Video Review: Sony HVL-F42AM external flash gun

[AMac272]

you the man bjorn

[TristanMathews17]

Hey, can you give me some information on what would be the best slave flash for a Sony. I'd be using it mostly for outdoor night shots. I've never bought an aftermarket flash so any recommendations or information would be great!

[hbphotography700]

@TristanMathews17 I have no clue, sorry. Sold my flashgun about a half a year ago, after not having used it for well over a year. Flash photography isn't my thing.

[TristanMathews17]

@hbphotography700

Do you shoot in low-light area? Do you just use low aperarture lenses?

[hbphotography700]

@TristanMathews17 I shoot with a 35, 50 and 85mm, all f/1.4. I'm not afraid of pushing ISO up to 5000 or even 6400 either, if need be. Never need a flash.

[reptedjess]

so, I just went to your channel page to see the wireless function at it wasn't there. Haven't gotten around to it yet?

[hbphotography700]

@reptedjess I was gonna make it, and then I got a 50mm f/1.4. Never used the flash after that. In fact, I sold it a couple of months ago. Sorry.

[reptedjess]

not much of a review, is it?

[datsridiculous]

What are the power specs? (watts, volts, etc)

[hbphotography700]

@datsridiculous I have no clue. Don't have the flashgun anymore so I can't look it up for you.

[datsridiculous]

@hbphotography700 lol, sorry, I guess I should have mentioned that the information I asked about isn't o the unit or paperwork. I was hoping you had some other source that I don't have. Thanks very much anyway. Great video, by the way

[hbphotography700]

@datsridiculous Thanks!

[njneopatriot]

I get all my stuff through B&H ... always excellent quality products. I got this flash & the A390 for Christmas this year.

[WTFjenelleeee]

I'm considering buying this flash for my Sony a100, but the one thing I'm worried about is that, since the a100 is such an old model, will it work with the wireless flash connectivity?

[lexys26]

My uncle just purchased this one for me I have a sony a350 will this be fairly easy to just attach and use?

[danapointtrainer]

thanks for posting, and I like the music. But I was wondering if you can tell me if the 42 is plenty flash for me or I should save up and get the 58? I currently have the a350/a550. I've been using an Orbis Ringflash with a Vivitar 285hv with the cactus trigger. I'm only about a little over a year into dSLR cameras, I take pics from sports to portraits and cars. I'm just wondering, at what point does someone need the 58? Or is the 42 "weak" in comparison? wish the price difference was less

[moesnuts]

Are there any video here on youtube that show exactly how to use this F42 flash?

[steveb1100]

Nice video, shame about the choice of music.

[hbphotography700]

Didn't upload the video for the music. Don't like? Mute the video. Just that simple...

[soylentgreenistasty1]

@hbphotography700 No idea how he could hate the music! So smooth :)

Good video.

[hbphotography700]

@soylentgreenistasty1 Thanks!

[datsridiculous]

@hbphotography700 Awesome music. Steve probably only likes music that isn't actual music, like rap or Justin Beiber

[1ethan6661]

Hi really great video went through all my questions! But i have a Sony 380? Is this compatible? If not, is there a newer version designed for the newer sSony`s230/330/380? Thanks!

[hbphotography700]

Thanks! Like ellsworthra's question just below, I can answer yes to yours, this flashgun is fully compatible with the latest series of Alpha bodies.

[proslipknot]

does it work with the nikon camera?

[hbphotography700]

Nope. Minolta once chose to use a different flashmount to Canikon's, and Sony continued that when the took over Minolta's DSLR division. So this and any other Sony flashgun only works on Sony and Minolta cameras.

[ellsworthra]

will this work for a sony a330

[hbphotography700]

Yes... : ?

[ellsworthra]

what is HHS

[hbphotography700]

HSS (!) allows you to fire the flash in bright conditions where your shutter speed is already low. Say you're out shooting a model and you want to use some fill flash; that's where you'd use high speed synchronisation. It allows the flash to fire at shorter shutter speeds, so you can open up your aperture for DoF control. If you'd fire a flash without HSS at short shutter speeds, you'll get a horizontal beam om light over the photo...

[pook880]

Can I use this flash with the alpha 100? or would you recommend te sony HVL-F20AM for the alpha 100?

[hbphotography700]

Yes, you sure can! I wouldn't recommend the HVL-F20AM for any other purpose than a commander in a set of wireless flashguns...

[rossgumbrell]

with the wireless flash, the Sony triggers its own flash first to trigger the wireless. Does the built in flash show up on the photos? Or does the shutter open AFTER the first flash has fired so the cameras sensor is only exposed to the flash from the flash gun?

[hbphotography700]

Honestly, I have no idea. I've never really tried, and from the one experiment I did do I'd say the pop-up flash does indeed have some impact on the photos. But, I'm not sure, so don't take my word for it...

