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Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2014-03-23T20:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Great - but quit working

I didn't use this flash much, but when I did, I really thought it did a great job. I was concerned about some stability ratings but given the connection felt I didn't have much choice for after market models, so I bought this one. Sadly, while I was on a major trip, the flash quit. Today, (two days after returning from my holiday) I found my receipt and learned that the warranty ran out 4 days ago. Just in case this is an easy fix, this is what it is doing on BOTH my NEX5N bodies: I firmly attach it and when the flash is raised, it the orange indicator light flashes, therefore not firing. If you have any ideas what it might be or have an idea of a repair cost (so I know if it's worth sending it in), I'd really appreciate hearing it.

kenns

2013-10-27T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Improvent

This flash is a significant improvement over the original flash that comes with the NEX cameras. The range is better and plus the bounce feature makes it possible to create a much nicer effect. The only drawback is that you are not supposed to leave it on the camera when it is in the bag. It is dramatically bigger than the original flash but it is well worth it!

RICHARD F.

2013-02-09T19:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Great...until it stopped working

The Flash decided to stop working in the middle of my sons first birthday party. Sad to say that until today I had nothing but positive things to say about the NEX series.

ska4mike

2012-05-10T20:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

defective

unit stop charging after few weeks, annoying since i though the camera was broken and getting frustrated it just didn't allow me to take pictures at all. after i turned off the flash it worked, then put the stock flash and it worked but the HVLF20S does not work or allow to take pictures when the unit is on. in other words this broke after a few weeks. a lot of reviewers are experiencing the same thing here and on amazon. buyer beware

JuanL

2012-03-22T20:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Stopped working after 3 months

Enjoyed it while it lasted ...which just stopped working after 3 months

Thirdself

2012-02-02T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

A Necessary Investment

A must have for any NEX owner. A big step up from the flash included with the purchase of the camera.

MexicanFlash

2011-12-12T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

A good upgrade

It is MUCH better than the included flash for the NEX-5N. It's just when you want to get creative it would have been nice to have controls on the back of the flash instead of going into the camera's menu and adjusting the metering for the flash. Sometimes, because of those extra steps you lose your moments. But it is definitely a step.

WarrenJ808

2011-09-10T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great addition to the NEX camera line

This is a great upgrade for my NEX-5 and my first few flash shots have been absolutely stunning compared to that weak and harsh kit flash. I highly recommend this flash as an addition to your NEX-3, NEX-5, NEX-C3 or NEX-5N.

JonasM

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Sony HVL-F20S Specifications

  • Compatibility

    a NEX Cameras

  • Flash Guide Number

    20

  • Flash Coverage

    F4: 1m -5m

  • Dimensions (W x H x D)

    2 3/8 x 2 7/8 x 2 1/8 inches (60 x 71 x 53mm)

  • Weight

    2.3oz (63g)

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About Sony HVL-F20S External Flash for NEX Cameras

FEATURED REVIEWS

A good upgrade

By WarrenJ808

It is MUCH better than the included flash for the NEX-5N. It's just when you want to get creative it would have been nice to have controls on the back of the flash instead of going into the camera's menu and adjusting the metering for the flash. Sometimes, because of those extra steps you lose your moments. But it is definitely a step.

A Necessary Investment

By MexicanFlash

A must have for any NEX owner. A big step up from the flash included with the purchase of the camera.

Expand your creativity with your a NEx interchangeable lens camera and the HVL-F20S external flash. This external flash extends the illumination range beyond the camera's included flash. Bounce flash enables shadowless indirect lighting while TTL (through the lens) flash exposure is automatically controlled by your a NEx camera for easy and intuitive operation. There's also a built-in diffuser which is ideal for wide and telephoto shooting.

Sony HVL-F20S External Flash for NEX Cameras Features

  • Extends flash range beyond camera's included flash: Though compact and lightweight, the HVL-F20S has a maximum range twice that of the included flash units of the NEX-3, NEX-5 and NEX-C3 cameras. This is represented as the guide number (GN) of 20 with a 50mm focal distance
  • Bounce flash enables shadowless indirect lighting: When set to 'indoor' shooting mode, the flash points up to bounce light off the ceiling for shadowless illumination of your subject. When set to the 'outdoor' shooting mode, the flash directs light directly at your subject
  • Built-in diffuser for wide and telephoto shooting: With the built-in diffuser, the flash illumination covers a wider angle of view or if users want to shoot at a greater distance, they can rotate the dial on the side of the flash unit to the 'Tele' Position
  • Easy intuitive operation: Unlike most external flash units, the HVL-F20S has no dedicated ON/OFF switch. Instead, power is automatically switched on simply by raising the flash unit into the shooting position
  • ADI Flash Metering System: The ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) flash metering system offers the optimum flash metering and automatic white-balance compensation regardless of the background conditions or the subject's reflectance