Re: [KOML] Flash Recommendations

[Clive Warren <Clive.Warren>]

At 12:12 pm -0400 6/1/98, Evan Ludeman wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>Looking for recommendations on manual/auto thyristor flashes to pair up
>with my RO 100.  Digging around on the web, it seems like the Vivtar
>283/285 or 4900 VT would be reasonable choices as well as various Sunpak
>and Metz options.
>
>My requirements are GN(asa 100) >= 120, auto f stops down to at least f8
>and preferably f11 and f16, vertical bounce, variable power manual mode,
>preferably < $160 (one sources price for the 4900 VT).
>
>Things that would be helpful to know, in addition to any hands on
>experience and recommendations for/against:
>
>* Has anyone actually seen a 4900 VT?  Rumor has it it may not be available.
>* What auto f-stops are available on various vivitar and Sunpak flashes?
>* Does the 285 have variable power in manual mode (Vivitar's page indicates
>it doesn't, but other pages indicate that it does).
>
>Regards,
>Evan (who just made his first 11x14's from RO negatives and is very, very
>pleased!)


The 285 is a simple and effective flash gun - I use a couple with ROs.  I
don't like the Sunpack (no technical reasons), the Metz is too expensive,
the 4000 series are no longer made, however I would buy one if one appeared
in very good condition for around $80 to $130, depending on model and
condition.  Vivitar say they were last made 10 to 12 years ago.....

I held a 4700 in my hands last Sunday at a camera fair - it was a well used
so left it on the table for $85.

If you have the dosh buy a new Metz Potato masher with the fill in light -
45CL4, then you can use it with almost anything else if you find the right
module.


Which lens were you using on the RO for your 11x14s?


All the best,

              Clive   http://clive.bel-epa.com