Flash Compendium

Flash Setups

Built-in Flash

All modern Minolta AF cameras have a built-in flash. It has the following characteristics:

Its guide number is low, typically 12 meters. This is sufficient for fill flash and short distances.
It always supports TTL-OTF metering (except for digital cameras).
It does not support HSS or pre-flash metering (with film cameras).
It does support ADI when the body supports it.
It's used as an AF assist light when the camera doesn't have a dedicated AF illuminator.
It's used as a controller for wireless flash when the body supports it.

Dedicated Flash

A dedicated flash is mounted on the camera or attached to the camera by cables. The first series of Minolta AF cameras had the ISO flash shoe. Newer Minolta cameras and most Sony DSLR and SLT cameras have the newer iISO shoe. The latest Sony SLT and ILCE cameras have the Multi Interface shoe. You can mount old Minolta AF flashes on new cameras and vice versa using adapters, as well as flashes with the iISO shoe on Multi Interface cameras and vice versa.

Dedicated flashes typically have a higher guide number than built-in flashes, they carry extra batteries, have zooming reflectors and AF illuminators, can tilt and swivel and support additional flash metering modes like pre-flash metering and ADI. See the Flash table to see which Minolta/Sony flash supports which feature.

Wired Flash

Minolta uses a wiring system with 4-wire cables. With this system you can build a TTL-capable wired remote flash system. Most flash functions are still available when using wired flash. The camera can shoot at shutter speeds up to the x-sync speed. Flash modes like ADI are not supported when the flash is off-camera.

The cabling system also allows to attach more than one flash to the camera, and all work in TTL mode.

With modern cameras you use the cable OC-1100/FA-CC1AM to attach the flash to the camera. The OS-1100/FA-CS1AM has an iISO flash foot at one end, the Minolta flash plug at the other end and a coiled 4-wire cable in between. This cable can be extended with the cable EX/FA-EC1AM, which consists of a flash plug, a flash socket and 1 meter of coiled cable. You can use several cables EX/FA-EC1AM to get a really long cable.

The OC-1100/FA-CC1AM cable plugs into a socket at the side of several flash units. Other flash units do not have this socket. For these, you need the OS-1100/FA-CS1AM flash shoe. You mount the flash on the OS-1100/FA-CS1AM like you would mount it on the camera. The OS-1100/FA-CS1AM provides the flash plug socket, a plastic ISO foot (without contacts) and 1/4" threads. The OS-1100/FA-CS1AM is also useful when you like to mount the flash on a bracket or tripod.

With new Multi-Interface cameras or flashes the cabling is slightly different. To attach a cable to the camera you use a Sony FA-CS1M. This connector does not have a cable attached, but has a Sony/Minolta 4-wire flash socket. So you need a Minolta CD/Sony FA-MC1AM cable to attach to the FA-CS1M. The other end of the cable either attaches directly to a flash with a built-in socket, or (for flashes without a socket) to another FA-CS1M (Multi-Interface shoe) or a OS-1100/FA-CS1AM (iISO shoe). To extend the cable you can use cables EX/FA-EC1AM as with an iISO system.

See the Flash Table to see which Minolta/Sony flash unit has a built-in socket.

Wireless Flash

Some camera bodies and some flashes support using the flash off-camera without cables. The flash is triggered by the camera body wirelessly. Most bodies use the built-in flash to control the remote flash, or a suitable dedicatated flash mounted on the camera. There is also a separate Minolta Wireless Flash Controller. It was primarily intended for the Dynax/Maxxum 9xi which was capable of wireless flash but did not have a built-in flash. The Minolta Wireless Flash Controller also works on many later bodies. However, it's discontinued, and some of the latest bodies no longer support it.

With this system, the built-in flash not only triggers the remote flash, but also can stop it. Minolta's wireless flash system therefore is capable of TTL flash metering. The remote flash is not triggered by a simple light pulse like slave flashes. Instead, the body uses a series of coded pulses to control the remote flash. These coded pulses are emitted by the built-in flash. They are weak in intensity, but depending on the lighting situation they may be visible in the picture. To avoid this the Minolta Wireless Flash Controller can be used (if supported by the body).

