This is the A11
flash coupled to an XA. By modern standards the flash is big. It also
takes 7 or 8 seconds to charge up. On the plus side, it couples easily
to the camera and by simply pressing a lever on the front of the
camera, the flash starts to charge and the camera is set to the right
exposure. So easy to use. No fiddly multi-modes but not flexible
either. The flash needs setting to the film speed - only 100 and 400
are available but 100 works for 200 film but of course you loose a stop
- and with such a low powered flash.....
At 100 ASA the
maximum range is 2.5M (8ft)
At 400 ASA the
maximum range is 5M (14ft)
You can also set
the flash to manual and on the XA only, set the aperture to correspond
to the distance.
It is worth
having a flash just in case if you are indoors but flash destroys all
atmosphere. Instead, use the flexipod or just prop the camera up, use
the self timer and you will be astonished at the results. If there are
people moving around in the picture, that's fine.
If you think I
am not in love with flash you are so right.
There are other
flashes than the A11 but they are not common.
If you want the
details, here they are:
Model |
Weight |
GN |
Batt |
Recycle |
100ASA |
400ASA |
A9M |
1.8oz |
9 |
1xAA |
7 sec |
7.5ft |
14.8ft |
A1L |
? |
7 |
Lithium |
1.5sec |
? |
? |
A11 |
2.3oz |
10 |
1xAA |
7sec |
8.2ft |
16.4ft |
A16 |
3.1oz |
16 |
2xAA |
5sec |
13.2ft |
26.4ft |
The A1L - shown below - is a low
power unit designed for the XA4 for close-up work. The batteries are
in theory not user replaceable, but if you are handy with some small
screwdrivers and perhaps some solder, you
should be OK . It will fit other models we think and is highly
recommended by at least one user.
The A9M - shown
below - was a cut-down version
designed for the XA1 only but you can use it on any camera - but why
would you?
The A16 - shown below -
is a 2 battery flash which is more powerful but not easily found.
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