alpha 200  (Read 1333 times)

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Offline thebird

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Flash for the Alpha 200
« on: February 18, 2010, 12:00:03 AM »
Hello people, I have a Alpha 200. My first SLR and I am enjoying it a great deal. I have taken some great shots but do not like the built in flash. I am looking for some suggestions. What do you think?    Tim
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Offline vaughaag

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2010, 12:12:13 AM »
Hi Tim,

Welcome to the forum and the A200 club. I have couple of HVLF-36AM's which are 'entry level' Sony flash's. They perform very well. I also have a number of older Minolta flash guns that work with the A200 in Manual mode.

You can pick up a 2nd hand HVLF-36AM on eBay for about £100. The Minolta's (5200i,5400) can be picked up for as little as £40 but they have to be used fully manually.

There are also a number of 3rd party flash's available (such as eBay 390155112526) but some of them may need a hot shoe adapter.

Try and stere clear of any Minolta or 3rd party flash that over 10 years in age. The trigger voltages on these older flash's are sometimes higher and can cause damage to your camera.

Rgds,
Dave
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Offline Faldrax

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2010, 10:40:07 AM »
There are basically 6 options for Sony / Minolta flashes, plus various 3rd party versions.
A good place to see them listed is on Dyxum, http://www.dyxum.com/flashes/index.asp, which has most of them (It's missing the new mini flash which is mainly intended to add a basic flash to an A850 / A900, and is unlikely to be what you want).

Basically you have the Minolta 3600HS(d) / Sony F36AM as the basic model, the Sony F42AM / Minolta 5600HS(d) / Sony F56AM as the mid range and the Sony F58AM as top of the range.

The big advantage of sticking to these Sony or Minolta models is the wireless mode, controlled by the pop-up flash. This allows you to use multiple flashes, and to position them around the room to get a range of different effects. Even with just 1 flash, begin able to have the flash off camera is a real bonus.

A few of the 3rd party flashes may also work with wireless mode, but you need to check carefully exactly which model you are getting to ensure it will work in this way.
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Offline thebird

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2010, 11:46:37 PM »
Thanks for the info guys. I think I will go with the Sony F42AM. Like the reviews on dyxum. I will let you know how I make out with it. Headed for the Caribbean so I will get the flash when I get back. I think this forum will help me a great deal. Thanks Tim
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Offline Mexjames

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2010, 06:22:25 PM »
I'd like to dig deeper into this if I may. I also have an Alpha 200 and I'm looking for a flash gun, as the top-mounted flash isn't enough for some pictures.  I'm considering two options: the first is Sony's HVL-F42AM, and the second is a Metz 48 AF-1. The Sony guide number is 42 ( I suspect metres) and the Metz's is 158F at 105MM. The Metz is about US$20 cheaper, and it seems the head can rotate, while the head of the Sony ma be tilted to bounce but won't to take vertical pictures. Between the two, for which would you go?
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Offline lothian

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2010, 08:32:15 PM »
Quote from: Mexjames on February 22, 2010, 06:22:25 PM
I'd like to dig deeper into this if I may. I also have an Alpha 200 and I'm looking for a flash gun, as the top-mounted flash isn't enough for some pictures.  I'm considering two options: the first is Sony's HVL-F42AM, and the second is a Metz 48 AF-1. The Sony guide number is 42 ( I suspect metres) and the Metz's is 158F at 105MM. The Metz is about US$20 cheaper, and it seems the head can rotate, while the head of the Sony ma be tilted to bounce but won't to take vertical pictures. Between the two, for which would you go?

Hi there,
I'm new to the world of Digital Photography but made exactly the same comparison researching a flash for my A850.  I'll be honest, both units ticked all of the important boxes for me i.e. HSS, ADI, bounce, manual.  I went for the Metz.  My conclusions, comparing specs, reviews etc were as follows:

For the Sony: 
1.  Full support for the Alpha wireless system.  Even if you don't need that feature now, it may be nice to have later on.
2.  Stand and case included.

For the Metz:
1.  A bit more power
2.  The mount includes a ring clamp and the unit feels very secure on my A850.  I'm not sure if the Sony has a similar clamp. 
3.  I didn't notice the lack of vertical bounce on the Sony you mentioned, but I do find the vertical bounce with the Metz built in reflector card very useful.
4.  Rear LCD panel with status settings.

I didn't actually get to try the Sony so can't say how they compare in day to day use.  My own (very limited) experience with the Metz is very positive.  The unit is well made, quiet and accurate.   

Good luck

Steve

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Offline Stef.

