Still Confused re: M8 and flash

[michaelmarcus]

Yes, I know that it is preferable not to use flash with any Leica. Also know that SF20 can be used in A mode

with M8 and that TTL may be indistinguishable from A anyway. Also, I know that I cannot use my Nikon SB600 with

M8, should have bought the SB800, darn it, but that was a long time ago and way before I acquired the M8. The

SF20 is no bounce or swivel, as you all know. I have read many confusing posts regarding wein safe synchs pros

and cons or even whether such a device is even necessary, since M8 is said to have a built in protection against

high voltage. The net result for me is confusion. So to keep it simple: on occasion when I want to use a flash

with the M8 that can at least bounce, can I use my Vivitar 2800, mounted on the hot shoe? There is no place for

cable insertion on the M8 and I don't want to buy a new expensive flash or cords. like the $700 or so Leica

branded flash. Someone suggested Metz c-20, which at least is not expensive and can be bounced. Is that Metz a

safe solution, mounted directly onto the camera? And if so, can someone suggest a diffuser for it? Will

appreciate any replies! TIA, Michael

[bms]

<p>You have the SB-600 and a Vivitar 2800? Probably both are OK.... however....</p>

<p>I have used an older Vivitar 285HV (as well as the SB-600) on the M8 and it lived.... but as you have probably read, earlier models have a high voltage. As far as I can find, the 2800 may have a sync voltage of 80V, in which case to be sure I you may want to check with Leica - M8 is as you know apparently <a href="http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/95343-what-best-flash-system-my-m8-2.html#post1000324">pretty well protected</a> but I have no first hand info. Also, if you have a volt meter or know someone who does, just measure it.</p>

<p>If you make it a habit, you can use the SB-600 manually and get pretty good a judging exposure - I did that until I acquired the SB-900 for my Nikons. It does take some practice, and you are probably not as fast as if the flash did the math for you....</p><div></div>

[rossb]

<p>I would not use any of the old auto flash units out there and that includes the 2800.. The camera is to expensive to risk frying it with some old flash that generates high voltage. You can learn to use the sb600 in manual mode or just buy a suitable flash unit. </p>

[SCL]

<p>It is easy to measure the flash voltage on older units. Here's a link to how to check the voltage as well as results reported by people on a number of units. http://www.botzilla.com/photo/g1strobe.html</p>

[charlie_novice]

<p>My diffuser is a couple of thicknesses of tissue paper, held in place by elastic bands or my hand.</p>

 

[michaelmarcus]

Thank you one and all for your replies. I'm afraid that I remain confused, but so what. Maybe I'll win at the casino next time I go and get the Leica/rebranded Metz dedicated. I will keep the M8 till it (will eventually and supposedly) cease to operate, no way to afford a trade in or acquire the M9. I'll just avoid flash for the time being and use my Nikon DSLR and the SB600 when flash is called for! Problem solved...