Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: billthecat on May 13, 2008, 05:31:59 am

Title: Portable remote flash for Mamiya 645
Post by: billthecat on May 13, 2008, 05:31:59 am
Hello,

For my Canon cameras I have a ST-E2 and 580/550 flashes. They are small and fit in my bag, and I can put a flash to the side for nice fill light outdoors. I usually just dial down flash power on the camera a bit to get the effect I want. Canon seems to have purposely disabled use of their ST-E2 on other cameras.

I have a Mamiya 645 AFD2 and ZD back.

I assume I could use a Pocket Wizard to control a flash, but I'd have to run back and forth to set the power. Is there any small good wireless solution for the Mamiya?

Thanks,
Bill
Title: Portable remote flash for Mamiya 645
Post by: nicholask on May 13, 2008, 06:11:24 am
check out the Norman 400B units, which are battery powered.  They make a head which has an in built Pocket Wizard receive.  

I shoot with an AFD, too, and have used my Canon 580EX flash on top of the camera in Manual mode.  It works ok, but nothing like the Norman.  I find the light off the Normans fantastic - quite raw, but with a real ping to them.

Nick
Title: Portable remote flash for Mamiya 645
Post by: billthecat on May 13, 2008, 11:41:00 am
The Norman looks nice, but I think it's the same kind of control with Pocket Wizards. You would set the output on the flash. I assume that's what I'll have to do, either with my Canon flashes or others.

Bill
Title: Portable remote flash for Mamiya 645
Post by: woof75 on May 13, 2008, 11:51:57 am
Quote
The Norman looks nice, but I think it's the same kind of control with Pocket Wizards. You would set the output on the flash. I assume that's what I'll have to do, either with my Canon flashes or others.

Bill
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=195485\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

you'd be amazed at how good the auto setting on the metz 54mz is. I can never get ttl to work on the 645afd with metz, I have the adapter for it so I just use auto and it's genius.
Title: Portable remote flash for Mamiya 645
Post by: canmiya on May 13, 2008, 12:04:42 pm
Quote
you'd be amazed at how good the auto setting on the metz 54mz is. I can never get ttl to work on the 645afd with metz, I have the adapter for it so I just use auto and it's genius.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=195494\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

yep....and if you have the appropriate modules, you can use the 54 with canon or mamiya.
Title: Portable remote flash for Mamiya 645
Post by: billthecat on May 13, 2008, 02:07:54 pm
Thanks for the info. I assume I could buy a SCA 3952 and use a generic Metz 54 on the camera. I'm looking more for a flash I can locate to the side of my subject for fill light. I guess my only option is to use a device like the Pocket Wizard and set my flash manually. Perhaps I'll get a light meter too help.

Bill
Title: Portable remote flash for Mamiya 645
Post by: Paul2660 on May 13, 2008, 02:14:50 pm
Has anyone used the Quantum Q Flash series?  T-4D or T-5d-r on a 645?  

Thanks
Paul C
Title: Portable remote flash for Mamiya 645
Post by: Ken Doo on May 13, 2008, 08:27:55 pm
Quote
Has anyone used the Quantum Q Flash series?  T-4D or T-5d-r on a 645? 

Thanks
Paul C
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=195523\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


The Quantum Q-flash system with Turbo battery and Pocket Wizards are a great combo with the Mamiya 645AFD.  I never liked the ttl modules.  Q-flash works well usng auto or manual settings. Good "portable" lighting system.  I'm still using the original Model T and T2----same great light quality and never found a need to upgrade.  Good testament to durability.  Customer service is excellent.

See, www.qtm.com
Title: Portable remote flash for Mamiya 645
Post by: sergio on May 13, 2008, 09:40:11 pm
I bought Alien Bees with the portable battery option. They work great and are very cheap. Check their website www.alienbees.com
Title: Portable remote flash for Mamiya 645
Post by: dustblue on May 14, 2008, 01:31:11 pm
I'll second that. Plus the little flash unit make it a unique and versatile on-camera flash.
Quote
you'd be amazed at how good the auto setting on the metz 54mz is. I can never get ttl to work on the 645afd with metz, I have the adapter for it so I just use auto and it's genius.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=195494\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]