Life with an SB-16A or "F3 TTL Flash the Hard Way"

[gary_watson]

I stumbled across a nice SB-16A today and wondered if anyone still

uses one for their F3. I'm aware of the AS-17+modern speedlight

solution but thought this relatively potent(and affordable) oldie

might solve my flash requirements for my F3s.Curious whether its

features and capabilities outweigh its size and awkwardness, thanks

to the F3's non-standard flash coupling, As usual, thanks.

[loreneidahl]

For the F3 the Sb-16a is a very good flash. I use one myself ( 3 F3's)

 

You can get the replacement foot ( bottom half of flash) that allows you to use the camera on a non f3 flash shoe whihc turns it into a sb-16b

 

I like the Sb-16a/b as they have the secondary light that when combinded with the main flash makes a real nice fill light.

 

This is especially nice when you may have positioned the main head away ( off to side to push back shadows etc.) but would like to light the main subject and not have any secondary shadows ( nose, eyes, chin)

 

I use mine with a quantum 1 battery pack and the recharge time on TTL is very close to the motor drive shooting speed.

 

Its big , awkward, and it works very well.

[gary_woodard]

sb-16 is a fine flash, and though rather awkward side-mounted is dandy, with the fill flash feature.