HVLF42AM flash compatibility

[Alan Shaw]

Hi,
As I described in my introduction message in the Welcome, and Well Met forum I recently bought a Dynax 7D as my first foray into digital SLRs. Whether I keep it for the long haul, or opt to upgrade to a more recent Alpha when funds permit, I'm not sure, but I would like to have an eye to the future with accessory purchases. I now have a 5400HS but understand it has limited value on the 7D so I'd like to know whether the new Sony HVLF42AM flash is fully compatible with the 7D?

Thanks in advance.

Alan
Brisbane

[Javelin]

it should be fully operational on the 7d. but I don't know if it's been tested

[David Kilpatrick]

Keep your 5400HS as well, it has a use. Unlike the new Sony flashguns, if you set the 5400HS to Manual power (1/32nd to 1/1) it will not automatically switch off this setting when the A300 or A350 is set to Aperture priority auto, but will set the camera to 1/60-1/160th flash sync speed. This enables the 5400HS to be used as a flash trigger for studio flash photography, retaining Live View on the A300 or A350 with auto LV gain. There is no other way of getting LV with studio flash and modelling lights apart from using a Minolta 5600HS, 5400HS, 5200xi on manual fractional power.

So don't just sell it for peanuts! The new 42 model will give you perfect operation on the 7D.

David

[Alan Shaw]

Hi David,
Thank you for your comprehensive response. That gives me the confidence I need to go ahead and buy one in the not too distant future.


As for the 5400HS, I have never done studio work so not sure I could justify hanging on to it, although the last time I saw one sold on eBay you'd have been lucky to buy a packet of peanuts with the the price it got!

Alan
Brisbane, Australia