so i want to get the SF20 today. B&H has it for $219.95. anyone know of a cheaper source? before i buy.

thanks

-- john molloy (ballyscanlon@hotmail.com), March 28, 2002

Answers

John, Deltainternational.com $181.00 http://www.deltainternational.com/store/List.asp?QT=3&brnd=LEICA&PAGE=6 Gray market, however I have not had any problems with their stuff yet. Igor

-- Igor Osatuke (visionstudios@yahoo.com), March 28, 2002.

Check out Delta International then go and get yourself a SFILL

-- Brooks (Bvonarx@comcast.net), March 28, 2002.

Ooops that second one should have been SFILL

-- Brooks (bvonarx@comcast.net), March 28, 2002.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! my computer has been taken over by Delta International. Hopefully this will take you to Lutz's SFILL

-- Brooks (Bvonarx@comcast.net), March 28, 2002.

i am new to flash photography. is there a web site where i can go to see the difference between a softbox effect and one without? for instance, is putting on a softbox similiar to setting flash at EV-3?

john

-- john molloy (ballyscanlon@hotmail.com), March 28, 2002.

The SFILL can soften the flash by making it a slightly larger source and increasing the amount of bounced light which hits the subjects (if your in an enclosed area), but it doesn't have nearly the effect of a full-sized softbox (with internal reflectors and diffusers). I use a home-made gadget similar to the SFILL on my Pentax 645 for some wedding shots (only when I have to). Here's an example of the on-camera "softbox."

Compare that to an example using a big (about 2' x 3') softbox.

While the on-camera diffuser/softboxes can help a bit in some circumstances, don't expect too much from them.

-- Mike Dixon (mike@mikedixonphotography.com), March 29, 2002.

Do real men use the SF20? To me, it looks like a way to get the point and shoot look from your Leica. I like a more powerful flash and the Lumiquest products, especially the 80/20. Auto flash is almost as good as TTL. But the Leica M is not really a flash camera...that 1/50 sync is a drag...of the shutter, that is. And a real flash makes the whole rig a little top heavy, unless you use a bracket, and by now I'm reaching for my F100 with "D" lenses. :+)

-- Phil Stiles (Stiles@metrocast.net), March 30, 2002.

Oh, a website with flash samples! (I was distracted by my own rant.) Lumiquest.

-- Phil Stiles (Stiles@metrocast.net), March 30, 2002.

I almost bought sf-20 but changed my mind and got 54mz-3 instead because I mostly use bounce flash anyway. It is huge on a Leica but is also powerful. It does not feel uncomfortable at all. I do not use it that often but when I need it it is invaluable. Also it will work with other cameras either with a standard shoe or an appropriate module. I have Canon and Leica modules and have not tried them out yet mostly because the flash works so well in Auto mode. Thanks, Igor

-- Igor Osatuke (visionstudios@yaooo.com), March 30, 2002.