Rating Reviewed by: William B(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date July 7, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
Review 1 of 15
Price Paid:
$299.00
Summary:
I bought this flash for two reasons:
-HSS (High-Speed Sync): flash will sync at ANY speed on my Maxxum 7. Nice for using shallow depth-of-field on bright sunny days with fast film, and freezing really fast action.
-Power: has a maximum range of 177ft. @ 105mm.
Strengths:
Large, VERY powerful, "test" button, backlit LCD display, ft. and m., fairly easy to use and well thought-out controls, HSS (of course), swivel/bounce head, 24mm lens coverage... plus many other features (wireless, etc.) I havent used a lot, but will grow into.
Weaknesses:
Not cheap, but good things cost money. Price may come down since the introduction of the new 5600HS(D). HSS has a maximum range of 62ft. Lithium 'AA' batteries not recommended for use with this flash?...refer to operating manual, or contact Minolta directly.
Similar Products Used:
3500xi Flash (the "little brother" to my 5400HS, which I still love and use).
I like this flash. Fairly simple to use (even with all the options)thanks to the L.C.D. screen. Ratio, model, strobe, wireless, bounce, swivel, varible power levels, etc. etc. etc; has all the features I want.
Illuminates like a searchlight.
Hasn't failed me yet so I've been very pleased with the flash.
Strengths:
Well made tight feel, easy to understand, good coverage, powerfull, quick recycle time with nicads.
Weaknesses:
Too expensive new. Hard to find accessories, eats batteries on full power. No flashgrip fits the MAXXUM foot. Need to purchase adapter>$$$$.
Rating Reviewed by: Dan LePage(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date January 20, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
Review 3 of 15
Price Paid:
$0.00
Summary:
Wonderful, powerful, reliable flash unit. I first got into the Maxxum system because of its wireless off-camera TTL flash capabilities. This flash has never disappointed me. On camera or off, it works great with both my 600si and my HTsi Plus. It is absolutely worth every penny and I would buy one again in a heartbeat. It''s quite power hungry, but so are all flashes with this much power. Lithium AA''s are a great choice, lightweight, long-lasting and fast recycling.
Strengths:
Power, wireless TTL, easy to use, quiet autozoom from 24-105mm.
Weaknesses:
No diffuser for wider than 24mm. Not a huge issue. I''d also like to see a good grip/power bracket to get it higher off the camera and have a self-contained high capacity power pack.
A great flash, if used with a 700si or better. I never have shortage of power, but I the lenses I use are 50/1.7 and 100/2.0. mostly at f/4 or f/5.6. It is fast and very reliable in lighting. A perfect combination with my 800si! Expensive but worth it.
Strengths:
- Power - High speed synchro - Wireless mode - lights out 24mm - in all zooms lighting out very evenly over the negative - fast fast fast loading (use the right batteries please!)
Weaknesses:
- It feels a little breakable (never tried if it's true)
Similar Products Used:
vivitar 283
Customer Service:
not needed for this one, but Minolta Netherlands were very helpful in other cases
Not a bad product. It overexpose with 9xi especially at 2 meter of distance. Spot on exposure with Dynax 9. Too bad there is not compensation button on this flash so I have to cover the lamp with tissue paper to reduce the flash power.
Strengths:
Powerful, wireless, high speed sync
Weaknesses:
Not reliable. Slow recycle time. It turns off by itself without any reason. To turn on back again, I have to remove and insert the battery.
Similar Products Used:
None
Customer Service:
There is no repair service in Malaysia. I have to send it to Singapore. But the customer service is nice.
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