
Review Summary
2016-07-20T16:43:37
Choose your ISO sensor "speed" (or film speed), then compose your shoot, choose the aperture (F-stop) to either f2.8 or f5.6. Set the flash accordingly... It will automatically measure the light reflected back to itself and it will stop the flash at just the right instant. I use this instead of spending a fortune on the Leica branded flash. But I also use it on all of my ancient Rolleiflex cameras because I love film! This flash is NOT for casual shooting with a point-and-shoot camera. But using Av it is perfect. If you do not understand the term "Av" it might not be for you. This might be the best $40 I ever spent...
HENRY M.
2013-01-07T19:00:00
I got this flash as a Christmas gift and I have used it for casual photography like portraits and I have to say that it's better than I tought it was gonna be. The material looks a little cheap, but I'm pleased with the performance so far. I would really recommend it for the casual photographer.
Jazzy J.
2012-02-15T19:00:00
I was not aware that this would not fit the SONY Alpha camera I ordered it for. I had to buy an addition shoe to use it, but it works well for the price. Much better than the flash built into the camera.
Casual P.
2012-02-12T19:00:00
Two pack for fill
Dad
2012-01-01T19:00:00
I'm not good with flash, so I purchased this inexpensive flash to fool around with. It works everytime and some of my photos are decent. Still working on it.
CHRISTOPHER C.
2011-12-18T19:00:00
I don't usually take flash photos and this is my first hot shoe flash. In conjunction with some diffusers and a softbox ,I'm experimenting. So far the results are pleasing. The flash works everytime, but I have nothing to judge it against. If your just looking for something to have a little fun with, then this flash will do it.
Chris G.
2010-04-24T21:00:00
I seldom use auxiliary lighting, but needed a light, inexpensive flash for occasional projects where ambient light will be insufficient. Adequate for that purpose. Probably will not take much abuse, but otherwise satisfactory for my purposes. Settings appear to work quite well.
Bob
2010-01-13T19:00:00
This flash has worked well so far, but I have not used it that much. It has missed/not fired on a couple of shots, but not enough to cause any major concern. This seems to be a good flash (especially considering the price).
MATTHEW V.
2010-01-09T19:00:00
Much better than the flash units integrated into most point-and-shoot cameras. But awkwardly large and heave.
coolhoosier
2010-01-09T19:00:00
Decent flash for a very good price. Great output and good recycle time. I'm using mainly off camera with some [...] triggers. Set it in the corner during get together and get decent coverage in the living room. There are two complaints, one the instructions are horrible to try and understand. I'm sure the flash does something I'm not aware of but will never now. Also, there is not way to really control the output. For the price it a very good build quality and strong flash. Giving it a 4 mainly because of the low price for the power.
Keith M.
2010-01-09T19:00:00
It doesn't work with my Canon T1i. but the product description hasn't stated this. [...]
Phil
2009-08-20T21:00:00
Bought it mainly because of the pc sync slot. (THE FLASH HAS A SYNC CORD INCLUDED, TUCKED IN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT so you don't need to buy one). I use it off camera with my Sony a700 via pc cord and wirelessly with the Impact Powersync 10 system. Both fire constantly. I like that the flash doesn't have a sleep mode. Never have to walk over and wake it up. I hooked up a Quantum compact battery to it using the adapter for the sigma ef 430 flash. (the "+" symbol on the adapter should be toward the top and rear of the flash). recycle is about 3 seconds. Recycle with rechargeable batteries is 5-10 seconds depending on battery freshness. My minor grumbles are I wish it were a bit more powerful. It had a better manual and Adorama listed what omni-bounce fits it
Eric P.
2009-06-18T21:00:00
I love this flash. I used this for a year before buying the 430exII. Learned a lot about flash photography using this manual flash. Now, having ETTL II, feels like I'm cheating. Now it serves as a backup flash. Soon, when I start getting into OCF, it will be a second flash. The only gripe I have is the recycle time. Other than that, it's a great flash to start out with.
MARC C.
2009-05-18T21:00:00
Judging from everyone else's reviews, I figured I could get a decent flash for a decent price. Turns out this flash (my unit, at least) is finicky at best. There are times when it will fire consistently for the first few minutes of a session, but then it'll fire when it wants to after that. It's mostly independent of auto-focus confirm, and will pick a random shot on a quick burst to actually fire. Other than that, when it does fire, it's great. I really wish it was more consistent and reliable.
Michael H.
2008-12-28T19:00:00
good power output, but the battery door had trouble closing tight, and the module could have been made a little sturdier. Great back-up for a background fill flash. a Plus is it has a nice zoom mode to it.
STEVEN S.
2008-12-28T19:00:00
Decent output and recycling times, flimsy case. I had to add small pieces of cardboard to the battery compartment, as the batteries' contacts did not align properly with the flash's. If you're into tinkering and saving money, this flash is for you. Otherwise, there are better options out there (units that are better built, have extra features, etc...).
Adrian N.
2008-12-24T19:00:00
This flash is THE one to replace the need for a Vivitar 285hv! Why you ask? Think about it... for the price of one Vivitar you can get 3 of these! AMAZING! All you do is chain them and viola... Guide Number of 246 at full power for all three! Thats good enough to bust out of a 48-60 inch shoot through umbrella at decent range! Get these flashes 2 at a time and boom... you got a portable studio! PS... as its an all manual flash with a PC sync think of what you can do with three of them in a room with a radio trigger like the Cybersync, or the Elinchrom Skyport* wireless radio trigger system! These are GREAT! Only drawback is that the 8 second recycle time is not the best... thats why I recommend using 2500 NIMH batteries for faster recycles! Also, when you chain more than one you can dial down the output for faster recycles! This flash isnt the pure power monster of the Vivitar 285HV but by darn sure Adorama has rebadged a good reliable flash. Strobist this is for you! Note: you will need a sub mini to mini phone cable to use it with the Elichrom Skyport system.
The C.
2008-08-05T21:00:00
I'm glad for once that I read the online reviews, the people that gave it a five star rating knew their stuff. I would have expected this unit, if I didn't know the price, would have guessed the price $ or a bit lower, but not less than $ Thanks Adorama, you have branded an excellent product.
blackdogphoto
2008-01-19T19:00:00
I had been searching for months for a flash that would work with my FujiFilm Finepix S9100 when finally, I saw the review for this flash on Adorama. There was a person who had used this flash on the same series camera as mine AND they are a professional photographer. I thought if a professional could give a great review on this flash then why not try it out. I bought the flash for a GREAT price! I was predicting to spend 2-3 times as much as I did for this flash. The shipping wasn't bad either. I ordered the flash on a Tuesday and received the flash on a Friday. OH JOY! Being a novice-yet very enthusiastic- photographer, I started shooting right away. There's not much in the ways of a manual, but enough to understand what you need to do. I also took the liberty to just "shoot" in many different ways. I'm highly impressed with this flash and Adorama. My next purchase will be a lighting kit and I know where I will be coming for that!
Andi L.
2007-05-07T21:00:00
This is a great flash. I will pay additional [$] for a better body.
IT g.
2007-04-20T21:00:00
I use it to fire my slaves because my on camera flash will not sync with the slaves at all. It also has decent power and nice features for such an inexpensive flash.
ADAM H.
2007-04-19T21:00:00
I needed a flash that would give me more latitude with my Fujifilm Digital S9100. This flash unit fit the bill. It has very nice features and operates as expected. A great value for everyday use and makes a great back up unit.
Videop
2007-03-08T19:00:00
I bought six of these flashes, great value and nice performance. Diffuser built in.
Big D.