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Do I Need A TLA 200 Flash

G

Guest

Does anyone have an opinion on whether there's a good reason to acquire (and then lug around) the TLA 200 flash to go with a Contax G2?

My bag already contains a Canon G2 digital camera and a compatible Canon 420EX flash. I know all of the 420EX's capabilities couldn't be accessed if used on the Contax G2, but wouldn't it operate essentially the same as the TLA 200 (except for it's tilting and swiveling capability)? Power is another factor. The TLA 200 has a Guide Number of 20, while the 420EX has a Guide Number of about 110 with a 45mm lens.

Anyone have an opinion?
 
G

Guest

> What about the TLA 20 for less than $50US I would think. Not much larger than a fancy 200.
 
G

Guest

Is the Contax G2 able to TTL-control the 420EX? Or do you have to use the 420EX as a non-TTL computer flash, or even fully manual (guide number calculation)?

TLA 200 can be TTL-controlled by all prevailing Contax bodies, and it is really small and light. No other advantages. It is red-eye prone and the list price is a joke, as like all Contax flashes.
 
G

Guest

Hy Paul,
I´ve got a Canon G1 with the 420EX and a Contax G2, so I tried it :).
The Camera does not detect the flash as it does a TLA 30. The 420EX e-ttl led is lit and it switches to 35 mm.
I think you should have a look at the Metz SCA382 adapter for the Contax and a SCA3102M2 for the Canon with a Metz Flash mecablitz 40 MZ-3i. A friend of mine is using said mecablitz on a Nikon F80 and D100 and a Nikon D1 with good results. It does not work an a Canon D30 but on an EOS-3.

Regards

Volker
 
G

Guest

Volker,

Thanks. That what was I was worried about. The 420EX is arguably a better flash than the TLA 200, but I was concerned whether it was usable on the G2 at all. Being an electronic or digital TTL, I guess the camera doesn't even know it's mounted. Too bad for me.
 
G

Guest

Is the G2+TLA200 couple able to manage the 2nd-curtain-synchro ?

This eventuality is only slightly mentioned in the G2 manual, but not in the TLA200 manual ...

Perharps have I to purchase a 'stronger' flash, like the TLA280, to obtain this functionality ?

Thanks for your replies ...
 
G

Guest

> [I have shot a few frames with the G2 dedicated tla200 flash and frankly it is a waste of time. Impossible to control properly etc. Much better results using long exposures and aloowing for blur and movement to enter your composition. Who says every frame has to be frozen solid? fluid movement in images can be very beautiful.Just don;t use the g2 for grip and grins and regular press work thats all.]
 
G

Guest

The TLA 200 does not have second curtain. The 280, 360 and 420 do have second curtain. The 280, 360 and 420 also have bounce and the 360 and 480 also have swivel. The 420 is the pro model, quite large and about $800. The 360 is about $$400 and the 280 is about $200. 200 guide at 100 ISO is about 18 m, the 280 about 25 m and the 360 about 36 m. Prices are from eBay and NY camera places.
Harbert
 
G

Guest

I have the G1 and thinking about buying the TLA200. I don't do much flash photography, just need a flash unit for the occasionally indoor people shots. I just want to use the auto flash function on the TLA200 with the G1 and just P & S without worry about exposure and GN's and manually setting apertures. So do you guys think the TLA 200 is sufficient for my needs? I can buy it for US$160.

Thanks in advance for any comments.
 
G

Guest

John,

I think that flash is the weakest point at Contax: Pricey but outdated.

Nevertheless, I have both of the G-dedicated TLA 140 and 200. I use them for fill-in mostly, which is not as easy as it should be (and not as the manual lies it would be. [nice rhyme])

Pros and Cons

TLA 140
+ ultra small
+ no red eye problem
- uses different batteries than G1/G2
- GN 14 only

TLA 200
+ GN 20
+ zoom head for 28,35,45 or 90mm (stronger for everything >28 compared to non-zoom head)
+ uses the same batteries as G1/G2 so you can exchange spare ones
- not as handy as a TLA 140 (which you can carry in a jacket)
- red eye prone

Bottom line is, if you want to do extensive flash work, go for a Metz. If you want to travel light and do incidental fill-in, try TLA 140.

Till

PS: There is a foolish work-around for the red-eye problem of TLA 200: slice a transparent Fuji-film cover and snap it over the flash.
 
G

Guest

Till,
Thanks,I have just borrowed a small Panansonic PE-20s flash (US$65)from a colleage, and will try it out soon when I have the time. It was bought in Japan, not seen this model anywhere on the web/stores. It is the same size as the TLA140. To use the auto setting of the flash, do I need to set the shuttle dial on the camera to position X, and then just set the aperture according to the flash instruction?
 
G

Guest

> I use the TLA 200 on my G2 for indors P&S pictures and I get good results the easy way... For better results I use a Metz 54 MZ3: also very easy to use and and cheaper on battery use! Frank Lindeman
 
G

Guest

John,

you will have to use your Panasonic flash in auto / computer mode = since your Contax G can only fire it, but not stop it. You will also = have to set X-sync manually (or anything below).

For fill-in purposes, this must not to be a disadvantage at all. The = Contax G1/G2 lack separate flash exposure compensation, so TTL-flash is = only perfect for full flash lighting.
 
G

Guest

Till,
Just read the G1 manual, yes, I do need to set the camera shutter to X, and use the auto setting on the flash unit. Will give it a try soon.
 
G

Guest

What Metz flashes are compatible with the G1, and what is the advantage (if any) over the TLA200?
 
G

Guest

Michael,

go to
http:\
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All units are bulkier but also stronger than TLA 200. Some add swivel head, second curtain sync, coverage from 20mm or even a secondary reflector.
Most are available for SCA 382 adapter which links into the G1/G2 as good (or bad) as the original TLAs.

I think that the Metz' are more reasonable priced than their Contax pendants.

As for me, I will soon try out 800 or 1600 ASA film instead of flash.
 
G

Guest

All,
I have a general question about Contax flashes and hope that one of you can help. Will the Contax PS-120 Power Pack for the TLA-480 also work on the TLA-360 Flash? I know that the manual states that the PS-220 works but wondered if any of you had tried the PS-120 on the TLA-360. Its hard to find a Contax site that gives this kind of information on all accessories. Thanks.
Harbert
 
G

Guest

Harbert,

I think this is impossible due to different voltages (12V / 9V).
AFAIK the plugs are different as well.
 
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