elemental
TPF Noob!
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2008
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- 646
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For some time I've been meaning to pick up a half-decent flash unit and have a go at the Strobist thing. People photography is one of the last areas I've hesitated to try, mostly because of the equipment required to do off-camera lighting right. Well, I talked to a friend today who admires my photography, and she happens to be A) ordering some, well, fairly revealing clothing items, B) interested in "messing around" with some photos, and C) very attractive. Obviously, my interest in trying some off-camera light is piqued again. My question is this: What would you recommend for a very inexpensive (as inexpensive as possible, really) flash unit? I use a Pentax K100D along with some older K-mount 35mm bodies, and I have no interest in proprietary TTL-type systems or any of that fancy stuff. I need a flash that has decent, variable output and can be acquired very inexpensively through eBay or KEH (or any other means short of outright theft. Actually, I might consider that too). I will cobble together an improvised and probably dangerous triggering system to go along with whatever I end up with, so the real issue is the flash.
Any thoughts? I like the Vivitar 285HV, but I think I can go cheaper. The Sunpak 544 seems to have everything I need and is extremely inepensive, but the handle-mount thing is ghetto (hey, cheapskates can't be choosers, so if this is my best option, I'll gladly get the Visa out). The 383 also seems solid, but I am not seeing those in the same price range as the 544s. Any other thoughts?
Any thoughts? I like the Vivitar 285HV, but I think I can go cheaper. The Sunpak 544 seems to have everything I need and is extremely inepensive, but the handle-mount thing is ghetto (hey, cheapskates can't be choosers, so if this is my best option, I'll gladly get the Visa out). The 383 also seems solid, but I am not seeing those in the same price range as the 544s. Any other thoughts?