i got my SF-20 last night. read the instructions etc. feel like i have an idea what do do. but i do still have questions:

let me start by saying, i am using an M6 TTL with a 35mm lens.

*so i keep the wide angle diffuser on for the 35?

*i set it at TTL, adjust the aperture (say 5.6) on the flash, set to 50th and shoot?

*people talk about dropping the power of the flash by up to EV2, is that +2, on the flash??

*or is it +1, with the diffuser that the instructions say have a value of –1.

*so can i pick any aperture i want? can i pick 1/50th and 1.4 and the flash will take care of the rest?

*if i chose a speed slower than 1/50th do i need to adjust something or is the flash incorporating that too?

sorry, but if i can understand these questions i’ll be set for the moment.

-- john molloy (ballyscanlon@hotmail.com), April 09, 2002

Answers

John, Set the M6 TTL at 1/50 or slower. If you then set the SF-20 to TTL mode, you don't need to set the aperature in the flash--do that only if you are shooting in manual mode. The flash actually reads the light strength Through The Lens (TTL) & limits the light output that it produces to whatever comes through the aperature. So in effect, using TTL mode creates an auto mode for the flash. You then set the f-stop based on the depth of field you want. Also remember that changing the f-stop changes the distance the SF-20 will throw light. Experiment on the flash itself w/ different f-stops to see what the effective distances become as you change f-stops... Also, set the ISO for the film you're using on the rear dial on the camera itself!... Last, it's a negative EV you want. My experience after burning a number of rolls is that -1 2/3s to -2 is best. Anything greater produces too little light... That should do it. Good luck!

-- Patrick (pg@patrickgarner.com), April 09, 2002.

Wouldn't setting the flash to -2EV vs leaving it at zero depend on whether you want the flash to be the main light at 0EV or fill at -2EV?

You set it to -2EV even when the flash is the main light, overpowering all ambient light?

-- Neil Swanson (neilsphoto@yahoo.com), April 09, 2002.

My earlier comments about setting the flash at -2 EV is assuming the flash is being used as the main flash, not fill! The flash out of the box is too powerful for most photog's tastes & tends to wash out all subtle modelling. The SF-20 is generally too weak to be used for outside fill flash but is okay for inside standard in-your-face flash----

-- Patrick (pg@patrickgarner.com), April 09, 2002.

You don't really need to have the diffuser on with 35. For 28 yes. But many people, myself included, prefer to keep it on unless maximum power is required. The diffuser loses about one stop, but the TTL measuring (or the photocell in the front of the flash unit on auto) takes care of it. The only thing that is affected is the maximum distance.

Ilkka

-- Ilkka (ikuu65@hotmail.com), April 10, 2002.