Flash Reviews

Got this as a promotion from Amazon with Maxxum 5, and was surprised and amused to find out it's even weaker than the build in flash(GN is base on ISO 200, you need to divide by 1.4 to get the real number). So the only use is when you got a long lense, the higher positioned external flash won't cast the shadow of the lens on your baby's face as the build in flash will.
On the bright side, the flash is very compact and comes with a carrying case and it uses the same battery as the camera, so I may keep it just in case, as a backup flash and a battery storage.

I've been using this flash unit with Minolta Dimage 7i and I'm absolutly satisfied.

- This flash is really powerful. The guide number is 185 (feet), it means under the most conditions your can easily shoot for 60 feet in the complete darkness. And it is probably even more important, that it is powerful enough for any kinds of bounce lights.
- Complete integration with the camera. In most cases you don't need to touch any controls on the flash. It automatically adjusts zoom and power level when you change settings on the camera.
- Wireless control. You can disconect the flash and install it somewhere or simply hold it in your hand and without any cables it can communicate with the camera. So you can use your integrated camera flash and this external unit to do some nice fill-ins.
- TTL metering. The flash makes a pre shot to let TTL system figure out what is the best exposure and power level and adjust the camera and the flash before the main shot. Very usefull when you do any bounces or use multiple flashes.
- Very fast! Because it's so powerful even if you set the flash at 1/8 of it's max power, it's still enough light for most scenes. But in this case the flash is ready for the next shot almost immediatly and you don't have to wait till it gets recharged. So far it could keep up with my camera in all situations.

So the flash is really great. The only problem is this is s Minolta proprietary stantard and you have to make sure your camera can utilize all these features.

I own Minolta DiMAGE 7i and I've found this is the most usefull accessory I have. It's amazing how this flash can improve your camera functionality. Really high (>180) guide number, virtually no limit on sync shutter speed (1/12000 sec!), fully supported TTL metering. Plus because it uses wireless channel to communicate with your camera, it very easy to point fill-in light. Just hold the flash in your hand or ask someone for help and no need to worry about cables or settings - TTL and wireless make your job really easy. Actually I can't name anything I don't like.

There is just one issue. It's proprietary, so it's really nice on compatible Minolta cameras and it's really ugly on everything else.

If your camera is compatable with this unit, it is the best and most easily used. You will get the most benefit. It has a bunch of bells and whistles but most of them can be set up automatically. Off Camera remote with some cameras like my Minolta Dimage 7i. I have the older 280 and 4000AF units to use with my 7000 series and they are still working after 15-20 years. Hope to have the same results with the 5600HS. You camera was an investment, invest in the best flash for it.

If your you are an amateur photographer as me you will love this piece. If your interest is to take homemade and/or family pictures and you are not a professional photographer you don't need nothing else that this piece dedicated for cameras Minolta Maxxum. A good purchase to a good price

Within a short time after purchase, the (plastic) back latch on the Minolta Freedom Action Zoom 90-Date camera broke. Now the camera is worthless. The warranty covers only manufacturing defects (not poor design). I found the camera cheaply made and the quality of the pictures just average. My advice would be to spend a little more and get a better made camera that hasn't been so poorly designed.

I received this camera as a gift last November (1999). After 3 weeks of use, it started to rewind after only taking 2 or 3 pictures. I returned it to the store where it was purchased and exchanged it for the same model assuming it was an individual camera problem. I was wrong. The red eye reduction feature has never worked. When using the zoom feature, pictures are extremely fuzzy. The only way to get good pictures is to not use the zoom and take picture outdoors. Now the camera has completely quit working. Everything that can blink at me does. I tried replacing the battery and that was not successful. I do not recommend this particular camera to anyone.

I have mixed feelings about this camera. I have been using it for the past year and have found that while my outdoor picutres come out nicely, indoor shots leave something to be desired. I have tried shots with 200 to 800 speed film and 400 seems to give me the best pictures. I've also noticed that the pictures used with the zoom lense often come out fuzzy, so many of my early pictures weren't too clear. Also, when the camera uses the flash, it takes a while before its ready again. I expected more from the camera, but am happy with its basic outdoor shots.

A very nice way to carry Compact Flash safely!

I use CFs in an industrial control system my company develops, and this product provides a safe way to transport them! I've purchased one for each of the software developers and others in our company who have a reason to transport CFs.

I've also purchased a few to use with my personal digital camera CFs.

I'd prefer a version that has space for four CFs and no PC Card Adapter, but that's specific to my needs.