External Flash for FZ-20

karnage · 27th June 2005

Hi all!

I'm considering a good external flash for my FZ20. Looking at the likes of Nikon & Canon Speedlites... Anyone who owns an FZ10 or FZ20 also owns one of these better flashes? How's the performance? Build quality? Which model is recommended for FZ20?

Currently I own an Emoblitz 328AZ... The tilt & swivelling quite flimsy... like anytime will spoil then it'll just drop to 90degree like that...

Will appreciate any comments. Thanks!

epete · 27th June 2005

Hi,
I have Metz mecablitz 36 C-2. It works fine. More info at
http://www.metz.de/en/photo_electron...6_C-2.179.html

You can find the right mecablitz for your camera at
www.metz.de/en/photo_electronics/flashlight_recommendations.142.html

natnivek · 28th June 2005

Originally Posted by karnage

Hi all!

I'm considering a good external flash for my FZ20. Looking at the likes of Nikon & Canon Speedlites... Anyone who owns an FZ10 or FZ20 also owns one of these better flashes? How's the performance? Build quality? Which model is recommended for FZ20?

Currently I own an Emoblitz 328AZ... The tilt & swivelling quite flimsy... like anytime will spoil then it'll just drop to 90degree like that...

Will appreciate any comments. Thanks!

I'm using the Nikon SB28. Never regreted getting it. Oh yah, I'm using a fz20.

karnage · 28th June 2005

Are Metz flashes really good? I've seen alot of recommendations for it. And the prices are similar to the Canon & Nikon ones too... gives one the impression that it's there too, in terms of quality & build & function.

To natnivek, does the SB28 have manual settings that u can view on an LCD? Can it tilt up & down, swivel left & right? How long have u used it? Can it do the high speed burst shot @ 3fps? What about continuous burst mode? How many shots before it stops flashing? Any idea?

natnivek · 29th June 2005

Originally Posted by karnage

does the SB28 have manual settings that u can view on an LCD?

Yes...

Originally Posted by karnage

Can it tilt up & down, swivel left & right?

Yes...

Originally Posted by karnage

How long have u used it?

Yes... Opps... I meant about 2-3 months... I think.

Originally Posted by karnage

Can it do the high speed burst shot @ 3fps?

Yes...

Originally Posted by karnage

What about continuous burst mode? How many shots before it stops flashing?

Haven't tried yet... Didn't really want to risk overheating anything. So I never went over 3fps.

Here's a link I grabbed off the web... I guess there are better ones...

donchua · 29th June 2005

Quote:

On the other hand, I believe the manual warns that you can melt the plastic of the SB-28 if you pop off more than ten full-power flashes in a row without waiting ten minutes for it to cool down.

The above were extracted from the below link I found in the net:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb28.htm

natnivek · 29th June 2005

Originally Posted by donchua

The above were extracted from the below link I found in the net:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb28.htm

Yah... I read that one too!!!

That's why I don't let the flash work too hard... Thanks for pointing that out.

Josephteo548 · 29th June 2005

Hey natnivek, how much and where did u get your flash?

sORe-EyEz · 29th June 2005

can try Sunblitz PZ-450 AF which i currently own (if u can find)....

it's a tilt & swivel design.

features incl.
.motor zoom from 24-28-35-50-85mm settings,can b manually set oso
.AF illuminator abt 20ft.
.2nd curtain sync
.TTL/ manual power settings (1/64- full power), even multi flash!

its build is gd too (except side cover that tend to drop off)!
so i use double-side tape to keep it in place.

all these for $125...

natnivek · 29th June 2005

Originally Posted by Josephteo548

Hey natnivek, how much and where did u get your flash?

I got it off B&S for $200. Not too sure how much is it selling for in the market but i think $300 plus...

karnage · 30th June 2005

Hmm... SB28. Sounds like a good buy too... I've been considering the SB80DX but read the article posted by donchua about all the other settings that the FZ20 does not support, esp TTL.

Thanks, natnivek, for all the "yes" answers! Haha! But another question here: how does the turning & tilting operate? Do u have to press a button to turn? Like the Canon 580EX... I think that might be useful... Or is it like click click click one? I scared that kind the click-stops will eventually wear off then the turning & tilting become limp liao... like how I think the Emoblitz will end up...

natnivek · 2nd July 2005

Originally Posted by karnage

Hmm... SB28. Sounds like a good buy too... I've been considering the SB80DX but read the article posted by donchua about all the other settings that the FZ20 does not support, esp TTL.