[jodiluge]

Ross (I assume you're Ross) Yes the built in flash is still present in the photo, which is why the advice on it's use is to turn flash complensation down to weaken it. If I want no evidence of the built in flash, just obscure it's light from eraching your subject. Don't block it completely as the flash gun still has to detect the burst of light from the camera, however the flash gun is very sensitive to the flash burst, so you should be fine.

John

[Noodle930]

If you get a piece of exposed, developed film, you can apply it over the popup flash, only allowing infrared light to pass through it and still trigger the flash.

[tadej172]

nope. The built in flash doesn't show up in the photo. I tried it. ;)

[jodiluge]

Bjorn, nice to make your acquaintance, I'm a firm believer that if it's there, then one should know what it's for and how to use it, I'm doing my best to take control of my limited abilities in photography, so I wil attempt to grasp the finer points of manual flash if I can. I won't ignore auto though, no fear. Thanks for your response. John

[jodiluge]

hbphotography700, Your video has helped me to choose, I've just ordered this flash gun, If you've got time to advise, :- is it easy to operate with regards to the power settings on the flash? or have I a steep learning curve ahead? I haven't used external flash since my Yashica film SLR about 15years ago, and that was a very simple Manual/Auto model. Thanks in advance. John

[hbphotography700]

Call me Bjorn! Good purchase John, you'll like the freedom of a flashgun! And to answer your question, yes, it is easy. Of course the TTL metering system will set the required power for you, but if you wish to do it manually, the various power settings shown in the video above make manual flash very easy.

Why would you use the manual power settings, if I may ask?

[Abrams999]

I have a A200 and have a couple of questions..

1. Will this flash work wireless with my camera or do In need a trigger unit?

2. If it does work wirelessly will the cameras pop - up flash fire as well?

[hbphotography700]

Both questions can be answered with yes. Yes it will work wirelessly with your A200 and yes, you will need to use the pop-up flash for that.

[Abrams999]

Thanks, help much appreciated. : )

Abrams

[hbphotography700]

You're welcome!

[gogoutube]

Hey I have a question, does this have an instruction manual included in the box? Mine doesn't and I was wondering...

[hbphotography700]

It should have...

[gerSick]

Mine had a thick multilingual manual.

There are some reports of people getting only a A3 like double side.

In any case you can download the manual at sonydigital-link

[gogoutube]

Hi thanks for the reply? What is an A3 double side? Perhaps those in North America don't have the manual I suppose.

[hbphotography700]

An A3 double side is just a single sheet of paper, A3 size, printed on both sides. I can't imagine they'd be able to fit all the necessary information on that little paper. It's good for the environment though... haha!

[pook880]

I own a Sony DSLR-A100 , can I still use this flash with it and enjoy all the features?

[hbphotography700]

Apart from some white balance adjustment, this flashgun is fully compatible with the A100. That particular feature is for newer models only (models since the A700)

[yankees2x]

hi can i use this flash for my alpha 350? and can i use it in wireless mode thank you

[tadej172]

Yes, you can.. =)

This works on all alpha models...

=D

[punkdude1668]

if anyone knows of a wireless trigger for sony, please please please tell me. i wanna purchase studio lighting =[

[tadej172]

wich flash do u have?

[punkdude1668]

HVL-F36AM

[gogoutube]

wireless trigger? sony has a remote control now for their cameras. you can press the shutter w/ it and take photos, among other things. Is that what you mean?

[niallswand]

Wireless flash video, please? :-)

[hbphotography700]

Well, I've got a long holiday coming up, so who knows...

There's unboxing videos coming up though, that's for sure!

[niallswand]

Great.

What are they off?

[hbphotography700]

That's the big suprise!

Just wait and see... you won't be disappointed.

[niallswand]

Hehe...OK.

But are they Sony Alpha stuff, yes?

[hbphotography700]

You may keep on trying, it's gonna be a surprise...

[tadej172]

lol. the camera went out of focus when u tried the 5fps :D xD

ps. IM GETTING THIS FLASH NEXT WEEK! Cant wait. I like the wireless feature.

[hbphotography700]

Yep, the camera got a little confused I guess...

Have fun with your flash!

[tadej172]

hy,

Could you please make a video of you testing the flash.. how far away can u be from the flash, so that it would still work and stuf.. please.

Thanks!

Tadej

[gerSick]

[add]

I don't know if you can run the external Flash and internal Flash at the same Time.

It surly does work with external Flash and 2. external Flash attached to Camera

Anyway I would recommend to get an external Flash to everyone taking pictures inside and esp. Macro.

More important than the best Lens (in my view).

For Landscape photography it's doesn't help much^^

[gerSick]

@sufcluigi

The flash is holding good on the Cam.

You can use the Flash to hold the whole thing (of cause not recommended with heavy lens).

The flash will not shake or anything on any angle you can hold the cam ;o)

Remote mode works very easy and does not need anything else.

[sufcluigi]

thanks for the info man, i shall be purchasing this soon :D

[hbphotography700]

Enjoy it!

[sufcluigi]

is the flash flimsy on the camera because of its size and also to use this wirelessly do i need to buy anything extra or does everything come with it?

