A6000 External Flash

[Rgonzalez79]

So the A6000 is almost here and to continue leveling up from slightly better than casual photographer to "he takes interesting pictures" photographer I feel like I need to start learning to use an external flash.

I know the A6000 has a proprietary hot shoe but I've seen YouTube videos of folks using Canon and Nikon flashes with no adapter. Do these "legacy" flashes actually work on the A6000 or is there some modding needed to the terminal?

Also, I've seen some interesting things done with high speed syncing; any recommendations on an external flash compatible with the A6000 that can also HSS (just learned this acronym last week and it makes me feel cool when I type it )

 

[havoc315]

Those legacy flashes work only in manual flash mode, I believe. If you want to use TTL/auto, then you need a native flash.
The best I can recommend is the Sony F43m, very very versatile. But would be a bit bulky.

 

[Rgonzalez79]

Thanks Havoc, is it difficult to use a flash in manual mode? I've had a blast using manual lenses with the 3N.

That 43M is $400, man I didn't know a good flash would cost this much. The camera goes for about $450 on Ebay

 

[havoc315]

Thanks Havoc, is it difficult to use a flash in manual mode? I've had a blast using manual lenses with the 3N.

That 43M is $400, man I didn't know a good flash would cost this much. The camera goes for about $450 on Ebay

You can get it used for less. It's an excellent flash.

I consider myself a pretty knowledgeable photographer... I shoot in full manual settings often, always shoot RAW (though I do prefer the ease of auto focus), but I still rely on TTL/auto flash. But I bounce the lighting, I filter the lighting, etc, etc.. but still let the TTL function.
TTL will let the camera judge the amount of flash to use, and coordinate it with your aperture/shutter speed, etc.. it will determine the power of the flash. You may need to then fine tune it up or down slightly, just nudging the flash exposure up or down.
With flash fully manual.. you need to get a very good sense of the power output you will need. Especially at first, you won't just be making fine adjustment -- you'll have to keep dramatically changing the flash power to get it right. Once you master it, like all things, I'm sure it can become second nature.
But TTL flash is really wonderfully convenient.

And a good flash, can make a bigger difference than an expensive lens. So $400 for a flash is a bargain compared to $1000-$2000 for a great lens.
You should be able to find it for $300-$350.
You can find the F43AM cheaper, but be aware, that will require an adapter for Sony's newest mount. (I used the F43AM with adapter on the Sony A99 for a long time, led to great results).

 

[starwart]

Anybody use an non sony flash that works well with the A6000? I'm hoping to spend less than $200. I would also like a flash that has a tilting head and has TTL.

 

[bob100]

Anybody use an non sony flash that works well with the A6000? I'm hoping to spend less than $200. I would also like a flash that has a tilting head and has TTL.

look at Yongnuo flashes, TTL, tilt head, and other features for less than $100 (at least for Canon, I'm not sure about Sony!)


www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

 

[havoc315]

Anybody use an non sony flash that works well with the A6000? I'm hoping to spend less than $200. I would also like a flash that has a tilting head and has TTL.

That's one of the negatives of Sony. Their hot shoe is proprietary and there are few (if any) fully compatible 3rd party options.

I like Yongnuo, but they aren't Sony compatible. I believe Nissin makes a compatible flash. The cheapest Sony option is the f32m... It tilts and is ttl.

 

[starwart]

Thanks. I'll check out the Youngnuo and the Sony f32m.

 

[mcraige]

Take a look at the B&H site for a few options: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...lti+Interface)&ci=647&N=4168864822+4043133129 I've read good things about both the Nissin and the Metz mecablitz (both are cheaper than the Sony flashes).

 

[starwart]

Thanks for all your recommendations. I will pick up one at B&H when i travel back to the mainland. Next in my list will be a superwide angle maybe a samyang/rokinon 8,10 or 12 mm .

 

[HPS3]

I have 2 Yongnuo flashes that I've used on multiple cameras. They work in manual mode which isn't hard unless ambient lighting changes at a fast pace. They have easy controls and are had for well under $100.