Nikon F3 ring flash

[k_m20]

<p>Hey guys,<br>

I have a Nikon F3HP with a Nikkor 50mm f/2 (AI or AIS, not sure). I'm interested in buying a ring flash for it. I read that the SB-21A and SB-21B are Nikon ring flashes that work with the F3 model.</p>

<p>What is the difference between the SB-21A and SB-21B?<br>

Should I have a problem attaching them to my 50mm f/2 lens?<br>

Do they work with wider lenses? (I'm thinking of getting a 35mm or even something wider later)</p>

<p>Thanks, feel free to leave any other related info.</p>

[michael_bradtke]

<p>http://www.bythom.com/sb21.htm</p>

[c_watson1]

<p>The flash head is common to both, it's the controller that different: one fits ISO hot shoes, the other fits the wonky F3 flash shoe:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.bythom.com/sb21.htm">http://www.bythom.com/sb21.htm</a></p>

<p>You have to have the 52mm adapter ring for your 50mm. Many of these units are missing the 52mm and 62mm rings. A hard-to-find item in either size.</p>

[k_m20]

<p>I see everywhere that this ring flash is for use with "Macro" lenses. I have the Nikkor 50mm f/2 AI. Does it have to be reversed into Macro mode (with the BR-2 ring reversing ring) before the SB-21A will work? Or can I just attach it to my lens regularly?</p>

<p>Also, how well does the SB-21A/B perform? Those of you who have used it, are you pleased with the results?</p>

<p>What other options do I have for a ring flash?</p>

[k_m20]

<p>Also, what about the SB-29?</p>

[c_watson1]

<p>The SB-29 won't fit your F3.</p>

[rodeo_joe1]

<p>K, as you can see from<a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/flash/sb21macro/"> this webpage</a>, the SB-21 isn't a true ringflash. It should really be described as a macro-flash or macro-light. So if you're looking to get circular ringflash catchlights, you'll be disappointed.<br /> Also, if you reverse your lens then the SB-21 won't fit on it. Nearly all ringflashes/macro-lights are designed to screw onto the filter thread of a lens, usually via an adapter. This means it doesn't really matter whether the correct adapter ring is supplied with the flash, since a standard stepper ring can be used.</p>

<p>If you can still find one on sale, Vivitar used to make a range of true ringlights with a reasonable amount of power and various degrees of camera automation.</p>

[jeff_livacich]

<p>Sunpak made some ring flashes that work well with the F3.<br>

The DX8R is a true ring shape, while the more powerful DX12R is squarish. With a Nikon module, they will give TTL exposure.<br>

Both are fairly inexpensive to buy used these days- especially the DX8R.</p>