[decoimages]

Bjorn...great video. Thanks for posting man-been looking for a nice flash mount-actually considered the Sigma for about 150 but I'd like to keep it within the Sony family.

Your very informative video has convinced me too go with another GREAT Sony option-for only 50 more than the Sigma.

Love the wireless option. Great work-great video-thanks and good luck!

[hbphotography700]

You're more than welcome!

Enjoy your flashgun!

[niallswand]

Just bought the Sony A200...looking for a flash but don't particularly want to sped loads? Any ideas? What companies sell good flashes? :-) Thanks!

[Djbeat230]

ebay has loads.

[hbphotography700]

If I were you, I'd rather spend just a little more on a good quality flash like this one, then buy a cheap model. As with most things, you get what you pay for. For half the price of this one, you'll get a flash that won't satisfy on the long term, probably. So invest some money and aim for something you can, but might not want to, buy!

[tobywuk]

Is there any reason you did not go for the F56AM or F58AM Models?

Im thinking about getting a flash but im wondering if i should spend extra on these higher models or not.

[hbphotography700]

Two actually. The 58AM wasn't on the market when I got my flashgun, so I didn't get that (I would have if it was available). And secondly: I bought the flashgun just before I went on a schooltrip to Finland, for which I though a flash would be useful. Didn't have the budget to get a 56AM. Plus, the 56AM flashgun is taken straight from Minolta, and therefore a little old fashioned (lay-out-wise, specs aren't bad).

Take my advice: get the F58AM, you might just regret getting another model.

[living4ever1974]

perfect video.. THX... !!!

[w00tausbruch]

well done!

can you tell me where the video about wireless flash is pls?

[hbphotography700]

If you'd have checked my videos, you'd have seen there isn't one... yet.

[cameralabs]

Great work Bjorn!

[hbphotography700]

Thanks Gordon!

Now where did that comment suddenly come from?

[lolitaluvphotography]

Well done Bjorn Good review on your Sony flashgun. Perhaps you use the Nikon Help Hotline Style. Keep up the good work!

[hbphotography700]

Well, apart from all the lies Joseph Spina uploads, his style of videos is quite good, so I guess... thanks!

[moesnuts]

GREAT VIDEO!!

Is it possible to use this flash wirelessly on the Sony A100k? If yes how?

[royraiden]

Nice review Bjorn

[viper1000tt]

You missed a 'part' of the flash. Hint: Look at the flash lens carefully...

[hbphotography700]

You mean the zooming part of the flash head? That changes with the focal length or manual zoom setting you use...

[viper1000tt]

No, the pull out piece that is to be used to facilitate wide angle flash. I believe it will work as wide as 16mm with the flash plate down.

[hbphotography700]

Not shown, but mentioned at about 1:25 (diffuser)

[jcp2k]

thats funny its looks just like a canon flash

[GriNGoLocoTe]

hey does this also work with the alpha350? i heard somewhere that the alpha 350 wont support wireless mode either.. please help! Great review by the way, it looks like a very useful tool. If this works on the 350 I'll consider buying it later this year.

[oid123]

I have the 350 and HVL-F42AM and I frequently use the wireless mode.

[grahamnp]

Nicely done Bjorn.

[blueshift12]

im interested to get this flash too

can it be used off shoe btw? as in wirelessly trigger the flash (using a350)? thanks

[hbphotography700]

Yes, using the pop-up flash of your A350 you can fire this flash wirelessly. Works very well, i use it often!

[dcraig50]

REALLY ready for the wireless video...that is the part that I need a little help on!

[hbphotography700]

Sorry, I've been very busy with school lately and will be for another month. I'll see what I can do...

[csrussell]

Superb video Bjorn! This flash is definitely on my short list of accessories to get. Your video was very thorough.

[hbphotography700]

Thanks! Good decision to buy a flash gun, it's probably the most useful accessory you can get.

[Liamd330]

hello wot does the ZOOM button do?? and the HSS also the LEVEL button???

[hbphotography700]

Zoom button changes the focal length setting of the flash. At 24mm (or the wide setting) the angle of the light that comes out of the flash is large, at 105mm narrow.

HSS button turns the HSS on and off, see the video for examples of HSS.

The level button changes the output of the flash shown as a part of full power. 1/1 is full power, 1/2 is half etc.

[Momiobello]

Excellent I like those videos...

Alexramos...

[hbphotography700]

Thanks Alex, nice to see you here on YouTube.

[tobywuk]

Nice vid Bjorn! I love the intro you have with the shutter

[hbphotography700]

I had to take the lens of and shoot without it to get the shutter sound. Like it too, looks even better in high quality, I'll upload that in a minute.

Did you know you can shoot at f/1 ? Just take the lens of, it shows f/1...

[tobywuk]

No, I dident know that. Will have to try it :)

[hbphotography700]

Be careful not to get dust in your camera to much. Especially because the mirror is moving, dust might be drawn in. Avoid rooms which are dusty (I did it outside).