Difficulties using F32X

pianodancer · 21st June 2004

After a few sessions of night event photography using F32X flash, I have not-so-positive experiences with it.

I use Sanyo 2300mAh batteries fully charged, but I find that sometimes (not always), recharge takes a long time, as if the battery is being drained. I had to be embarrased at some moments when I tried to press the shutter but the flash is still charging. I'm not expecting instant recharge, but the wait is too long to be bearable (like more than 10 sec). Strangely, when I tested at home after the event, the flash recharges in a few secs quickly.

In comparison, the built-in flash responds much better. Although underexposure is expected, it is not severe. And I get faster recharge, often below 5 secs.

The F32X is very powerful indeed, with the ability to light up the entire Community Club hall. However, subjects that are closer gets grossly over-exposed.

Anyone knows if there are any external battery packs which supports F32X? I may want to get one in case I need to cover important events.

King Tiger · 21st June 2004

I also experience the same issue as pianodancer, the recharging take a long time (10 secs or more) and was very paisei as ppl are waiting for me, while I am waiting for the recharing before I can take the next shot.

rexus · 21st June 2004

I dun own that flash, but to my knowledge, you are setting the flash power too high, thus experiencing overexposure and long charging time. Try cutting down the required power to what you really need. U do not need to light up the whole hall and blind everyone unless necessary..hahaah..

pianodancer · 21st June 2004

Originally Posted by rexus

I dun own that flash, but to my knowledge, you are setting the flash power too high, thus experiencing overexposure and long charging time. Try cutting down the required power to what you really need. U do not need to light up the whole hall and blind everyone unless necessary..hahaah..

Glad to hear from others who faced the same problem.

rexus, not that I set the flash power too high, but the camera auto-sets the flash based on the focusing distance. I wanted to light up the entire hall, but since there are subjects close and far, those nearer to me gets over-exposed. This cannot be helped, but it's just a side issue which I believe all flash units will face the same problem.

As for longer charging time due to power too high, I think that's precisely the reason why we get external flash: it's to give power to those scenes where we needed lighting most. I know the relation between powerful flash and charge time, and I do accept the documented 8-sec recharge, but anything more than 10secs is an issue, especially when I use good rechargeable batteries.

What I suspect is that during recharge, if we try to press ths shutter, the charging circuit may be cut off, thus stopping the recharge. That's why when we try to press the shutter frequently during recharge, it felt as if the charging takes forever. This is just my conjecture, and I should test it out sometime to confirm.

The annoying thing is that while I know the built-in flash is capable of a good range, I may need the extra distance at times. Knowing that the built-in flash is good enough for most shots, I am tempted to remove the F32X flash and to shoe it up only when necessary. But this becomes such a hassle. Worst, what's the point of getting the perfect exposure when I cannot follow-up quickly with the next shot? I might as well sacrifise with an under-exposed image and PS later, but I get the benefit of capturing consecutive images? It's the same issue of getting a digicam with a slow burst-shot mode.

While I believe the F32X is a really good accessory, it does add burden to capturing good event (ala fast-action) photography. It is still useful for portraits using omnibounce as compared to the built-in direct flash.

King Tiger · 21st June 2004

[quote=pianodancer]Glad to hear from others who faced the same problem.
What I suspect is that during recharge, if we try to press ths shutter, the charging circuit may be cut off, thus stopping the recharge. That's why when we try to press the shutter frequently during recharge, it felt as if the charging takes forever. This is just my conjecture, and I should test it out sometime to confirm.
QUOTE]

Totally agree with what pianodancer have said, share the same conclusion.
Let me know your testing on charging time when pressing shutter frequently.
I would like to know the result too with my testing, but just to be sure.

rexus · 21st June 2004

Ah....sorry about that. I dun own F32X, so dunno what the exact problem. Will get one some days.

mpenza · 21st June 2004

Originally Posted by pianodancer

After a few sessions of night event photography using F32X flash, I have not-so-positive experiences with it.

I use Sanyo 2300mAh batteries fully charged, but I find that sometimes (not always), recharge takes a long time, as if the battery is being drained. I had to be embarrased at some moments when I tried to press the shutter but the flash is still charging. I'm not expecting instant recharge, but the wait is too long to be bearable (like more than 10 sec). Strangely, when I tested at home after the event, the flash recharges in a few secs quickly.

At home which is more enclosed, the flash does not output as much and recycling time will be shorter. but 10s is still a bit too long. Could it be the batteries are not fully charged or they are pretty new? It takes a few charge/discharge cycles for new batteries to get to their full potential.

Del_CtrlnoAlt · 21st June 2004

forget which thread mention this... but rechargeables use 1.2V den alkaline uses 1.5v so higher voltage will have faster recharge, i think if for normal usage, we use rechargeables, then if for events, den use alkalines for faster charge.

Edwin · 21st June 2004

Like to bring up some points that I had found out about Sony cameras when used with external flash. I used to own the predecessor of the F828, the F717 and based on some of the finding, Sony F series cameras do not really support TTL. Meaning it's more of adjusting the flash guide number (GN) to suit the aperture and focal length on the camera.