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2010, 08:48:09 PM »
My two pennies...how much do you want to spend? If you go down the Sony route and money no objection ;) I'd go for the best you can afford and that would be the HVL-F58AM. Reason: it has swifel head, it is very powerful, it can take advantage of Alpha's wireless system. I can highly recommend this one. Another issue would be if you'd ever upgrade to the either 850/900 ff camera than this is the one you need to be able to trigger other Sony flashes in wireless mode. It's the only flash that works as a commander on these cameras. On the other hand...I have a whole bunch of Metz hammer head flashes that are IMHO much better build than any of the Sonys. Both are very good but considering the fact that you have an onboard flash I would go for one that you can trigger in wireless mode. Last but not least- here again go for the best you can afford. The HVL-F58AM is very powerful but it is easier to turn the power down than having not enough in the first place. I have no idea about the price difference between the 42 and the 58 but consider it wisely invested money.
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Offline Mexjames

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2010, 10:51:16 PM »
Thanks for our input!

The F58 unit is about US$150 more expensive than the FM42 (priced at amazon.com), which at this point in time is a no-no for me. 

The idea of getting me a decent flash unit is because I'll have a family event during summer, and I'll need to shoot both pictures of the event and portraits. Since the Metz head can tilt and swivel, it makes it attractive for that use.  The specs mention something about it being wireless too, so I e-mailed the manufacturer to ask, plain and simple, if their flash will support the Sony wireless mode.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again!
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Offline steve

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2010, 12:24:37 AM »
Hi
I have a 5400 hs only works in manual mode. Also a 5600hs very good loads of power but rarely need it. Bought second hand 42 sony flash and its very simple to use.Plenty of power and can be used wireless. The 58 is very good but out of my price range so i would recommend the 42 Its a great unit.

  Regards Steve
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Offline panoramix24

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2010, 12:46:52 AM »
Quote from: Mexjames on February 23, 2010, 10:51:16 PM
Thanks for our input!

The F58 unit is about US$150 more expensive than the FM42 (priced at amazon.com), which at this point in time is a no-no for me. 

The idea of getting me a decent flash unit is because I'll have a family event during summer, and I'll need to shoot both pictures of the event and portraits. Since the Metz head can tilt and swivel, it makes it attractive for that use.  The specs mention something about it being wireless too, so I e-mailed the manufacturer to ask, plain and simple, if their flash will support the Sony wireless mode.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again!

Have you checked sonystyle lately, they have the 58 unit for 399 and 42 unit for 299. The regular price for the 48 is 499. Don't know how long it will last, but it has me tempted to indulge in this unit for the future.
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Offline Stef.

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2010, 01:52:33 AM »
You can always use the Metz flash in "wireless mode" with a slave cell attached. (I do this all the time) Have a look at our stickied threads in the flash section to see how to do this.
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Offline Mexjames

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #11 on: March 01, 2010, 10:10:35 PM »
I ordered the Sony F42. The idea is to take full advantage of the Alpha wireless system, as pointed out by lothian. The slave unit for the Metz would've been extra, so the price advantage would be gone.

I e-mailed the Metz people in Germany and they were very helpful, plus I got the answer the following day, fully explaining that their unit handles the Alpha system, but I would need an extra slave unit.

So I decided to go for the Sony and have a fully compatible flash unit. I hope to take delivery of it some time next week. 

Many thanks!!
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Offline fother

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #12 on: March 01, 2010, 10:23:19 PM »

great - enjoy! :D
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Offline thebird

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #13 on: March 03, 2010, 12:01:40 AM »
I purchased the Sony F42 got it cheaper in St. Thomas. Like the idea that it does swivel. Took some pictures and see that I do have some things to learn. But that will be the fun of it. Open to suggestions! A good book or something? Thanks Tim
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Offline drippy

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Re: Flash for the Alpha 200
« Reply #14 on: March 08, 2010, 07:07:57 PM »
Quote from: Pirate! on March 06, 2010, 09:52:56 AM
Ahoy!

Delta DRF-14 S ringflash from Foto-Tip @ £74.99 (see evilBay item: 180464134087) and the HVL-F42 tilt/swivel.  The latter in the UK has £50.00 rebate via the Sony cashback offer at the moment, so you can get it nett for £105.00 from Amazon.co.uk.  Claim form: http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/uk-electronics/shops/sony/sony_alpha_claim_form_march2010.pdf

Details of Sony cashback are:

Between Thursday 4th March and Monday 31st May 2010, you can claim up to £80 cashback on any of the award-winning Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras and accessories.

£50 cashback on Sony Alpha 450 series
£80 cashback on Sony Alpha 500 and 550 series
£20 cashback on Sony SAL-50F18 Portrait Lens
£50 cashback on Sony Alpha 75-300mm lens
£50 cashback on Sony HVLF42AM External Flash

As for extras for the F42, a sto-fen type diffuser (evilBay item: 320450719469), or if you're into portrait, a Lambency diffuser (Gary Fong Lightsphere clone).

Is that not Claim £50 cashback when bought with a Sony Alpha a450, a500, or a550 DSLR...Thats what Jessops have on it at the minute, if not and you can get the HVLF42AM for £105.00 i think ill get another, not got to grips with the one ive just bought yet, but at the price its a bargain.
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