With wireless flash you can also trigger multiple remote flashes. All are started and stopped by the body, so the system still works in TTL mode.

Minolta's wireless flash system uses four channels, and a flash unit can listen on one of the four channels. The camera controls one channel, and all flashes assigned to that one channel are triggered. The body learns the channel by having the flash mounted on the body when switching to wireless flash. This allows to have more than one set of flashes in the same area, each controlled by a different camera. Some flashes support only two of the four channels.

Sony has introduced wireless flash control via a radio controller and receivers. It can control up to 15 flashes in up to 5 groups on 14 channels. Wireless TTL and wireless HSS are supported (TTL not with some flashes).

There are four generations of the wireless flash protocol. The characteristics are:

Generation 1: Analog wireless flash

shutter speed limited to 1/60 or 1/45 (depending on camera)
allows to balance the built-in flash and the remote flash with a 1:2 ratio, ie. the built-in flash contributes 1/3 of the light and the remote flash contributes 2/3 of the light
supported by many film cameras, flashes and by Minolta Wireless Flash Controller

Generation 2: Wireless HSS and digital

camera can use shutter speeds between 1/60 and x-sync
camera can use shutter speeds shorter than x-sync (Wireless HSS)
supported by DSLRs
supported by some film cameras (used when shutter speed is shorter than 1/60)
requires Minolta D flash or Sony flash
no ratio flash with digital
not supported by Minolta Wireless Flash Controller

Generation 3: Digital ratio flash

ratio flash with DSLRs
supported by later Sony cameras (see table below)
requires Sony HVL-F60M, HVL-F58AM, HVL-F45RM, HVL-F43AM or HVL-F43M as controller on camera
up to 3 flash groups when using only HVL-F42AM, HVL-F43AM, HVL-F43M, HVL-F45RM, HVL-F58AM and HVL-F60M as remote flashes (mode CTRL+/CTRL1)
up to 2 flash groups when using mix of Minolta D flashes and Sony flashes as remote flashes (mode CTRL/CTRL2)

Generation 4: Wireless flash with radio controller

ratio flash with some mirrorless cameras
supported by later Sony ILCE/ILCA cameras (check table below)
requires FA-WRC1M as controller on camera, or radio control capable flash
requires remote flashes on FA-WRR1 as receiver, or radio controllable flash
up to 5 flash groups

The following interactive table helps finding combinations of cameras and flashes for wireless flash. Select cameras and flashes from left to right, and the result will be the level of wireless flash support. If you can't make the desired selection at one point, the desired combination is not supported for wireless flash.

Note that some combinations of camera and controlling flash require a flash shoe adapter.

Camera	Flash used as controller	Flash used as remote flash	Support

Readers' comments

#1: Comment posted by Jacques Smit on September 14th, 2009 - 08:09:39 AM:

Hi there this is Jacques here from South Africa again. Ive got mos also the A700. I need some advise. Ive got the Sony 58... flash(best one in the range) and also 3 older minolta flashes. The minolta flashes is not digital. What will be my best possible way to be able to connect all 4 flashes with triggers. I dont have studio light and I was thinking of getting me the lighting stands and the umbrellas and the bounce the flash against the umbrella or through them as a soft box. It makes the sistem mobile. The only thing I need is how to trigger all the flashes? You can publish this on your blog but can you also directly email me. Thanks Michael

Michael Hohner answers:

Obviously you can't use the native wireless trigger system, because it would trigger the 58, but not the other flashes (assuming “older” means “pre-digital”). You could connect all flashes with cables and triple connectors (see table of connectors) to the camera, and the pre-digital flashes will fire at least in manual mode. But this would not be a wireless system, and with at least four cables and one TC (and maybe several off-camera shoes) it would also be not that cheap. As for non-nativ trigger systems, you'd have to buy several adapters for the triggers (if they work at all), and then you'd have a not-so-cheap manual flash system. In that case it may make more sense to sell the older flashes, buy real studio flashes and connect them to the PC connector of the camera.

