Did you have any problems with your 3600? I was planning on buying a Sony flash, but my local camera store just got a used 5600hs and they want 140 for it. I have read where some people have said it does fine, some say the only the HSD's sync up correctly. Does anyone know about this?

For 140 I'd jump all over it. I have a Minolta 3600 and a Sony 56. Under computer control and within their respective power envelopes both work well and about the same. If there's any compatability issues between Minolta and Sony branded flashes, I've not been able to find them.

Andrew, would you mind if I ask you where you bought it, and how much you paid for it? I've been shopping around for the exact same flash.

Best,

Carlos.

I have read on the internet that only the HS(D) models work correctly on Sony/Minolta DSLR cameras. There is a 5600HS and a 5600HS (D). The non-D model will work as a regular old flash, but you wont have wireless, TTL or any other "advanced" flash feature. I have no way of verifying the information and it call came from the internet, so it could be completely wrong.

Hi Carlos,

I have sent you a PM with regards to the price, and also where I bought the flash.

Cheers
Andrew

Hi Sedlocks,

I haven't had any problems with the 3600HSD syncing, but then it is the HSD and not just the normal 3600. I seem to remember that the HSD flashes were specifically upgraded to work on the 5d and 7D cameras. The work pretty flawlessly on the newer Alphas too.

One area that I hope the new HVL-F42AM will do better is in simple fill flash where the head is straight ahead (ie: not bounced or tilted). On the 5D I find I get a bit of underexposure this way. Never had a problem with bouncing the 3600HSD though, so far, the 42 seems a lot better.

Cheers
Andrew

I have a minolta 3500xi that I got on ebay for $60. It works my a350, but no wireless. I was thinking of getting the F42 soon.

Thanks Andrew!

I'm also wondering how this flash unit compares to the Sony/Minolta 56XX. Does anyone have experience with both?

Thanks!

Hi Carlos

I have not used the Sony 56 so cannot comment on how the 42 compares. Spec wise, although older, the 56 seems to be better. It's more powerful and has the ability to strobe the flash. Accuracy and consistency is another issue.

Anyone used both, care to comment?

Andrew

"Accuracy and consistency is another issue."

Yes, this is what I'm wondering about. I take it Andrew, that you're quite happy with the accuracy and consistency of the 42. Anyone here care to comment on their experiences with the 56?

Thanks!

Hi Carlos

Sorry it's taken a while to reply to your post. Yes, so far I am happy with the accuracy and consistency of the HVL-F42 AM.

I have tried it with my film Dynax 7000i and also newly acquired 404si, and will post some pics later.

Andrew

Dear Andrew and Carlos,

WOuld you please tell me from where and how much you got this flash for? I am going on a trip next week and am trying to get this flash as fast as I can in a good price. Thanks a lot.

Les.

Hi Les,

I got the camera at a great price from my work (staff deal) but cameraworld is doing the HVL 42 at a competitive price £149.99- still more than I paid, but the cheapest I have seen otherwise.

I am attending a posh meal tomorrow and have been asked to take the photos, so I will put the flash to good use then. I'll post the results as and when.

Cheers
Andrew

Hi Les,

I got the camera at a great price from my work (staff deal) but cameraworld is doing the HVL 42 at a competitive price £149.99- still more than I paid, but the cheapest I have seen otherwise.

I am attending a posh meal tomorrow and have been asked to take the photos, so I will put the flash to good use then. I'll post the results as and when.

Cheers
Andrew