Thus, if the overall scene is dimly lit and requires a strong flash output, the closer objects will tend to be over-exposed since the camera is trying to lit up the whole image before cutting off the flash.

One way of which I found to overcome this problem will be setting the flash to Auto mode, not too sure about the Sony F32X as I was using the Metz 32MZ-3, the flash will be given the task of measuring the flash output. But there is a shortcoming to this solution... The closer subject must be in the centre of the framing since the exposure sensor of the flash is pointing straight ahead...

snowspeeder · 23rd June 2004

Originally Posted by pianodancer

After a few sessions of night event photography using F32X flash, I have not-so-positive experiences with it.

I use Sanyo 2300mAh batteries fully charged, but I find that sometimes (not always), recharge takes a long time, as if the battery is being drained. I had to be embarrased at some moments when I tried to press the shutter but the flash is still charging. I'm not expecting instant recharge, but the wait is too long to be bearable (like more than 10 sec). Strangely, when I tested at home after the event, the flash recharges in a few secs quickly.

In comparison, the built-in flash responds much better. Although underexposure is expected, it is not severe. And I get faster recharge, often below 5 secs.

The F32X is very powerful indeed, with the ability to light up the entire Community Club hall. However, subjects that are closer gets grossly over-exposed.

Anyone knows if there are any external battery packs which supports F32X? I may want to get one in case I need to cover important events.

Just over the last weekend, I had the opportunity to really test out the F32X. Here's my evaluation. You were right about the embarassment part, I was also embarassed when the flash recharging time took quite a while during group photo shoots (so had to improvise and 'action' a little to buy me sometime before the flash is ready for another round of fire). Well, if it makes you feel better, I was the wedding photographer.

On the issue of the battery life, I used rechargeable batteries (2000, 2100, 2200 & 2300 MAh). All were fully charged the day before. Realised that the 2000 MAh batteries only lasted about 5 - 15 shots before they were completely drained. The 2100 MAh faired better, about 20 - 30 shots. Quite acceptable for the 2200 & 2300 MAHs, they could survive 30 - 60 shots.

Regarding the recharging rate, it takes about 2 - 10 seconds to recharge. Depends on the flash power setting and also the state of the battery. If it takes consistently longer to recharge, clearly it means that the battery power is running low. Best not to wait till the red light comes on, or a good photo opportunity might just pass on...that means even more embarassment!

To conserve battery life, I used the "manual mode", using the appropriate setting. This is because using the "auto A" feature will result in 2 flashes being fired, think that drains more battery life than the manual mode.

To avoid over exposure, I used bounce flash, placing an Omnibounce on the F32X.

And for fear of the rechageable batteries playing out on me during the wedding ceremony, I decided on using my Energizer Alkaline Titanium batteries. Advantages include:
1) Faster recharge rate
2) Longer battery life (about 60 - 80 shots before the recharge rate slows a little!)

Hope the info is of some help.

Del_CtrlnoAlt · 23rd June 2004

the e2 (e square) batteries damn ex.. but very noticeable difference... esp with light bulbs. it is significantly brighter with the e2 batteries than the normal alkaline or even those 'high' power batteries even thou its 1.4v only.

think i have to go chup some wedding dinner for more exposure about flash, currently wasting flash in product photography only...

snowspeeder · 23rd June 2004

Originally Posted by Del_CtrlnoAlt

the e2 (e square) batteries damn ex.. but very noticeable difference... esp with light bulbs. it is significantly brighter with the e2 batteries than the normal alkaline or even those 'high' power batteries even thou its 1.4v only.

think i have to go chup some wedding dinner for more exposure about flash, currently wasting flash in product photography only...

If I'm not mistaken, the e2 batters only cost $5.60 for a 4 AA pack. Not much more compared to normal alkaline batteries.

pianodancer · 23rd June 2004

snowspeeder,

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like alkaline batteries are a good source for mission-critical events. Will look into that.

I also agree on not using Auto A since there is a preflash, since it also means a shutter lag in capturing the moment as well. I would love to use manual mode, only if I get the hang of it - no chance to practice, so had to rely on auto exposure mode.

Good to hear that the F828 is used for wedding photography. Hope you can share your results with us if it's convenient.

snowspeeder · 23rd June 2004

Originally Posted by pianodancer

snowspeeder,

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like alkaline batteries are a good source for mission-critical events. Will look into that.

I also agree on not using Auto A since there is a preflash, since it also means a shutter lag in capturing the moment as well. I would love to use manual mode, only if I get the hang of it - no chance to practice, so had to rely on auto exposure mode.

Good to hear that the F828 is used for wedding photography. Hope you can share your results with us if it's convenient.

Sure, it would be my pleasure to show you all some of the shots when we meet in one of the sony outings. Would certainly welcome criticism to help me improve in any/all aspects.

