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Do I Need A TLA 200 Flash

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I think that flash is the weakest point at Contax: Pricey but outdated.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.
 
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?
 
> 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
 
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.
 
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.
 
What Metz flashes are compatible with the G1, and what is the advantage (if any) over the TLA200?
 
Michael,

go to
http:\www.metz.de

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.
 
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
 
Harbert,

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