Contax TLA 200 Flash

This flash is great for those times that flash is absolutely needed. I would not say that this is a great flash as far as flash units go, but it will serve it's purpose well when needed. I have used the flash with the Nikon SC-17 off camera flash cord with very good results. I have also experimented with covering the flash unit with a small piece of black ladies nylons, and have noticed a dramatic decrease in red-eye, and it seems to have cooled the flash down a bit too.
I don't think this is the flash unit to go out and purchase, but since Contax seems to be happy to bundle this flash with the purchase of a new G2 outfit, it's well worth carrying around in your gear bag.

This flash unit is small, lightweight, and ultra efficient. It recharges pretty fast all things considered. The TTL control has worked nearly perfectly for me from day one, although, the flash seems to be between 0 and 1/3 of a stop hot. I have found this flash mounts to the camera in no time flat with no fumbling around trying to get it to mounts correctly (a big plus in my book).

The flash sits to close to the lense, and can result in harsh red-eye. The addition of automatic zoom control would be great, and would a bounce feature. One thing worry about with this flash unit is that since it runs on Lithium batteries, it will run at full capacity right up until the batteries run low on charge, then very quickly die out. I have not experienced this personally, but lithiums have a tendancy to suffer from this.

Nikon SB-21

None needed.

I have two TLA 200 units. I always use the units (either one, or two syncronized) OFF CAMERA with TTL, using the Contax cords. Wonderful fill-flash outdoors in open shade. Provides superb color redention with slow-speed negative film and the fabulous T-Star G-series lenses. Great for photos children. Two TLA 200's syncronized and a 28mm lens works great for group shots. Two people hold the flash units for me.

Small size, light weight, surprising performance from a small unit.

Price, off-camera TTL cords from Contax have failed after about a year of service.

None

I have read other reviews of the TLA200 which says it overexposes when used close-up and sitting atop the camera right above the lens gives the dreaded red-eye effect, but I have just used this flash with a Contax G1 at my daughters 18th birthday party and had no exposure problems throughout the whole roll. In fact I was most pleased with the results. This has been the only time I have used the TLA200 for more than just an odd shot or two. I have not tried it yet outside for fill-in flash. With regard to the G1, I have used it with both the Metz and the Vivitar and found these to be very good too. Much more power and more control. Though the TLA200 covers lenses from 28,45, and 90mm the coverage must be set via a little slider switch on the top of the unit. Perhaps Contax will build an auto zoom feature into their next reincarnation of this model. The TLA200 is a lovely little unit that takes up hardly any room in your bag or pocket. Ideal for emergencies but too weak for use in large rooms or at great distances.

Small size, solid and very neat, TTL exposures.

sits right above the lens, an auto zoom function would be nice.

Metz CL-1, Vivitar 283

No problems, Contax have always been most helpful with any queries I have had.