#2: Comment posted by thunderclouds on December 2nd, 2009 - 03:13:16 AM:

I have the A700 with two F58 flashes. In attempting to set up the wireless ratio control, I find the manual is useless.

I have set the on camera and off camera flashes to CTRL+. Wireless ratio control is set to ON on the controller. Do I set the flashes to TTL or manual mode? Also, when I set the ratio control on, there is a flash ratio control on the middle line of the F58 display. How does this ratio affect the ratios on the bottom line?

I would appreciate your help. Thank you.

Michael Hohner answers:
I don't own this flash, so I'm working from the manual. As I read it the on-camera flash must be set to CTRL+, and the off-camera flash to RMT. If you set the flashes to manual mode, they will fire at the set power level. Combining that with ratio control is pointless. So use TTL mode, and set the ratio on the controller.

#3: Comment posted by Ben on January 11th, 2010 - 02:36:20 AM:
I am trying the off-camera flash with the f58. Is there a way to use the f58 with the F42 with both flashes off camera? Can this be done without having the camera flash (built-in) not fire? I want the camera to fire both the F58 and the F42 at the same time, but don't want the camera's built in to fire... Been searching the net, but no info on this setup..

Michael Hohner answers:
The built-in flash is the controller in such a setup, so it will always fire to control the remote flashes. But since it only sends out control pulses, the intensity is very low. See the section “Wireless Flash” above.

#4: Comment posted by Petronix on January 30th, 2010 - 03:48:39 PM:
The table is a good help! My A700 with the HVL-F58AM on as controller didn't work with the 3600HS(D)as remote flash. :-( Thanks for all this informtion! Kind regards.

#5: Comment posted by Brent Harpur on August 19th, 2010 - 04:04:39 AM:

My question is in regards to using both the HVL-F56AM Sony flash and the newer F58AM flash together shooting wirelessly (not a real word, according to my spell check.) I have noticed in quite a few trials, that even when I ensure that both flashes are equidistant from the camera, the 58 flashes and the 56 does not. Am I supposed to ensure that the red lens on the front of the camera is supposed to be pointing at the body in order to activate? I haven't seen anything in the manual that indicates that, and it doesn't seem to make a difference on the 58. Any ideas?

Michael Hohner answers:
The sensors on the flash are under that red transparent cover, but they pick up light from a wide angle. The often catch the signals from the camera via reflections at surrounding objects. Maybe the sensor of the 56 is just less sensitive than that of the 58.

#6: Comment posted by Richard on August 22nd, 2010 - 12:31:41 AM:
My F56 flash has died and need replacing, but I want something compatible with Dynax 9 film body. Can I use F58? I believe the answer is yes if body mounted, or wired (which shoe/cable?) but less clear if wireless. Can the pop-up flash on the Dynax 9 body activate the F58? (Dynax body has HSS/ADI upgrade too, if that makes any difference).

Michael Hohner answers:
The 9 can not trigger the HVL-F58AM wirelessly. In the table above you can see that there is no line with the 9 in the “Camera” column and the HVL-F58AM in the “Remote Flash” column. The HSS upgrade does not help here, because it does not add Wireless HSS, which would be required.

#7: Comment posted by Muik on August 31st, 2010 - 10:08:48 AM:
I think I know the answer to this question but I need to make sure. Can I use the HVL-F58 (or the Metz 58) as a controller on a Alpha 200/300/350? Is there any possible option to do something like that?

Michael Hohner answers:
It's not possible to use the HVL-F58AM as a controller on a A200/300/350. The camera's built-in flash has to be used as a controller.

