Using alpha 100 external flash units

[tchoonyong]

Hi guys,

Anyone knows well enough to provide me some tips and techniques in using the flash unit as i sometimes do end up shooting pics come out under expose even though i had the flash light on the camera. Or any links to any pdf book that teach it.

[yk200]

Hi tchoonyong

look at this link .. wireless flash, written by bro sulhan.. quite useful

http://forum.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=160610

Regards,
yk200

[rOnGrEn]

Originally Posted by tchoonyong Hi guys, Anyone knows well enough to provide me some tips and techniques in using the flash unit as i sometimes do end up shooting pics come out under expose even though i had the flash light on the camera. Or any links to any pdf book that teach it.

hi...

It would be better if you can provide some examples of your problems .. like post some pictures so we can try to figure out whats the problem.. BUT I think Sony/Minolta flash system do sometimes have a problem in the accuracy of the flash exposure...

Nonetheless, some quick pointers I can think of off hand..

-Sometimes it might not be a problem with accuracy of the flash, but really that the strength of the flash is not enough. Take note of the strength (or Guide Number) of the flash. Sometimes the subject is really too far and the flash is indeed underpowered, thus resulting in underexposure. The same can be said when you use a diffuser or bounce the flash, as the flash output is spread out over a wider (and longer) distance.

-Adjust your iso varying if you want more "output".But try not to use too high an iso when using external flash.(ie you should really keep below ..say iso400)

-If you using the higher-end 5600 or 56 model, the lcd screen on the flash would give an indication/estimation of the max subject distance it can reach.

-Read the flash manual thouroughly. There is quite a lot of information there. additionally, you can check out http://www.dyxum.com/flashes/index.asp under "additional resources" , but do take note of the difference between film and digital system

[Galdor]

If you are using a a bounce card or a diffuser, do check the angle of your flash too. I got different results with different angles and the result also differs if your subject's distance is different.