Sony HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras
The Sony HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash provides Sony Alpha camera users with many features like: powerful illumination, adjustable bounce angles, wireless remote capability, and intelligent features like ADI metering, auto white balance, auto zoom and high-speed sync. It is perfect for formal portraits, weddings and special events, still-life photography, hobby shots and more.
- Auto WB Adjustment
- The Auto WB adjusts the white balance automatically, with color temperature information signaled to the Alpha camera before WB is adjusted.
- High-Speed Sync
- The HVL-F42AM flash unit provides High-Speed Synchronization (HSS) mode that enables flash sync with shutter speeds from 1/500 to 1/4000 of a second to catch fast-moving subjects.
- ADI Flash Metering
- ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) metering capability enables the HVL-F42AM to work more effectively with lenses equipped with distance encoders, combining TTL (through-the-lens) flash metering with guide number control calculated automatically according to the distance to the subject, the ambient light and the pre-flash reflectivity of the subject.
- Can be triggered wirelessly (with TTL control) by the wireless operating mode available with Alpha series cameras.
| Type | Shoe Mount |
| Guide No. | 138' (42 m) at 105mm |
| Angle of Coverage | 45° (vertical) x 60° (horizontal) |
| Vari-Power | Yes |
| TTL Dedication | Yes (ADI in combination with D Lens) |
| Bounce Head | Yes (Up 90°) |
| Swivel Head | Yes (Right 180°, Left 90°) |
| Zoom Head | Yes (24mm - 105mm coverage, 16mm with included wide panel) |
| Off Camera Terminal | No |
| Recycle Time | 4 Seconds (flash at full power with fresh alkaline batteries) |
| Power Source | 4x AA Batteries (Alkaline, NiMH) |
| Dimensions | 2.9 x 4.8 x 3.9" (75 x 123 x 100mm) |
| Weight | 12 oz (340g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 22 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (21)
- Fast recycling (12)
- Good power output (11)
- Versatile (11)
- Consistent output (9)
Cons
Best Uses
- General purpose (18)
- Fill flash (16)
- Portraits (15)
- Night photography (12)
- Photojournalism (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (11), Semi-pro photographer (4), Casual photographer (3), Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (10), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
A Great Flash
I do mostly nature photography, but needed something more than the built-in flash on the Alpha for that work as well as inside snapshots and occasional portrait work. So far, I have used it...Read complete review
I do mostly nature photography, but needed something more than the built-in flash on the Alpha for that work as well as inside snapshots and occasional portrait work. So far, I have used it for a lot of family pictures, and am very pleased with the results. Battery usage (Lithium) seems very reasonable, with fast recycle times. I used it a little in wireless mode, with good results. It is very easy and almost intuitive to use.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Meets my need at this time
My camera has a pop up flash, after a short time I new I needed more power. This product is what I needed to take better photos.
My camera has a pop up flash, after a short time I new I needed more power. This product is what I needed to take better photos.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 22 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
Great for indoor or outdoor use to bounce flash off walls ceilings or reflectors or as a perfect fill flash out outdoor events.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
Powerful flash synchronizes with all the modes of my Sony Alpha A33. Improves my pictures quality by 100%.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
I wouldn't choose flash photography when natural light would suffice, but recently I photographed a special event when every shot counted and there would be no second chance. Being indoors in low-light, flash was a necessity. The flexibility of bounce angle and rotation, TTL or manual over-ride gives you a lot of flexibility. You can leave everything to auto settings, with the flash choosing angle, focal distance, brightness or you can over-ride each of these settings. There is a diffuser that scatters the flash wide if you're using a flash for a group shot or with a wide angle lens. I found the auto TTL settings pretty true: not many shots over-exposed and fairly decent WB. I bought this flash rather than the more costly bigger flash and it seemed adequate for indoor people photography.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
This is a perfect flash for the price. Although i am against flash as a means to take images (natural light is the only way) we all know that sometimes you don't have a choice. This flash serves it purpose for my minimals needs when it come to flash work.
The turn of the flash head is helpful for bouncing flash in different directions to get the coverage you need and eliminate shadows.
Seemed to eat batteries quite quickly though.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
Works well with my A700 DSLR camera. Another fine Sony product.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
Works great. I highly recommend it for indoor use and portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
My camera has a pop up flash, after a short time I new I needed more power. This product is what I needed to take better photos.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
very user friendly
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
Lightweight and easy to use
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Photography
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
Very good product. Excellent timing with the camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
This flash helped me to take some amazing pictures at studio or at a location
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
The flash is very simple to use, there are not too many buttons and switches on it. Moving head means you can bounce of walls and ceilings, one of the greatest advantages of an external flash. HSS-mode allows using shorter shutter times, it is really useful if you're making a portrait outside. Wireless mode is absolutely great! It's definitely worth the money to buy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Eats batteries quickly
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
I own an Alpha230, my first DSLR camera. I rented a 56AM flash which is amazing but was greatly suprised when I saw the F42AM on sale! I believe there is a 15 foot difference bewtween the two flashes but it gives me the results I need and am so happy I finally own a "real" flash! Such a difference.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
for what little I have used it, it has control for short distance. and flash
to brighten up the mid range use.
Battery life is great
Dave
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
Works Great!
Have not used it for an event yet but what I've seen is great!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Not Interchangeable
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
I though the HVL wmigh have a bad performance, but my sorprise was great because it has excellet...I`m really satisfied.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
I use the flash when I need more light than the built in camera. I like the automatic light adjuatment feature.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
no. 1
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
I do mostly nature photography, but needed something more than the built-in flash on the Alpha for that work as well as inside snapshots and occasional portrait work. So far, I have used it for a lot of family pictures, and am very pleased with the results. Battery usage (Lithium) seems very reasonable, with fast recycle times. I used it a little in wireless mode, with good results. It is very easy and almost intuitive to use.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about HVL-F42AM Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital Cameras:
I typically use this for "ad hoc" portrait and event photography. It's very easy to use with simple controls and functions on the hot-shoe and wired.
It would be nice if you didn't have to pay for both the wire and a hot-shoe adapter.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
Required item:
-
- Original: $8.95
- Save: $0.89
- Price: $8.06
-
- Original: $24.95
- Save: $2.49
- Price: $22.46
Flash Diffusers
- Price: $14.95
Reflectors
- Price: $39.95
Brackets
- Price: $34.98
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $47.70
- Price: $37.01
Flash Pouch
- Price: $24.99
Flash Accessories
- Price: $49.95
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $24.95
This is a special order item and is non-cancelable and non-returnable. Est. arrival at B&H is 2-4 weeks (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at time of shipment.
What's in the Box
- Case
- Mini Stand
- Sony U.S.A. Limited Warranty
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