Sony HVL-F42AM flash
fills middle of range
S
elling for street prices between
£169 and £199, the new Sony
HVL-F42AM combines the
best features of the Minolta-legacy
5600HS (D) (HVL-F56AM) and
3600HS (D) (HVL-F36AM).
The key benefits over the 36
model include a rotating, tilting
head for bounce flash work (the 36
model only tilts), a pull-out diffuser
for wide angle shots, the ability to
set fractional powers from 1/32 to
1/1 on the flashgun, and a zoom
coverage which extends to 105mm
(full frame) from a very wide 16mm
(full frame) with the diffuser.
Benefits over the 56 model are
limited to ease of operation, with an
illuminated display panel similar to
the 36, and a correction to the rota-
tion of the bounce head. It now turns
the opposite way before hitting its
extreme, and this orientates the head
correctly when using a vertical grip.
The 5600/56 can not be angled to
the optimum for many bounce shots
unless you hold the camera upside
down for portrait compositions.
Custom functions allow you to
set Wireless Channel 1 or 2, change
display brightness, enable Manual
power when using modes other
than Manual on the camera (its
default locks out using fractional
settings with auto modes), and
change power-save shutdown time.
There is no provision to attach the
cabled flash remote system directly,
or external battery pack/mains
adaptor. The head does not have a
downward tilt setting for close-ups. Top: the 36, 42 and 56 models (outer
Tested in a closed room using two Minolta branded) compared.
bounce flash at full output, we Above: the rear screens and controls.
found that the overall output of the The 36 is easiest to use in daylight, the
HVL-F42AM is two thirds of a stop 42 has illuminated lettering. The 56
below the 5600HS (D). Flashmeter is dauntingly complex to set up and
readings were 22.8 for the 5600, 22.3 adjust. Right: 42 case, and pull-out
for the 42, and 16.8 for the 3600. diffusers of the 42 and 56 (these can
The HVL-F42AM has a physical, be used as shown, to create a bounce
manual on/off switch and it has a reflector). Below: head positions – no
Test button which can also check for c/u setting for 42, but better rotation.
Wireless flash range – press it on the
flash, and it communicates back to
the camera to confirm operation. The
42 can not be used as an on-body
wireless flash commander, only as
a remote. It works in combination
with the earlier flash models.
With most of the features
of the 56, this new model is
at last reasonably priced!
Á
photoworld 22
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