Contax TLA 360 Flash Unit Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by: VincentD
(Intermediate)

Review Date
January 3, 2003

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Review 1 of 7

Price Paid: $376.00 from B&H Photo

Summary:

This is a great and powerful flash unit. It is a natural fit for the Contax RX, as it balances very well with it. It seemingly anticipates the scene and adjusts the output of the flash accordingly. It is so great to have TTL!

Strengths:

It is powerful when you need it and delicate when it has to be. It is a beautiful peice of machinery and lovely to behold.

Weaknesses:

none

Similar Products Used:

Vivitar 183 (also quite fine)

Customer Service:

Never used

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Rating
Reviewed by: Albert4321
(Casual)

Review Date
November 9, 2001

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Review 2 of 7

Price Paid: $499.00 from Canoga Cameras

Summary:

The TTL flash system is one of the best. I used the TLA 360 flash unit and it is a perfect match for the N1 and 24-80 zooms because it has the power zoom match exactly the same focal range with the wide/tele zoom. The LCD display effective range, and all necessarily information. The multi-flash unit work with the camera''s compensation function very well and with high power output, which makes bounce flash easy to use. Moreover, the auxiliary flash creates nice eye catches when the main flash is used for bouncing. Fill flash performance is also outstanding. With the N1 in TTL mode, I have never gotten one bad picture with this flash unit. That makes photo-wedding assignment a piece of cake.

Strengths:

-Best flash with any Contax camera, especially one with TTL mode. -Powerful and accurate output -well build -Auto zoom. -Informative LCD display.

Weaknesses:

- not fully automatic with extension cord (still get TTL, but focal length need to be set manually if you use a zoom lens.)

Similar Products Used:

Various Metz, Nikon...

Customer Service:

No needed.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Adrian Barrera
(Professional)

Review Date
July 13, 2001

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 3 of 7

Price Paid: $450.00

Summary:

If you have a Contax Camera then you must get this flash. Works with alot of different Contax cameras. Powerful enough for most jobs and so reliable that you set it and pretty much forget about it. It works flawless. It is pricey but worth it....then again all Contax camera equipment and accesories are pricey but worth it.

Strengths:

One of the Best flash units for Contax owners

Weaknesses:

Heavy
Pricey

Similar Products Used:

Contax TLA 30
Contax TLA 280

Customer Service:

Not needed

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Rating
Reviewed by: Meryl Arbing
(Intermediate)

Review Date
May 21, 2001

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 4 of 7

Price Paid: $720.00

Summary:

If you have Contax cameras then this is a great flash and if you have a Contax RX it is an excellent choice

Strengths:

Works perfectly with my two Contax cameras (167MT and G2)and is a perfect match for the Zeiss 28-85 zoom. It has never let me down once it is setup for your current lens, ISO and aperture

Weaknesses:

You must remember to manually change the zoom range on the lens when you change the zoom on the lens which happens more often than changing the ISO of your film.

Similar Products Used:

Vivitar 283

Customer Service:

Never has given any problems

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Rating
Reviewed by: Hernan Mapua
(Expert)

Review Date
August 29, 2000

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 5 of 7

Summary:

Just set it (read the manual)to TTL and forget it. For any kind of photography, this flash is fail-safe and allows you to concentrate. I love using this flash with my Contax 645.

Strengths:

Very accurate, it never let me down. I use it as a dedicated flash for my Contax 645. All Contax owners should have this one. The quality is excellent.

Weaknesses:

Sometimes the unit hunts for the right zoom setting, but all you have to do is turn it off, then turn it on again. After you do this it behaves itself.

Similar Products Used:

Leica SF 20

Customer Service:

Excellent in Hong Kong, but have not needed any repairs.

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