#8: Comment posted by Cipriana on September 21st, 2010 - 10:10:26 PM:
Is there a way to connect a pocket wizard to the F58 flash? I want to try some off-camera flash setups and would like to put the F58 on a light stand. I have the hot shoe adapter to put the PW on my A700, but haven't quite been able to find the adapters/connectors that would allow me to connect the other PW to the actual flash unit. Any suggestions?

Michael Hohner answers:
Try the Minolta FS-1200.

#9: Comment posted by John Stricklin on December 16th, 2010 - 02:59:13 AM:
Hi there I have ? can I when using the 58's have one fire at a different time say a second or two later then the initial when using long shutter speeds, I want one to go off at first then the other to follow later before shutter closes

Michael Hohner answers:
I don't see how you can accomplish this out of the box. The flash mode (normal or rear sync) is set at the camera, and it's applied for both flashes.

#10: Comment posted by Brian Pomeranz on January 26th, 2011 - 04:42:17 AM:

Hi, thanks for all your information. I just bought my first a55 and I'm going to buy a flash but can't make up my mind between the Metz 58 af-2 (latest generation, upgradeable firmware, dot matrix display, second fill flash) or the sony HVL F-58 (same rating, perhapps $50 cheaper, same brand as my camera may be a plus for compatibility?). What would you recommend?

PS: Metz upgrated their 58 from AF1 to AF2 barely a few months ago and suposedly made tons of corrections and minor upgrades to it's predecessor, the f1, therefore there is still very little information and reviews on the newely released F2, specially from people that could speak for the Metz model made for Sony and compare it to the Sony HVL F-58 flash.

Thanks.

Michael Hohner answers:
I don't know the Metz flash, so I can't make a comparison. Maybe someone else can.

#11: Comment posted by youpii on May 23rd, 2011 - 09:58:47 AM:
I think non-Alpha flashes from Sony such as hvl-f32x don't work. Maybe you can write it somewhere? http://www.sony.fr/product/dcc-flashes---lights/hvl-f32x http://www.dpreview.com/news/0303/03030103sonyhvlf32xpics.asp

Michael Hohner answers:
There are several other older Sony flashes for Cybershot cameras. It should be obvious that these are not compatible with the Alpha system, otherwise they would be mentioned here or in the Flash Table.

#12: Comment posted by gill on June 8th, 2011 - 07:52:14 AM:
Very impressive, informatory site. i have 7xi and 3500xi flash for wireless use. Now i want to add second flash metz 40mz2 with SCA 3301 module. Will metz work wireless ttl like Maxxum own flashes. An old brocheure (1993) of metz catalogue page 30 says:cordless ttl flash control is possible. Before locating sca 3301 I seek your advice and guidance.

Michael Hohner answers:
According to Metz you need the SCA 3302 adapter.

#13: Comment posted by amankk on July 24th, 2011 - 02:32:43 AM:

Very informative Article. A must read technical document very well outlined and described.

Your article helped me. I bought HVL F43am and also an old HVL42am, thinking that F43 will work as controller and F42 as off camera remote flash. But it did not.
Then I have to search Operational Instructions. At last I was able to download the Instructions for F42 and found that it will and can only be operated through the built in Flash.

Many user who will read your well arranged document will be saved from headache.
Thanks to on my behalf and on behalf all Sony Alpha users.

Michael Hohner answers:
Well, these two flashes do work as controller and remote flash, but only with the A700, A850 and A900.

#14: Comment posted by Chris on November 3rd, 2011 - 05:00:26 PM:

Hello! I have 2 HVL-F58AM flash units. I can have them both fire appropriately when they are both off of the camera by controlling them with my camera's built in flash (A77). BUT, when I have one on my camera (controller) and the other is remote when I take a picture the on camera flash never shows up int he picture. I have tried everything to get this to work but the only flas that shows up in the picture is the remote flash. When I look at what the flashes are doing when I take the picture they both seem to be firing two bursts of light together but the on camera flash never shows up in my pictures. Thank you in advance for your help!!!

