 Heather |
Flash Can any one suggest a good flash for a Nikon FM2N fully manual 35mm camera? Thanks!
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Mark Feldstein |
Howdy Heather ! When I buy equipment, I try to buy something I can use right away, will allow me flexibility for future equipment expansion, durable / portable and fairly straightforward to use and with a reputation for being reliable. Among my reasons for those things is to avoid having to replace the same equipment or to buy the same sort of gear multiple times. So, two strobes I can highly recommend are the Nikon SB 600 and the newer SB800. Yep, they're a bit pricey but IMO, for good reason. Aside from being pretty powerful units capable of working at lower power, of course, they're well made, versatile, work well in manual or auto-mode. AND since you probably don't want to keep buying supplemental gear as you advance through more sophisticated electronic and digital cameras, most of all, the SB800 will allow you to take advantage of auto exposure features on the new(er) cameras as well. So, it's versatile. Lastly, the SB800 works with either internal replaceable Alkaline batteries, OR if you need one, a separate battery pack like a Quantum Turbo that cuts your recycling time to about zip during things like events when you need fast recycling. Oh and btw, I use my SB units manually with my Nikon F-2As, Leicas, medium format gear, and even in the studio on peanut slavves. They also will mount nicely on the top of your FM2, as I recall, but I prefer to use mine on a Flip Flash Bracket off the camera using a PC cord, which your FM2 has.
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Mark Feldstein |
I should also suggest one other, somewhat cheapter than the Nikon SB's. Take a look and see if you can find a nice, clean, used Vivitar 285HV. The HV means it will accept auxillar high voltage power packs like the Quantum I mentioned earlier. Vivitar stopped making these a couple of years ago, however they may still be available at BHphotovideo.com, among other places, usually for less than a hundred bucks, or used from KEH.com. The 285 will work well with your FM2 and other cameras in semi-auto fashion or manually, either using a hot shoe or PC cord on a bracket like the SB strobes. It's also pretty powerful but I forgot the guide number at ISO 100. Easy to find though.
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Mark Feldstein |
Sorry: Typos, that first line above should read "somewhat CHEAPER" and "auxillary" power pack. :<( Long day, I guess. M
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Heather |
Thanks alot for your in put, it was very helpful!
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Mark Feldstein |
My pleasure, Heather. Any time. Some others here may know of other manual type units that are mid-price range between the 285HV and the Nikon SB strobes. I like those because of their electronics, durability on a daily basis, and once you get the hang of them, ease of use.
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