Thanks, natnivek, for all the "yes" answers! Haha! But another question here: how does the turning & tilting operate? Do u have to press a button to turn? Like the Canon 580EX... I think that might be useful... Or is it like click click click one? I scared that kind the click-stops will eventually wear off then the turning & tilting become limp liao... like how I think the Emoblitz will end up...

Haha... I hope I'm reading your post right. Anyway, yes... you need to press a side button in order for you to turn and tilt the head. And it's not a "click click" type.... :P

Just to be open here, I'm considering selling my flash off for $200. Thinking of getting a SB600. Tested the fz20 with a SB800 and it works too. Kind of preparing just in case I finally upgrade to a DSLR so my pocket won't burn so much. So if interested can just let me know yah?

Event_Horizon · 2nd July 2005

how about the Vivitar 285 ...should be around $150

Hong Jia · 2nd July 2005

Originally Posted by Event_Horizon

how about the Vivitar 285 ...should be around $150

Good... powerful... heavy and expensive...

Must noe how to control it well... muz know what colour is what setting... good for cameras without TTL... i heard that it last some pple 10 - 15 years, the flash still working...

karnage · 3rd July 2005

Ya... I know how long Vivitar lasts... haha! Might consider that when somehow I run out of cash (which happens too often for me to like).

Thanks again, natnivek, for your information. Looks like a good buy too! But I saw the SB28DX selling at $280 new... so trying to source for much cheaper 2nd hand ones... I guess I wouldn't really mind cosmetics as long as the flash is truly working good. If I run outta choices, I'll come back to you again for your SB28, IF you still have it...

ngkh · 6th July 2005

I am also looking for a external flash for my Fz20.

From here, we have a few choices,
1) Vivitar 285
2) Sunblitz PZ-450
3) Nikon SB28
4) Metz mecablitz 36 C-2

I think Nikon SB28 is too expensive for me (my budget is less than S$150)
Where to get some of these flash in Singapore?

I read from some forum that many people recommand Sunpak 383 which is cheap and good. Is this flash can be found in Singapore? If yes, where?

Karnage, mind to share some information if you manage to get your new flash?

I am sorry. Just started photography and do not familiar where to get all the stuff.

Thanks for the reply.
regards
from
ngkh

codling · 6th July 2005

if i m not mistaken, Sunpak 383 not available locally. need to get overseas...

ngkh · 6th July 2005

Thanks Codling. I think you are right. Cannot find Sunpak 383 locally. And I do not have confidence with online store also.

Anyway, I have narrowed down my search to the following:
1) Emoblitz 328 (cheap, can tilt and swivel but not in black color)
2) Metz 32 Z-1 ( can tilt and swivel and black in color)
3) Metz 36 C-2 (can only tilt)
4) Vivitar 285 (can only tilt)

Seem that Metz 32 Z-1 is the best choice.
Metz 32 Z-1 has auto mode with 3 f stop (f/4, f/5.6, f/8). Why not f/2.8? Will the lack of f/2.8 make a differences here?

At the sametime, doing research for Sunblitz PZ-450. (I think this flash is also called Sunblitz AF4500 which is distributed by Xtri Technology in Singapore). Is this flash has auto mode? If yes, what is the f stop? (cannot get the details from the net so must ask some user.)

By the way, where to buy Metz 32 Z-1 and what is the price?

Thanks
regards
from
ngkh

zenesh · 7th July 2005

I am using the vivatar 285hv now.

Super powerful. Slight problem with exposure because the auto exposure is f2.0 at ISO 100 which fz-20 does not support.

Have been using that mood. Pictures are just a little bit under. while if you use the f4.0 mode, pictures are a bit over but the bright portions are still not blown.

Might be selling the vivatar to get the metz 32 z1 on B&S. If i am not wrong, the Metz has set swivel positions. at anticlockwise 90 degrees and clockwise 90 degree position.

Expresso · 7th July 2005

any idea how much's the original panasonic flash?

27th June 2005	#1
karnage Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ang Mo Kio Posts: 988	External Flash for FZ-20 Hi all! I'm considering a good external flash for my FZ20. Looking at the likes of Nikon & Canon Speedlites... Anyone who owns an FZ10 or FZ20 also owns one of these better flashes? How's the performance? Build quality? Which model is recommended for FZ20? Currently I own an Emoblitz 328AZ... The tilt & swivelling quite flimsy... like anytime will spoil then it'll just drop to 90degree like that... Will appreciate any comments. Thanks!