Michael Hohner answers:
You have to switch the controlling flash to ratio mode and then set a ratio between the controlling flash and the remote flash. See pages 66 (and following) of the HVL-F58AM manual.

#15: Comment posted by Tom on November 23rd, 2011 - 05:34:23 AM:

Hi Chris:
Have you tried flash ratio with both HVL-F58AM flash units off the camera, using the built in flash as the trigger? According to the manual, automatic flash ratio will require a third HVL-F58AM. I was able to wirelessly trigger one HVL-F58AM and a HVL-F56AM with the built in flash on a A65. But both flash was putting out the same amount of light. Luckily I figured out that I can control the flash ratio by setting them in manual mode.

#16: Comment posted by MikeG on November 27th, 2011 - 05:46:35 AM:

There's a lot of information here, almost too much. Anyhow I am using a Sony A850 with the HVL 20 on camera to trigger a Minolta 5600D, Sony HVL-58AM and a Sony HVL-42AM.

I have become somewhat disoriented reading through all this. As I understand it now I have to mount the 5600D to the A850 then remove it in the wireless mode to get it to work wirelessly. The HVL42 and 58 only need to be in the WL mode to function wirelessly. And the HVL58 would be the controller of the 42? What would it control on the 42? I would like to have control over the output at least with 2 flashes being full power and the other at 1/2 power or in the reverse. Does the 5600 or all of the flashes have to be in manual mode and manually adjusted (1/2, 1/4, etc.)? Or is there an easier way to control the ratio, perhaps the 58 controlling the 42?

I am planning on getting another HVL58, 42 or 43 in the near future just to make things a little more complicated.

Man is this confusing.

Michael Hohner answers:

You don't have to put the 5600 on the camera first. You can also set it to wireless mode directly. See pages 34 and 35 of the manual.

If you look at the table above, you'll see that when you use the HVL-F20AM as the controller, you can not have automatic ratio control. For that you have to use a HVL-F58AM or HVL-F43AM as the controller. The controller is the flash on the camera, and it controls the firing and stopping of the remote flash(es).

If you don't have ratio control, all flashes fire up to their maximum GN or until the controller turns them off (all at the same time). So the only way to vary the output among the remote flashes is to vary their distance to the subject, or to switch them to manual mode and vary their output.

If you do use ratio control, you can set a ratio between the remote flashes explicitly, on the controlling flash. See pages 66 and following in the HVL-F58AM manual.

#17: Comment posted by michael bellizzi on December 17th, 2011 - 05:42:46 PM:
hi I need some help. I bought a Sony alpha 300 dslr ( Body only) as I m using my MINOLTA DYNAX lenses.I also have a Jessop 300 AF flashgun dedicated to the minolta dynax 500 super(film). does this flashgun work with the sony dslr and does not harm the camera.thanks. regards michael.

Michael Hohner answers:
Flashes of that age usually don't work well with DSLRs, but they won't damage them, either. See the F.A.Q. for details.

#18: Comment posted by Mupi on March 2nd, 2012 - 04:34:49 PM:

Hello. First of all thank you for this amazing website. Tones of Minolta/Sony info, I deeply appreciate it. So I have a KM5D body and a 3500xi flash. I know 3500xi is not fully compatible with digital bodies, still I get some use of it by controlling exposure in M mode, so it actually works for me. My question is, when in wireless mode, during AEL testing, the 3500xi responds, but when actual shooting takes place, it won't fire. Is there a way to "cheat" it or "hack" it to make it fire during shooting, even if it would be with uncontrolled power? Thank you in advance.

Michael Hohner answers:
With a non-D flash, the wireless test mode ironically is the only thing that works. Actually firing the flash during exposure does not work, and I also don't know any trick that is available for the 3500xi.

