Very little data was available yet on a new dedicated compact flash unit to
come along later this year from Pentax. Called the AF200FG, it will have a GN
of 20. Since it's short in height, it won't make the camera top
heavy as many hot shoe flash units tend to do.
ToCAD showed the new Sunpak PF30X digital hot shoe flash in versions for use
with Canon, Nikon, and Sony digital cameras. This smaller, low-profile unit
is about half the height of most hot shoe units thus it's lighter and
less top heavy. The output GN is 100 and the non-zoom head covers up to 20mm.
Fully compatible with TTL light control systems, it's simple to operate
with a button layout on the back. There is vertical bounce capability and an
autofocus assist light. The MSRP is $150. The Sunpak PF20XD is a small sensor
slave flash having a shoe for convenient mounting onto a camera body or to a
supplied bracket. Suitable for both film and digital cameras, the GN is 66 and
there are five steps of manual output control, plus adjustable pre-flash to
set to match various cameras. The MSRP is $100.
Also seen at ToCAD was the DSU-01, a wireless triggered digital slave unit
that works with any shoe mount or PC cord operated flash unit to remotely trigger
the flash. It has a multi-flash sync socket so you can attach two extra flash
units for more light and five pre-flash settings to adapt it to various digital
camera pre-flash types. The MSRP is $50.
New Flash Brackets
BKA showed the brand-new Stratos bracket that's lighter, has a 90Þ
camera tilt, a comfortable foam grip, and leg supports. It will sell for about
$150.
Custom Brackets introduced the Digital PRO-M black anodized aluminum bracket
with 90Þ ball-bearing rotation for changing from horizontal to vertical
composition and improved quick camera release. It's strong and maintenance
free, has adjustable camera height, a comfortable foam grip, foldout base support
so the camera can be set down, and retractable upright column to make it easier
to put into a camera bag. The MSRP is $435. Also new is the CB Junior, which
is now offered in a kit. This anodized aluminum bracket is light and strong,
has adjustable flash height, a comfortable soft foam grip, and foldout leg to
balance when placed on a table. The MSRP is $127.
Dot Line Corp. showed some new brackets, including the versatile RPS Studio
420 model for use with Canon or Nikon digital cameras, a base that flips for
horizontal or vertical composition; it's very easy to carry. This is said
to be the first bracket to include all the components needed for use with digital
cameras, including dedicated flash cord, electronic shutter release, and adaptable
to right- or left-hand use. The MSRP is $150. The Stealth Bracket is thinner
and lighter and has two heights so it can be used with either a regular SLR
or one with a thicker battery pack base. It lists for $90.
New from Tiffen is the Stroboframe U Pro bracket with 90Þ rotation and
a universal mount that's cut out for easier access to the front of the
lens. The vertical portion is extendable upward to position the flash above
the lens and adjusts side to side. I saw a prototype unit so there is no photo
or MSRP yet.
Flash Diffusers
A brand-new system of flash diffusers and accessories was introduced by Harbor
Digital Design that easily and securely fit onto the head of major brands of
portable flash units. The choices include domed diffuser, light box, mini reflector,
black box, and sensor shield. These translucent diffusers reduce or eliminate
harsh shadows produced by powerful flash units and offer adjustable diffusion
levels. The Pro Kit has an MSRP of $99 and the small diffuser is $59.
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Harbor Digital Design Ultimate Box Diffusers |
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THK was demonstrating an interesting new translucent flash diffuser that works
with the pop-up or built-in flash on any camera. It's an egg-shaped diffusion
shield with an off-center hole that easily slips over and holds onto the camera
lens; this allows the shield to protrude above the lens and diffuse the direct
flash. Since the camera meters the flash internally, exposure correction is
automatic. It will list for $25.
Manufacturers/Distributors' addresses can be found by visiting the Instant
Links section of our website at:
www.shutterbug.com/currentissuelinks/.
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