29th June 2005	#9
sORe-EyEz Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SGee Posts: 1,568	hi! can try Sunblitz PZ-450 AF which i currently own (if u can find).... it's a tilt & swivel design. features incl. .motor zoom from 24-28-35-50-85mm settings,can b manually set oso .AF illuminator abt 20ft. .2nd curtain sync .TTL/ manual power settings (1/64- full power), even multi flash! its build is gd too (except side cover that tend to drop off)! so i use double-side tape to keep it in place. all these for $125...

6th July 2005	#16
ngkh New Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 18	Also looking for external flash for Fz20 I am also looking for a external flash for my Fz20. From here, we have a few choices, 1) Vivitar 285 2) Sunblitz PZ-450 3) Nikon SB28 4) Metz mecablitz 36 C-2 I think Nikon SB28 is too expensive for me (my budget is less than S$150) Where to get some of these flash in Singapore? I read from some forum that many people recommand Sunpak 383 which is cheap and good. Is this flash can be found in Singapore? If yes, where? Karnage, mind to share some information if you manage to get your new flash? I am sorry. Just started photography and do not familiar where to get all the stuff. Thanks for the reply. regards from ngkh

6th July 2005	#17
codling Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: eastside... Posts: 654	if i m not mistaken, Sunpak 383 not available locally. need to get overseas... __________________ triggerhappy exposures sony A700 + konica minolta dynax 5D

7th July 2005	#20
Expresso Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: SINGAPORE Posts: 52	any idea how much's the original panasonic flash? __________________ Nikon D90 W/MB-D80\|SIGMA 10-20EX\|NIKKOR 18-135ED, 70-300ED VR, 50mm 1.8D\|NIKON SPEEDLIGHT SB600

27th June 2005	#2
epete New Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Czech Republic, EU Posts: 1	Hi, I have Metz mecablitz 36 C-2. It works fine. More info at http://www.metz.de/en/photo_electron...6_C-2.179.html You can find the right mecablitz for your camera at www.metz.de/en/photo_electronics/flashlight_recommendations.142.html

28th June 2005	#4
karnage Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ang Mo Kio Posts: 988	Are Metz flashes really good? I've seen alot of recommendations for it. And the prices are similar to the Canon & Nikon ones too... gives one the impression that it's there too, in terms of quality & build & function. To natnivek, does the SB28 have manual settings that u can view on an LCD? Can it tilt up & down, swivel left & right? How long have u used it? Can it do the high speed burst shot @ 3fps? What about continuous burst mode? How many shots before it stops flashing? Any idea?

29th June 2005	#8
Josephteo548 Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bishan Posts: 132	Hey natnivek, how much and where did u get your flash?

30th June 2005	#11
karnage Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ang Mo Kio Posts: 988	Hmm... SB28. Sounds like a good buy too... I've been considering the SB80DX but read the article posted by donchua about all the other settings that the FZ20 does not support, esp TTL. Thanks, natnivek, for all the "yes" answers! Haha! But another question here: how does the turning & tilting operate? Do u have to press a button to turn? Like the Canon 580EX... I think that might be useful... Or is it like click click click one? I scared that kind the click-stops will eventually wear off then the turning & tilting become limp liao... like how I think the Emoblitz will end up...

2nd July 2005	#13
Event_Horizon Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 106	how about the Vivitar 285 ...should be around $150

3rd July 2005	#15
karnage Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ang Mo Kio Posts: 988	Ya... I know how long Vivitar lasts... haha! Might consider that when somehow I run out of cash (which happens too often for me to like). Thanks again, natnivek, for your information. Looks like a good buy too! But I saw the SB28DX selling at $280 new... so trying to source for much cheaper 2nd hand ones... I guess I wouldn't really mind cosmetics as long as the flash is truly working good. If I run outta choices, I'll come back to you again for your SB28, IF you still have it...

7th July 2005	#19
zenesh Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 163	I am using the vivatar 285hv now. Super powerful. Slight problem with exposure because the auto exposure is f2.0 at ISO 100 which fz-20 does not support. Have been using that mood. Pictures are just a little bit under. while if you use the f4.0 mode, pictures are a bit over but the bright portions are still not blown. Might be selling the vivatar to get the metz 32 z1 on B&S. If i am not wrong, the Metz has set swivel positions. at anticlockwise 90 degrees and clockwise 90 degree position.