Outdoor Fill-Flash w/ Sunpak 555

[j.gantz]

Hello there, Fellow Photographers,

I'm new to this forum, but look forward to contributing w/ my own questions and, hopefully, some answers.

I'm shooting a friend's wedding (pro bono) in several weeks with my Canon 20D, Speedlite 430EX, and a Sigma 18-50EX. They want documentary-style shots, but I'm also arranging to do a session of more formal outdoor portraits with my Mamiya c220 (TLR), Sunpak 555, and using Ilford 100 and 400 black and white film. On the digital end, I've run some fill-flash tests, and have found nice exposures using the flash's ETTLII setting and dropping the FEC on the camera down 1 to 2 stops. I'm using the old 'white card rubber-banded to the flash head' trick to soften my light. If anyone has further suggestions for this technique, that would be great.

My real question deals with using a fill flash on my Mamiya. My apologies if a similar question has been posted. Admittedly, I have very little experience with flash and am just now delving into the science of it.

I'm shooting with an 80mm lens, and would ideally be shooting at f5.6 to f8. I will be hand-metering my ambient light. For fill lighting, I'm assuming that my Sunpak will need to be in its manual setting, and I will be using a fractional light output setting (1/2, 1/4, 1/8,...). Are there any relatively simple formulas to safely achieve that small touch of light on the subjects without overexposure. Obviously I'll have a greater latitude with the film I'm shooting with.

It's time to start running some tests!

Thanks so much for any "light" you could shed on this topic.

-jeremy

[BLS439]

Good question! I've had the same one for quite some time now, but you asked first!

[Janie]

http://store.garyfonginc.com/liiido.html <- Check this out

[photophorous]

Hi Jeremy,

I also have very little experience with flash, but I have a few ideas for you.

How are you metering for the ambient light, when using the C220? I don't know any details about these two flashes, but why are you using the Sunpak with the C220, instead of your 430EX?...I don't know if it matters...

Can you get a flash meter? If so, use it to measure the flash power, making adjustments, until you get the fstop you want, then reduce the flash settings by 1 or 2 stops. If you can borrow a meter, this is what I'd recommend.

Or...if you plan to use your digital camera as a meter, you can do that with the flash too, but set the flash to manual. Take lots of test shots until you figure out the right output setting, based on the distance you need to get the framing you want on the C220. With some digital trial and error you should be able to get the settings pretty close. Then use the same settings on the C220. You could do this on a test subject before the wedding party is standing there waiting on you.

If you can get an assistant to hold a reflector, that would be a good alternative...as long as the group isn't too big. Then you would just meter for the ambient light.

Hope this helps.

Paul

[photophorous]

http://store.garyfonginc.com/liiido.html <- Check this out

Hi Janie,

Have you used one of those? Looks neat, but is it worth $49?...compared to something like this which is only $20? http://www.adorama.com/LQPB.html

Thanks!
Paul

[photophorous]

http://store.garyfonginc.com/liiido.html <- Check this out

Janie,

I meant this one => http://www.adorama.com/LQ8020.html

Paul

[j.gantz]

Thanks for the ideas...
I will be using a softbox on both flashes for fill lighting and tighter shots.
Paul, unfortunately I don't have access to a flash meter, but that would definitely elimnate most of my problems. I was not aware that a 430EX could be used with an old manual camera. Do they make an off-camera hotshoe bracket with pc cord connection?

I appreciate the feedback,
jeremy

[photophorous]

Thanks for the ideas...
I will be using a softbox on both flashes for fill lighting and tighter shots.
Paul, unfortunately I don't have access to a flash meter, but that would definitely elimnate most of my problems. I was not aware that a 430EX could be used with an old manual camera. Do they make an off-camera hotshoe bracket with pc cord connection?

I appreciate the feedback,
jeremy

Hi Jeremy,

I'm not familiar with the 430 EX or the C220, but I suspect they can be used together. Most of the newer flashes can be used with an old camera. You just won't have the TTL features. You'll have to use manual settings. If you can get the settings figured out on your 20D, with the flash in Manual mode, you should be able to use the same settings on the C220. I'm not sure what kind of cable you need, but they make all kinds, so you should be able to find one that works.

Good luck,
Paul