Leica SF 24D TTL Flash for R & M Cameras - Guide No. 65' (20 m) at 35mm - Black

Comments about Leica SF 24D Flash:

This is small and compact so it's easy to travel with. The flash doesn't over illuminate the photo. This is not a studio light but rather gives that "Leica look" at the right moment when the available light is just a little too dim.

Comments about Leica SF 24D Flash:

The manual is does not even include mention of the Leica M9. The manual is poorly organized and badly written. All the information is probably there but is it not well organized.

Comments about Leica SF 24D Flash:

I purchased this little unit to go with my M9. The compact size was very important to me, as we like to travel and I don't like lugging around a bunch of gear. That's why I purchased a Leica in the first place!!!

I just shot an event last night using a the Leica 50mm 1.4 lens on the M9. The standard light dispersino from this flash matches the coverage of a 35mm lens. This flash lens combination created a nice, soft light - not too harsh, but not too soft. If I had used a 35mm lens, I probably would have added the diffusor. (I like to set the flash dispersion one stop greater than my lens to soften the flash effect.)

I set the flash for TTL metering, set the lens apperture at 2.0, and fired away with the camera in aperature priority mode.

I was totally blown away by the results. All of the photos were snapshots taken from 8 to about 20 feet from the subject. They were razor sharp, somewhat softly lit (not harsh), and the backgrouds were just that, backgrouds.

This little unit may not have bounce lighting, a secondary light source, etc. But it's small size makes it great for the travelor. Get the GF-58 for those times when you need all the bells and whistles. But for when you want something small which can provide great results, you can't go wrong with this little unit.

These batteries provide very fast recycle times; you'll never be waiting for the unit to recharge. One reviewer thought this might be a problem. But I've found them at any drug store. And they provide over 300 photos from each set!!!

Comments about Leica SF 24D Flash:

A good accessory flash for fill and low light. TTL works well. Relatively small and light. Lacks a rotating head and is not designed for more complicated uses but the next model up is nearly as large as an M9 and costs twice as much.

My main complaint is that it uses odd batteries that will be hard to find. Best to carry an extra set.

Comments about Leica SF 24D Flash:

[...] The flash was always 2 stops brighter than the setting on the flash in A mode and the lens setting in TTL mode. I know that there are always some defects that make it past quality control, but it is still fustrating.