500 c/m handheld flash

[mexipike]

So I've tried all other options and I've decided that for the current project I'm working on I need a flash. So I'm working with a 500 c/m and need to purchase a flash. It will probably have to be used and pretty inexpensive. I thought about buying a used pistol grip at the local shop and hooking up a flash to the cold shoe, but I assume i could get a better flash that's already on a bracket. I'm not sure if i'd actually use the pistol grip without the flash but ir may be good to have anyway. I also will be using the camera hand held and bounce flash is a must.
Any thoughts???

Thanks,
John

[eric]

Vivitar 283 on a bracket? What cold shoe? Hasselblads don't have one unless you have a prism. The pistol grip goes under the body. You mean the the left hand side flash bracket with cold shoe?

[mexipike]

Vivitar 283 on a bracket? What cold shoe? Hasselblads don't have one unless you have a prism. The pistol grip goes under the body. You mean the the left hand side flash bracket with cold shoe?

sorry, yes I mean the left hand side bracket.

[eric]

Ahh. Still, I like the Vivitar 283 or the 285. Basic. High output. Lots of accessories.

[bdial]

If you're using a waistlevel finder, bouncing with a flash mounted on the accessory rail doesn't seem too feasible.
If bounce is a requirement, you would probably be better off with a handle mount flash, or a detachable grip with a shoe.
I think there is a version of the sports finder that has a shoe, so you could focus with the screen, then turn the camera sideways to frame and and have the flash pointed up.

[mexipike]

do you like the vivitar over the metz options?

[sjperry]

Best bet is probably a Metz 45 series. It comes with a base bracket that mounts to the bottom of the camera body and is triggered by the PC contact. I use a 45 CT-4 which I bought new about 25 years ago. Never had one problem with it. I use it with my Hassey and Rolleiflex TLR, as well as a Linhof. The Hassey I generally use is a 503CX, which has the capability for TTL exposure control but you can use the same flash with a 500C/M. You just let the meter in the flash control the exposure.

Steve Perry

[eddym]

If you're using a waistlevel finder, bouncing with a flash mounted on the accessory rail doesn't seem too feasible.

It's not too feasible. I have a Sunpack 622, which is a great flash, but if I turn the head up to bounce when I use a WL finder, I would have to use my left eye to focus and frame. I've done this, but it's uncomfortable if you're not accustomed to doing it.

[Steve Smith]

Another vote for the Vivitar 283 or 285 here.

I have the 285 my father used to use for weddings 20+ years ago which still works perfectly.

He told me that at the time, it was the only flash he could find which lived up to the manufacturer's stated output.


Steve.

[John Koehrer]

Ahh. Still, I like the Vivitar 283 or the 285. Basic. High output. Lots of accessories.

Cheap, readily available too!