#19: Comment posted by Mupi on March 2nd, 2012 - 10:26:04 PM:
I think I just found a workaround kit. It may be of your interest too: http://www.voitzsch.net/index.php/en/flashconv-a-minolta-flash-converter Regards

#20: Comment posted by Eric Trattner on June 21st, 2012 - 09:40:14 PM:

Dear Michael,

A great BRAVO & THANKS for the great & well-documented site you are keeping alive for the benefit of all :)

I wonder if you could help me out here with the following:

1. Existing gear:

a. I have a 7000 as well as a 7xi body, to which I recently I added an A77V unit as well;

b. I also have one each of the 1800AF, 4000AF & 5400xi flashes; a 1200 Macro (old generation) is also around; contemplating on purchasing an F58AM flash too;

c. Plenty of original Minolta off-camera cables and hot-shoe adapters;

2. Questions:

a. With all the gear above, what workable configurations can I expect to be able to use (both as single on-camera flash and off camera wired/wireless) when using either the 7xi or the A77V bodies (the 7000 is kept more for sentimental reasons, being the first official AF camera on the market ...)?

b. Also, assuming I cannot get my hands on an MFC-1000 controller, what's the best I can do to use the 1200 Macro flash on the A77V (with a 50mm/f2.8 Macro lens)?

Thanks in advance for your support,

MfG,

E. T.

Michael Hohner answers:
Did you read the page above? The table above lists all compatible combinations. If you don't find your combination above, it's not fully compatible. Also read the other pages, especially about Digital Cameras and Flash.

#21: Comment posted by Albert Ng on July 17th, 2012 - 04:52:36 AM:
The A37 also supports Digital Wireless Flash AND Digital Wireless Flash with ratio control. Probably the only unexpected thing out of the A37!

Michael Hohner answers:
Correct. I already had it in the data sheet of the A37, but have not added it here. It's fixed now.

#22: Comment posted by iisrael on December 18th, 2012 - 11:12:05 AM:
el flash HVL-F43AM puede controlar al 3500xi en modo inalambrico saludos desde mexico

#23: Comment posted by Samuel Davis on January 26th, 2013 - 10:34:00 PM:
Is it possible to use a 5400HS as a controller on a Dynax 5 or 505si Super? I've tried setting it as a controller as per the instructions but whenever I try and test fire the flash or press the shutter button half way, the flash just resets to the standard wireless mode (i.e not as a controller)?

Michael Hohner answers:
Note that both the camera and the flash must be set to wireless mode. Please let me know if that works.

#24: Comment posted by Samuel Davis on January 27th, 2013 - 04:10:35 PM:

I've tried it in about every combination possible - the way the instructions say to do it is to set the remote flash to wireless mode, then put the 5400HS in wireless mode, hold down the opt button until 'wireless control' appears and then mount it on the camera. It doesn't specifically say that the wireless mode needs to be turned on on the camera but it doesn't seem to make any difference. The controller/remote should then be able to be test fired but whenever I press the test button (Spot), the screen on the 5400HS just reverts back to 'Wireless' and the control bit disappears, the same thing happens when the shutter is half pressed? Looking around some sources say that only the Dynax 9, 7, 600si and 700si can use it as a controller but it doesn't specifically say in the manual?

Michael Hohner answers:
Unfortunately I do not have these cameras, so I can't try it myself. It may be that the lower-level cameras only support wireless flash with the built-in flash as the controller. The manuals are quite vague about this. EDIT: After some more reading of the manuals I've updated the above table.

#25: Comment posted by andy Hutchinson on January 30th, 2013 - 01:46:40 PM:
I recently bought a Sony A37 and discovered that I need a wireless digital flash for a photography course I'm on. I want to get a reasonably priced one, Can anybody point me in the right direction? Also, do I need an adaptor for it? If so, where can I get a reasonably priced one? Thanks

Michael Hohner answers:
Go to the Flash overview to get a first idea. Also read the F.A.Q..

#26: Comment posted by Andy Hutchinson on January 30th, 2013 - 04:00:46 PM:
Thank you for your speedy reply Michael.

