Just got my HVL-F42AM in the mail. Any tips?

[DiskoJoe]

This is the first flash I have purchased. I played around with it a bit but just wanted to start up a discussion about tips and tricks people might have for using it.

Discuss!

[groovyone]

Uh, works well.

1 major tip! If you use it on a radio trigger, you have to turn it on while mounted to the camera FIRST, then put it on the trigger. If it falls asleep you have to repeat the process. You can turn off the sleep timer if you plan on using it wireless with radio triggers (in M mode).

I had two and they were very reliable. I only parted with them because the 43 gave me a much wider range of manual power settings that I felt I was missing with my 42s and 58s.

[craigb456]

What Keith said

[DiskoJoe]

Originally Posted by groovyone

Uh, works well.

1 major tip! If you use it on a radio trigger, you have to turn it on while mounted to the camera FIRST, then put it on the trigger. If it falls asleep you have to repeat the process. You can turn off the sleep timer if you plan on using it wireless with radio triggers (in M mode).

I had two and they were very reliable. I only parted with them because the 43 gave me a much wider range of manual power settings that I felt I was missing with my 42s and 58s.

Thanks. That is a handy tip to know. I do plan to use this wireless. Havent got any triggers yet but they will be coming soon. Really I went with the 42 because it is in my price range but it seemed decent for the money.

[groovyone]

Yeah, that one took some effort by a few A-mount shooters to figure out. I have done it though, and it works. I used mine with the Cactus V4s but it should be the same for any of the triggers.

[DiskoJoe]

Originally Posted by groovyone

Yeah, that one took some effort by a few A-mount shooters to figure out. I have done it though, and it works. I used mine with the Cactus V4s but it should be the same for any of the triggers.

Get cactus v4s: check

What are your thoughts on what type of flash to buy for a second flash? I plan on doing this eventually and was wondering if I should pick up an identical flash or if an off brand might work just as well?

[groovyone]

If you want to be able to get the full use from the Sony TTL wireless system, which I occasionally opt for over the radio triggers, I'd go with at least another 42. However, if you want another off camera radio flash at a great price the Lumipro LP160 is dang hard to beat: Midwest Photo Exchange LumoPro LP160 Quad Sync Manual Flash

The Cactus V5s are out and have some advantages over the V4s, or check out the Phottix Strato II Sony triggers so you don't need any adapters with the Sony cameras or flashes. Phottix Strato II Multi 5-in-1 Wireless Trigger (Sony ones shown in last photo. I have a Transmitter/Receiver set and am pretty impressed with them, and they can wirelessly trigger the camera with the included cable.

[DiskoJoe]

Originally Posted by groovyone

If you want to be able to get the full use from the Sony TTL wireless system, which I occasionally opt for over the radio triggers, I'd go with at least another 42. However, if you want another off camera radio flash at a great price the Lumipro LP160 is dang hard to beat: Midwest Photo Exchange LumoPro LP160 Quad Sync Manual Flash

The Cactus V5s are out and have some advantages over the V4s, or check out the Phottix Strato II Sony triggers so you don't need any adapters with the Sony cameras or flashes. Phottix Strato II Multi 5-in-1 Wireless Trigger (Sony ones shown in last photo. I have a Transmitter/Receiver set and am pretty impressed with them, and they can wirelessly trigger the camera with the included cable.

Good stuff. Lots of food for thought. Thanks.