beginner - what flash?

boudou701 · 2010-09-30T11:08:11+0100

Hello, I have been avoiding shooting with flash since I was born, I would like to start using one... but no idea where to start.. I have a AF 220T that I got with my first reflex 10 years ago, is it decent? otherwise there is a AF 400 on SRS for £35 or I was looking at the Metz 36... Should I start with the one i have and see if it's worth upgrading or otherwise which one would you recommend? Thanks!

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TonyM TonyM

835 posts
17 years
Surrey

Posted 01/10/2010 - 15:53 Link

Thanks Matt, I thought that should be the case. And apologies again to boudou for hi-jacking the thread.

Tony

boudou701 boudou701

567 posts
16 years
Berlin

Posted 04/10/2010 - 12:44 Link

Hello,

Thanks everyone and no worries for asking other questions.

I think I'm going to learn using my built-in flash first, if I feel like I need to upgrade later I'll follow your advice!

Thanks!
Pierre

Digital: KP, Film: KX, ME Super
Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6, Tamron 17-50mm f2.8, Pentax 16-85mm, Pentax DA 20-40 ltd
Pentax 21mm f3.2 ltd, Sigma 24mm f2.8 macro, Pentax 28mm f2.8, Pentax 35mm f2.8 macro, Pentax 43mm f1.9 LTD, Pentax 50mm FA f1.7, Pentax A 50mm f1.7, Pentax K 55mm f1.8, Pentax DA* 55mm f1.4
Metz 36 AF-4

MattMatic MattMatic

5870 posts
24 years
Sussex,
UK

Posted 04/10/2010 - 12:54 Link

Pierre,
That's a good plan
Don't be afraid to experiment with reflectors and light modifiers - even with the built in flash.

Some suggestions:
* Tissue paper
* 'Funky foam' craft foam
* Aluminium kitchen foil
* Cleaned out plastic milk carton

Direct, straight-on, flash can produce very 'hard' and clinical results. Softening, diffusing and reflecting are good ways to change the quality of the light

Matt

http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)