flash for Nikon FM and Coolpix 8700

[eric_kaplan]

Can anybody recommend a flash that will work with both my Nikon FM and my

Coolpix 8700?It does not have to be the least expensive alternative, but I

would prefer it not to be the most expensive either, perhaps something in the

$2-300 range. I am an advanced amature and just need a good, basic all-around

flash, preferably not too heavy because I do a lot of traveling. It can be

Nikon, but doesn't have to be. Thanks very much

[todd peach seattle, washi]

It's hard to find fault with Nikon's SB-800. Besides working with the latest digital TTL, it has the basic feature set and flexibility to work well with the older manual focus cameras. It's also relatively compact for the power and feature set it has. Give it a look.

[leicaglow]

I don't know anything about the 8700, but for an FM, I'd also recommend the SB600. I have an SB800 too, but I think the former stays within your budget. Also, for an FM, there have been a slew of Nikon flashes that you sould be very happy with. I still use my SB-11 all the time. Also, you might like the Metz flashes, but if you're a Nikon nut, the SB600 will give you a little capability, but maybe not GN rating.

[alex_j]

One thing to remember with the SB-600, is that it doesn't do Non TTL automatic mode. Just TTL and manual. But the Nikon FM doesn't do TTL. So you probably want a Nikon flash that does TTL (for the Coolpix) and Auto (for the FM) modes. That would include the SB-800 and older flashes like the SB-80DX, SB-50DX, SB-28/28DX etc.

<p>

Of course if you don't mind using Manual mode with the FM (no auto), then the SB-600 is an option.

<p>

Given you said, not too heavy, that probably rules out the SB-800, SB-80DX, SB-28/28DX and maybe the SB-600... these are all 300g+. The SB-50DX might be worth a look (92g). Thom Hogan has some Nikon flash stuff on his site:

<p>

<a href="http://www.bythom.com/coolflash.htm">Coolpix Flash Use</a><br>

<a href="http://www.bythom.com/flashqa.htm">Flash Q&A</a><br>

<a href="http://www.bythom.com/sb80dx.htm">SB-80DX</a><br>

<a href="http://www.bythom.com/sb50.htm">SB-50DX</a><br>

[alex_j]

Correction to my last post... the SB-50DX is 235g.<br>

It is the SB-30 that is 92g.

[alex_j]

Second correction... SB-50DX doesn't do automatic mode either.<br>

The <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/NikonF5/Flash/SB30/index.htm">SB-30</a> and others do TTL and auto.<br>