Given a flash...wtf is this?

[Flibster]

As above - been given a flash - A Sunpak GX20

It's got this on the side...

How does that work?

Simon/~Flibster

 

[Raymond Lin]

The aperture of the lens you are using along with the distance.

Some lens have a distance meter, put that number in.

 

[BrenOS]

Haha. You sure that flash is re-useable?

 

[DRZ]

From looking at it, it looks as though you turn the dial so the white arrow points to the ISO (ASA) you are using (eg 100) and then it tells you what aperture to use at the sync speed at a given distance to get the right exposure.

 

[SDK^]

Yup - The Flash doesn't auto detect settings on the camera so you need to set them manually.

 

[gandhi]

you turn the inner dial so the distance to subject lines up with the ISO you're shooting at, then read off the correct aperture by the white arrow.

When you're using manual flash the aperture controls the amount of flash seen by the sensor and the shutter speed controls the level of ambient light.

tis good to use manual flash sometimes, teaches you stuff

 

[Flibster]

Cheers for that chaps. Makes a little more sence now.

Just found a little issue which may prevent me from using this flash - the last set of batteries that was in there has sort of leaked...

...a lot...

Will be taking it apart once I've found a good set of protective gloves to see if I can salvage it.

If not - off to buy a flash I go.
Any recommendations for a cheapish one that will work with a Fuji S9500?

Simon/~Flibster

 

[Mohain]

Any manual flash should work with the s9500, you can't get a dedicated flash for it (can't recommend on tho, sorry).

 

[gandhi]

Be very careful taking flashguns apart. The capacitors in there can store a mighty charge that will mor ethan sting if you accidentaly discharge them!

Have a look at the sunpak non-dedicated flashes. I can't tell you where to get them as they're all competitors!