Flash for Hasselblad H4D-40

[evgeny]

Hi,
I can't use the built-in Hasselblad H4D-40 flash with long lenses, such as 50mm f/3.5 HC II, because long lens creates a strong shadow in the bottom of the image.

I need the flash for people photography, in particular children, so it should be a mobile flash.

I have Nikon SB800, but it doesn't work with the H4D camera.

I don't like Metz, I think it is an old technology.
I think may be a Quantum flash?
I would buy Hensel Porty L 1200 Kit, since I already use Hensel flashes in my studio and have a lot of accessories. While Porty is fine for models, I don't know if it is suitable (weight, size) for children photography.
Added: also thought about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra, but I don't have any Elinchrom accessories.

Please recommend a flash and adapter, if necessary, for H4D-40.

Thanks
Evgeny

[pflower]

I can't help if you want an on-camera flash.  But I have used SB800s off camera with the H3D successfully.  Set to Remote and then reduce the flash on the Hasselblad to its lowest setting.  The on-camera flash will then trigger the SB800. You have to set the flash manually, but then before computers you always did.   

[evgeny]

Thanks for reply.
Do you set your SB800s on tripods or use a like Manfrotto 175F Clamps with Flash Shoe?

[pflower]

I don't use flash very much so thought I would try and see if I could get away with two SB800s which I bought on a whim years ago and hardly ever used on my Nikon.  They work OK for me.

Normally I use them on light stands and shoot them through umbrellas.  It takes a little bit of experimentation to get the power settings on the flashes, shutter speeds and aperture right but it is pretty straightforward.  Even with the poor screen on the H3D you can easily find the optimum set up with one or two test shots.

 I have occasionally held one out to side, angled up at the ceiling, and shot with the Hasselblad one handed.  I don't know the 175f clamp, but I used to have a bracket for a Metz gun which attached to the tripod socket of the camera at an angle of 90 degrees to the axis of the lens so that you could attach a flash out to the side of the camera.  I see no reason why something like that wouldn't work.    I just tried holding one a moment ago as close to the plane of the tripod socket as I could determine which meant that it was slightly behind the on camera flash.   With the red bit which responds to the flash on the SB800 (can't think of a proper name for it) angled towards the camera, it fired perfectly happily even though it was just a bit behind the flash. 

If you want all singing and all dancing ttl stuff which will go onto the hot shoe then I think you are probably going to find that you will be stuck with Metz.  On the other hand if you have an SB800 why not experiment and see what you can do.

[gigdagefg]

I bough the Metz and it didn't produce enough light for many of the situations I found myself in. Then I bought the Quantum Qflash 5dR with the turbo sc battery. I am really happy with this setup and so far can light any challenge. The system allows many approaches to any lighting system. Caution on the Hasselblad you modify the amount of light by the flash button on the camera not on the back of the flash on the QTLL mode. I have found the manual mode most user friendly and often the automatic mode for group shots is an easy way to get perfect exposure. Quantum provides many videos on their website that are very helpful in learning all the advantages and uses of their system, and their customer service on the phone is most knowledgeable.
Stanley

[BrendanStewart]

I use exclusively Elinchrom flashes with my Hasselblad system.

While it's not a hot-shoe mountable system, the entirely Elinchrom system, particularly the Quadra with Deep Octa modifier is an absolute dream to use. Check out my latest blog post using them:

[ondebanks]

Great shots Brendan! I love #1 especially.

Ray

[BobDavid]

I use the Quadra and deep Octa with my Blad too. Nice combo.

[evgeny]

Looks like I should use a radio trigger with a portable studio strobe and battery pack.
I have two options: Elinchrom Quadra or Hensel Porty.

Quadra wins in terms of size and weight. Porty provides much more power and I already have all accessories for Hensel..

Thanks all for sharing experience!

[Go Go]

This is the on board flash at work on my H4D 40, set at minus 1.7.
I also use a Profoto B2 kit with various modifiers, but the on camera flash can work wonders too.

[BrendanStewart]

Comparing the Porty and the Quadra is a mistake, they are in a different class of portable power. You are better off comparing the Ranger RX AS Speed to the Porty.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/532562-REG/Elinchrom_EL_10287_Ranger_RX_Speed_AS.html

vs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/477021-REG/Hensel_7024954_Porty_Premium_Plus_1200.html

[evgeny]

Brendan, I don't compare.

I need to decide - or lightweight and compact Quadra, or power and one of the best portable lights - Porty.

[BrendanStewart]

Gotcha. Well in your case, it's really a matter of power. It's not an easy choice.... one that many people have had to make on many forums for the last couple of years.

You really have to pick based on the most important to you, weight, price and power.

Weight = Quadra
Power = Porty
Price = Quadra

That's what sealed the deal for me. Though in the end, like many, i added a Ranger RX AS to the fray. I did sometimes want/need that extra power.

YMMV.

[evgeny]

I will buy Hensel Porty with Hensel Ringflash. This is 1200 W/S. Probably will also buy the Hensel RF90 Octa Sunhaze Softbox.

I believe this is the best mobile professional setup where tripod is optional. The Ringflash will add 4 lbs (1.8 kg) plus some weight of the cable. The battery will be on the ground.

[BrendanStewart]

It is very mobile, i own both: http://www.flickr.com/photos/symbolphotography/sets/72157623488792073/

Good luck with your setup!

[evgeny]

Brendan,
what do you use and like most, the Standard Reflector for Ringflash - 14" (35.6cm) or Octa Sunhaze Softbox?

Thanks
Evgeny

[BrendanStewart]

Well the standard reflector with grid offers a really interesting and unique look. However, keep in mind that Ringflash is still only a two trick pony. Let's face it - the Ringflash is still a novelty flash. A monolight pack or mains will always be more versatile in different situations.

I will however say that the Sunhaze does in fact make the RF more usable. It's a much softer light as it's going through two layers of diffusion fabric. So a lot of the RF effect is lost. But it's still visible that it's an on-axis light source, until of course you use it off-axis.

How useful are they in real world situations? Well, i shoot weddings. I don't shoot fashion per se. So for me, they are specialty items that i can use under certain circumstances. I use each about 3-4 times a year. But that's me.

It's impossible for me to say how useful they will be for you. However, i will say this... i'd get a Quadra or some D1 pack instead, because over time, it'll prove more useful to you.

.02

[evgeny]

Hi Brendan,

I already have 5 Hensel monolights in studio, 500W/S each, and many accessories for Hensel lights.

I don't have accessories for other brands. Buying accessories for each other brand can be very expensive. So I stay with lights from one brand.

Thanks for sharing your experience!
Evgeny

[mcfactor]

Canon flashes also work, albiet on manual mode. I have had surprising success using a Canon 430ex2 and a gary fong on the H3D.