Del_CtrlnoAlt · 29th June 2004

i am experiencing a very very bizarre occurence now...

i have been an idiot using the auto A mode for F32x... den i took all the crappy pics... either too dark or too dull... or too blur... worst i have sufficient light inside the light tent already... and with the studio lights... still the same... with the studio lights to full power into the light tent... still the same...

just now i was playing with the light tent for a while, den i accidentally used manual, 1/32 den with the 3 studio lights without anything on it... no softbox no snoot... den entire pic is white... cos i used 1 sec shutter previously... trying to achieve ev0 previously... so out of curiosity, i set to shutter faster den can slightly see the pic... den set to 3200.. still abit bright... den lower all the flash down to lowest... damn... i finally get the effect i wan!!! no need to clean up those residue...

King Tiger · 29th June 2004

Del_CtrlnoAlt have the feel of the FORCE, the FORCE is strong with him.

21st June 2004	#1
pianodancer Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,547	Difficulties using F32X After a few sessions of night event photography using F32X flash, I have not-so-positive experiences with it. I use Sanyo 2300mAh batteries fully charged, but I find that sometimes (not always), recharge takes a long time, as if the battery is being drained. I had to be embarrased at some moments when I tried to press the shutter but the flash is still charging. I'm not expecting instant recharge, but the wait is too long to be bearable (like more than 10 sec). Strangely, when I tested at home after the event, the flash recharges in a few secs quickly. In comparison, the built-in flash responds much better. Although underexposure is expected, it is not severe. And I get faster recharge, often below 5 secs. The F32X is very powerful indeed, with the ability to light up the entire Community Club hall. However, subjects that are closer gets grossly over-exposed. Anyone knows if there are any external battery packs which supports F32X? I may want to get one in case I need to cover important events. __________________ Musician \| Photographer \| Blogger Facebook

21st June 2004	#2
King Tiger Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: In the heart of SengKang Posts: 4,978	Same experience I also experience the same issue as pianodancer, the recharging take a long time (10 secs or more) and was very paisei as ppl are waiting for me, while I am waiting for the recharing before I can take the next shot.

21st June 2004	#8
Del_CtrlnoAlt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Outside the Dry Box. Posts: 16,342	forget which thread mention this... but rechargeables use 1.2V den alkaline uses 1.5v so higher voltage will have faster recharge, i think if for normal usage, we use rechargeables, then if for events, den use alkalines for faster charge. __________________ Logging Off Permanently. Those who need to contact me will know where to contact me.

23rd June 2004	#11
Del_CtrlnoAlt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Outside the Dry Box. Posts: 16,342	the e2 (e square) batteries damn ex.. but very noticeable difference... esp with light bulbs. it is significantly brighter with the e2 batteries than the normal alkaline or even those 'high' power batteries even thou its 1.4v only. think i have to go chup some wedding dinner for more exposure about flash, currently wasting flash in product photography only... __________________ Logging Off Permanently. Those who need to contact me will know where to contact me.

23rd June 2004	#13
pianodancer Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,547	snowspeeder, Thanks for sharing. Sounds like alkaline batteries are a good source for mission-critical events. Will look into that. I also agree on not using Auto A since there is a preflash, since it also means a shutter lag in capturing the moment as well. I would love to use manual mode, only if I get the hang of it - no chance to practice, so had to rely on auto exposure mode. Good to hear that the F828 is used for wedding photography. Hope you can share your results with us if it's convenient. __________________ Musician \| Photographer \| Blogger Facebook

21st June 2004	#3
rexus Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bukit Batok Posts: 276	I dun own that flash, but to my knowledge, you are setting the flash power too high, thus experiencing overexposure and long charging time. Try cutting down the required power to what you really need. U do not need to light up the whole hall and blind everyone unless necessary..hahaah..

21st June 2004	#9
Edwin Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern coastline Posts: 392	Like to bring up some points that I had found out about Sony cameras when used with external flash. I used to own the predecessor of the F828, the F717 and based on some of the finding, Sony F series cameras do not really support TTL. Meaning it's more of adjusting the flash guide number (GN) to suit the aperture and focal length on the camera. Thus, if the overall scene is dimly lit and requires a strong flash output, the closer objects will tend to be over-exposed since the camera is trying to lit up the whole image before cutting off the flash. One way of which I found to overcome this problem will be setting the flash to Auto mode, not too sure about the Sony F32X as I was using the Metz 32MZ-3, the flash will be given the task of measuring the flash output. But there is a shortcoming to this solution... The closer subject must be in the centre of the framing since the exposure sensor of the flash is pointing straight ahead...

29th June 2004	#15
Del_CtrlnoAlt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Outside the Dry Box. Posts: 16,342	i am experiencing a very very bizarre occurence now... i have been an idiot using the auto A mode for F32x... den i took all the crappy pics... either too dark or too dull... or too blur... worst i have sufficient light inside the light tent already... and with the studio lights... still the same... with the studio lights to full power into the light tent... still the same... just now i was playing with the light tent for a while, den i accidentally used manual, 1/32 den with the 3 studio lights without anything on it... no softbox no snoot... den entire pic is white... cos i used 1 sec shutter previously... trying to achieve ev0 previously... so out of curiosity, i set to shutter faster den can slightly see the pic... den set to 3200.. still abit bright... den lower all the flash down to lowest... damn... i finally get the effect i wan!!! no need to clean up those residue... __________________ Logging Off Permanently. Those who need to contact me will know where to contact me.