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Review Summary
2015-03-24T21:00:00
works good.i have had no coplants so far.
Robert C.
2011-02-25T19:00:00
after doing a lot of research I decided to give a try to this flash, when I took my first pic with this flash inmediatly I saw such as difference over the built-in flash, Professional looking results, skin glow , no harsh shadows. the key is bouncing off the ceiling and you will get better results.
kiketracks
2011-01-11T19:00:00
I like this better than the larger HVL-F58AM. While the 58 does have some nifty range of motion advantages, this smaller lighter flash sits better on top of the camera
STEVE R.
2010-11-22T19:00:00
Excellent purchase, I already own 2 of these units, and so far the only cons I have is that it doesn't fit tight on the camera, neither the mini stand, and they don't sell it. Wireles works 85% at relative close distance.
Angelsparo
2010-08-21T20:00:00
So you want a flash but you're afraid that you might not use it that much. Trust me, you might be surprised at just how useful a flash is. Not only is it able to enhance your images but you can use it ways you've never dreamed of. This little beast will make whatever you hope to achieve easy due to its flexible design. The unit can be angled almost any way you wish or used in the wireless mode. However, you need to learn to use it the manual mode to get the most benefits. The only negative I see is the hot-shoe design carried over from the Minolta system. The flash shoe does not mate perfectly with the camera shoe. This results in a slight wobble. Ideally you want the flash unit to sit firmly on the camera. Keep in mind though that I have the old a100 camera. This issue might have been corrected with the current bodies.
superphoto
2010-05-10T20:00:00
Is very good flashgun,and is very cheap.The recycle time is fast and offers good results.The only con is no has bounce card.
imaginasgr
2010-04-13T20:00:00
The before is a bear sitting in the light of a north facing window, no flash. The after is the same bear sitting in the same light of the same window (just a couple minutes later), but I used the fill-flash on 1/4 power bouncing off the wall opposite the window. I am not a professional, but even I can see what a difference this flash made. By the way, I tried the same conditions using only the on-camera flash and ended up with a washout. In addition, the flash seems to mount securely on my camera in spite of what other reviewers have reported.
emmas
2009-11-19T19:00:00
I did a lot of review reading before I settled on the Sony F42AM. The F58AM was a bit more than I wanted to pay for a flash and this seemed the next best option. I've been 90% happy with this flash and do not regret my purchase. Have to admit the fact that it does not mount securely onto the a330 body bothers me. I have temporarily used some duct tape to act as a shim until I can fabricate a more permanent one. Also be warned that in the alpha system the in camera flash triggers the wireless function... and even though there is a slight time delay the in camera flash can still show up in shots. I recommend blocking the in camera flash when this happens. The F42AM is triggered by IR so it will still work if you block the in camera flash with something that allows IR to pass... I've even used my finger. Nothing is perfect but all in all a nice piece of equipment. Roughly 3x as strong as the in camera flash on the a330. One last thing... I've never had a flash that had a lock/release for tilt and swivel... I don't really like it.
Blackriver
2009-08-18T21:00:00
The Sony HVL-F42AM Shoe Mount Flash for the alpha Digital SLR Cameras has been the most influential photography product I have added to my cache since I purchased my camera! This fantastic piece of technology has taken my photographic art from novice to professional in just one quick click of the button! This product is a must have for anyone who is serious about taking a great quality picture. I highly recommend this product for beginners to seasoned photographers!
Brendan C.
2009-05-05T21:00:00
The sony shoe mount flash is easy to use, is adjustable for fill or bounce light and the fact that it is wireless is a big plus.
Carol-Ann
2009-03-15T20:00:00
This is a HUGE step up from the in-camera flash. The light from this flash is a lot more flattering, and can be angled to bounce off of walls and ceilings for a much more pleasing effect in your pictures. I added a cheap $20 clip-on diffuser and the results are even better, astounding even. For $299, this should be one of your first investments if you're going to take a lot of pictures indoors in low light. You'll see the difference in your very first picture. The ability to fire the flash wirelessly is absolutely excellent, and gives you the ability to get great angles with the light.
pulseHEAD
2008-12-26T19:00:00
this has been by far the most fun I have ever had using a flash. set up is great, it's plenty powerful for anyone's daily use. The wireless synch is easy and for the money you cannot go wrong. I want two now!
DewmanFu
2008-06-28T21:00:00
Although it doesn't have the power of the 5600 HS, it's versatility makes it a good value for the price.
Minoltian
F2: 3' to 60 feet / 1m to 18m
136' / 42M (at 105mm lens focal distance)
More than 180 (using Alkaline batteries)
Approx. 45degrees (at 35mm lens focal distance)
Approx. 60degrees (at 35mm lens focal distance)
approx.5500K
Intelligent Accessory Shoe
Automatic Light Control
Yes
Yes
Lighting Angle (Vertical) Using The Wide Panel: approx. 155° Lighting Angle (Horizontal) Using The Wide Panel: approx. 125°
Upward - 90 degrees; Left - 90 degrees; Right - 180 degrees
AA Alkaline /AA Ni-MH - Requires 4
12 oz (340g) (excluding AA batteries)
(WHD) 2-15/16 x 4-13/16 x 3-15/16" (75 x 123 x 100 mm)
Poly-carbonate plastic
+32 to +104°F (+0 to +40°C)
-4 to +140°F (-20 to +60°C)
A FANTASTIC Flash
By DewmanFu
this has been by far the most fun I have ever had using a flash. set up is great, it's plenty powerful for anyone's daily use. The wireless synch is easy and for the money you cannot go wrong. I want two now!
Great flash
By pulseHEAD
This is a HUGE step up from the in-camera flash. The light from this flash is a lot more flattering, and can be angled to bounce off of walls and ceilings for a much more pleasing effect in your pictures. I added a cheap $20 clip-on diffuser and the results are even better, astounding even. For $299, this should be one of your first investments if you're going to take a lot of pictures indoors in low light. You'll see the difference in your very first picture. The ability to fire the flash w...
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