Review 1 of 18
Price Paid:
$370.00
from Henry's Summary: Contrary to some comments that appear on the net, the Sigma EF-500 Super is compatible with the Minolta A200 and although trigger voltage is really irrelevant, it measures out at 5.9 volts. Exposure is perfect. A white bust showed considerable detailing and modelling and the colour remained true. The high speed sync is great for reducing shadows in outdoor shooting and with a 50 meter/160 feet guide number along with ADI, it gives the photographer a lot of range. The TTL system works off the camera in slave mode as well as on and in designated slave mode you can also change the channel to avoid interference from other flash use in the area. Rear camera sync. modeling and multi-flash mode add to several other features. The flash head moves in all directions even 7degrees down and all angles of bounce work resulted in very good exposures.
On caveat is colour. With some low light coming in from a window on a very cloudy day, it changed some light beige wallpaper into a light grey colour...a little too much blue in the colour temperature. Not a serious problem but necessitating a little post colour balancing and it was not present in all shots. Also perhaps because of the power of the flash, you can get colour reflected from one object in the scene onto another. A light brown paper sculpture reflected some of its colour onto the white bust beside it.
Overall, a great reliable flash with a lot of features, great exposure, and a long distance range.
Strengths: Value in that the top of the line Minolta digital flash unit was about twice the price with fewer features than the Sigma EF 500 Super. Range in that it is great to be able to use a Minolta compatible flash in TTL and ADI modes in the 60 foot plus range. Exposure and modelling that seems to handle white, reflections and bounce extremely well. Weaknesses: A lot of white or reflecting surfaces can tone down the exposure a little too much if your main subject is close to them and under lower indoor light. A mix of indoor and outdoor light can result in a slightly blue cast caused by the flash. The Minolta flash white balance selection does help counter it. Similar Products Used: Vivitar 283 and 285 used with film cameras Customer Service: Sales service was excellent and thorough and they would match a web site price from the same area in Canada. By the way the price is in Canadian funds.
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