Sunpak 120J/TTL Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by: Mike B
(Professional)

Review Date
September 17, 2008

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.50 of 5,
4 votes

Review 1 of 7

Price Paid: $260.00

Summary:

I'll never forget the elation stumbling across the 120J while looking for a portable sysrem. At the time, the Broncolor Mobil hed just been released and for more than 5000 GBP, I could have a battery and a couple of heads. I looked at the 120j thinking, it's the same thing! only better, it's lighter, I can replace the batteries as many times as I need uring a shoot and the reflector is in fact bigger. It may not be the most robust piece of kit out there, but then I'm not a combat photographer.

Strengths:

Like every Sunpak legend, it's as reliable as Grandma's apple pie!
AA Battery powered.
Fantastic light quality.

Weaknesses:

None.

Similar Products Used:

Similar? you must be kidding.

Customer Service:

Never had a problem

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Rating
Reviewed by: Jeff
(Professional)

Review Date
July 30, 2006

Overall Rating
3 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Review 2 of 7

Price Paid: $209.00 from b&h photo

Summary:

I agree with many of the above appraisals. I also own the Quantum T4D which does appear to be a far better built unit. However, I have used the Sunpak for over two years prior to purchasing the Quantum and, although it did feel somewhat weak, I never had any problem as far as damage is concerned. Yes, you do have to keep your eye on it so that it doesn't swivel on you. But, it's about about 1/5 the price of the Quantum and produces the same light! I had to return my Quantum for repair within the first year (they handled it quickly, no complaints) but sometimes looks, and feels, are deceiving. Never had to put the Sunpak in the shop!

Strengths:

Excellent light quality. Light weight (by comparison to Quantum). Works on a variety of battery packs or 4 AA batteries. Excellent price. Just compare it to any other Parabolic reflector flash on the market (i.e. Lumedyne, Norman, Quantum, etc.) So, don't expect a $1000.00+ flash for $200.00 and you won't be disapointed!

Weaknesses:

The flash head may swivel on you when you don't expect it to. Just check it's alignment befoire you shoot.

Similar Products Used:

Quantum T4D

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Rating
Reviewed by: David Bindle
(Professional)

Review Date
February 8, 2001

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.67 of 5,
3 votes

Review 3 of 7

Price Paid: $329.00 from KEH

Summary:

I've gone from a conventional flash, 380ex, 430ez, 550ex to now using the 120JTTL with my Canon system. Wow... the quality of light is really quite an improvment. And when I can utilize a low white ceiling and walls... the bare bulb is fantastic. I've only just started using it for weddings, but so far the results are great.
I am leery about the reliability of the unit due to its lightweight build. At the moment, the detents of the swivel and tilt are firm enough, and I hope that they don't loosen too much with time. It would be nice if the flash foot on the CA1-AF AF TTL module would push just a hair further into the Canon off shoe cord and that it had a locking pin that came down when rotating the fastening knob. I have about twenty weddings coming up in the nex 6 months, so I might have a different opinion in 6 months... but with the first month of use... I'm enjoying it... even if I'm treating it gently...

Strengths:

Powerfull, reflector light nice, ability to use bare bulb, fast recycling with TRPAKIIa
TTL with AF assist light

Weaknesses:

Seems a bit flimsy, hope I don't develope weak detent problems with swivel and tilt...
TTL adapter is weakest link

Similar Products Used:

None - but for the price and TTL AF features... it's kind of unique

Customer Service:

Not had to ... yet.
Hope not to... ever.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Kenneth Brown
(Professional)

Review Date
September 15, 2000

Overall Rating
1 of 5

Value Rating
1 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.25 of 5,
4 votes

Review 4 of 7

Summary:

When this unit works, it does a reasonable job, but it is too flimsy and unreliable for serious professional work. I would recommend a bare bulb flash for all serious people photographers, but I cannot recommend this one - it's just too unreliable.

Strengths:

None

Weaknesses:

triggering system is suspect, very hard on batteries, bounce and swivel is too delicate (easy to move - detents should be stronger)

Similar Products Used:

No other bare bulb system.

Customer Service:

In Canada (excellent)but the fix doesn't last long - service tells me it's an inherit flaw.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Allan Najjar
(Professional)

Review Date
July 23, 2000

Overall Rating
3 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Review 5 of 7

Summary:

Very versatile flash. Ruggedness could be beefed up.

Strengths:

Flash Head very versatile, compatible with Quantum's accessories. Parabolic head provides soft(er) lighting than most units. I have the non-TTL version-the AC to PC connection is very reliable. Can be powered off 4 AAs, which I sometimes prefer over the NICAD pack.

Weaknesses:

Construction/ruggedness is marginal. Detents in head are too weak. Quick movements can swivel the head-I have to keep an eye on this.

Similar Products Used:

Metz 45CT3, Vivitar 283,285, Sunpak 433

Customer Service:

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