Leica SF58: for DSLR and rangefinder cameras
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The new flash Leica SF58 is rather versatile as it can be mounted on an SLR Leica R as well as on a rangefinder such as the silver-based M7 or the M8 (M8.2 included of course). Leica here delivers an advanced and very intelligent flash, which offers dual functioning: a standard mode and a soft light mode. It actually comes with a diffuser to soften light, which is particularly useful for a portrait picture.
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Double source of light
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The main innovation, very well thought-out, in this Leica SF58 flash is the dual source of light. The head can swivel on both axes as on usual advanced flashes, it is really handy for indirect lighting by floodlighting a white ceiling or wall which will thus act as a reflector. But this technique often causes unsightly shades. This is where the FL58 is ingenious: a second source of light, fixed, remains targted at the subject and clear shades.
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Powerful flash
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The flash is powerful with a guide number of 58 and has a TTL mode, manual and automatic Fill-in. It covers a field from 24 to 105mm. This coverage can be artificially extended by using the wide-angle diffuser that comes with the FL58 and that would allow reaching 18mm. That is great news because, along with this new flash, Leica also announces today a new Super Elmar M 18mm ASPH lens. From 24 to 105mm, the zoom of the flash beam is manual or automatic.
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Leica SF58 flash: price and availability
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The new flash Leica SF58 will be available in March 2009 for 600 Euros VAT incl. It can be mounted on Leica M and Leica R series. It has a USB port to update the firmware, which ensures improvements and compatibility with Leica’s future cameras.
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Main features of the Leica SF 58
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- Guide number: 58 (at 100 ISO 21°)
- Coverage: 24-105mm
- 18mm wide-angle diffuser
- Double deflector to clear shades
- Main deflector swivels on 2 axes
- USB port for firmware update
- TTL, Fill-in Autoadesivi - Estero4
- Standard or soft modes
- Availability: March 2009
- Price: 600 Euros VAT incl.
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