i bought this minolta program 3500XI for use on my Sony A100, its light weigh, works great with Sony A100, its doesnt work in program mode, but i use it with A mode or manual mode.i use it at 125/sec at f4.0 with 200iso for most shots at about 5-15 feet.. its so bright, it can covers the entire room in wide angle, i use it with plastic dome, and bounce it at 45 degree up to ceiling.The red eye infront of flash is bouncing back the light, it does make some noise when its bouncing.ill get used to it.It has Minolta D series mount, its not a typical hotshoe mount.
i love it for what i paid..a keeper for long time.
Great flash, nice features and good value if you can find it used. The price ranges about US 80-130 used. I use this flash when 5400hs is just too much (a situation that seldom appears) and for slave in wireless mode. I owned 5400hs, 5400xi and 3500xi and I could say that it's very nice to have a portable studio in your camera bag.
Strengths:
Nice simple flash. Fast recycling times, especially when combined with NiMH or NiCD. Wireless Flash ready. The zoom is a bit noisy when compared with 5400hs.
Weaknesses:
No test button and no LCD. The buttons are somewhat a bit hard to push, compared to 5400hs and 5400xi.
Rating Reviewed by: Rick Carlson(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date April 21, 2000
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Value Rating 3 of 5
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
1 votes
Review 3 of 9
Model Reviewed: 3500xi Flash
Summary:
A great Minolta flash for the price. However, if you are a bit serious about your photography, spend the extra money on the 5200HS which is more powerful, has a lot more features and all the above weaknesses are eliminated
Strengths:
Off Camera Remote, Lots of Power, Ease of use, auto zoom head
Weaknesses:
Cannot connect to cable when off camera. This limits off camera synch speed to 1/60 sec forcing larger aperatures on portraits than desired, no manual mode or test flash.
Rating Reviewed by: William B.(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date April 13, 2000
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Value Rating 3 of 5
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
4 votes
Review 4 of 9
Model Reviewed: 3500xi Flash
Summary:
A very good flash, at a fairly reasonable price. If you can afford it, buy the 5400HS instead (the features on it are awesome!).
Strengths:
Small, light, powerful. Some really nice features like bounce head, "lo" setting, wireless capabilities, good AF illuminator, several focal length settings, etc.
Weaknesses:
No "test" button (what the heck were the folks at Minolta thinking??). Also, the rubberized control buttons are recessed too far into the plastic shell. They are hard to push sometimes, especially if you're wearing gloves.
Extremely useful especially on wireless/remote mode which you can't find in competition. Buy a second hand unit. There's lots out there. Brand new ones are fairly expensive although its good value for money.
Strengths:
Versatile with a GN 35 meters(at 105mm and ISO 100) , Auto and Manual zoom, wireless/remote off-camera TTL flash control
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