#27: Comment posted by Eric on February 5th, 2013 - 02:41:35 PM:
Hi, do you know if the built-in pop up flash on the Sony DSC-RX1 can function as a wireless controller?

Michael Hohner answers:
The DSC-RX1 is not a member of the Alpha or NEX systems, and AFAIK it does not support wireless flash control.

#28: Comment posted by busseja on March 12th, 2013 - 04:34:49 PM:

I use the Maxxum Dynax 9 built in flash as the controller for the wireless flash with a 5400HSS as the remote. You can even ratio 2:1 by by releasing the shutter with the Display illumination switch (DIS) held in the on (rightmost) position. Snap with DIS at left = remote is simple slave flash TTL DIS to right = porportional flash. 2:1 with camera providing 1/3 and remote 5400Hs providing 2/3. Same as in the Maxxum 7 without the display interface selection. Of course it is all TTL since only the camera has the distance info.

Michael Hohner answers:
… as described above.

#29: Comment posted by Mark on May 17th, 2013 - 12:39:27 PM:

Hi & great work here. Does anyone know / understand the "MANUAL RATIO" options on the HVL-60. I've asked sony support in February for help, they still have no answers to the question. The question is quite simple, how does one control the ratio in manual ratio mode.
I'm confused with the ratio settings in Manual.
re-posted from Sony forum.

Here's what I've done so far with no success whatsoever.
1. set a99 to wireless flash
2. set on cam flash to ctrl
3. set of cam flash to manual group1
4. set 2nd of cam flash to manual group 2
5. set all flash to 1/2 power for test.
6. set ratio ctrl to 1-16-1
7. set a99 to manual

Test ratio and all flash fire equal power.
Tried re-set, changing all ratio settings, flash power setting, etc.
Can't get any ratio however from ratio control.

So far the only way I am able to set ratios is by manually changing each flash, and although I realise this is the "norm", I don't see why there is a ratio control to eliminate roaming around the room when the ratio control is to my understanding built into the control flash. What am I missing here?

Michael Hohner answers:
I think when you set the remote flashes to a manual power level, they will fire with that power, no matter what. So when you set them all to the same level, they will all fire with the same level. Ratio flash only makes sense if you let the controller adjust power levels, ie. use TTL remote on the remote flashes.

#30: Comment posted by Roland Bader on September 1st, 2013 - 05:18:41 PM:
I habe a SONY alpha57 and a 3600HS (D) flash. That works fine wireless. I want to buy a second flash that fires with the 3600HS (D). Must it be a HVL-F60M, HVL-F58AM, HVL-F43AM or HVL-F43M as mentionend above? Or can I use any other (or even more than one) SONY/Minolta flash, as mentioned on your other page? Thanks a lot.

Michael Hohner answers:
Depends on which flash you want to use to trigger the remote flash. If you want to use the built-in flash as the trigger, two remote 3600HS(D) work just fine (you just can't set a ratio between the remote flashes). If you want to use the new flash on the camera as the trigger, it must be one from the list above.

#31: Comment posted by Johan de Moor on September 29th, 2013 - 12:17:12 PM:
I use a 58am on my a550. It doesn t react when pushing the ael button. I have also a 36am flash. Is it possible to trigger the 36 with the 58 on camera? Where can i find such info? Thanx! Now funtion 2 is set on ctrl 2. But still with de 58am on camera the 36 am will not react in wl mode grgrgr

Michael Hohner answers:
As you can see in the table above, this combination is not supported. You have to use the A550's built-in flash to control remote flashes.

#32: Comment posted by Christer Almqvist on December 27th, 2013 - 11:58:01 AM:
Thank you for including the Sony ILCEs (A7 and A7r) in the table. Alles Gute für 2014

#33: Comment posted by Sal on February 12th, 2014 - 11:49:15 AM:
Yesterday I bought new Metz 52 af-2 and confirm that works easilyas master HS on my sony a900 with my Minolta 3600 HS (D) as slave. A great product whereas the Sony HVL-F43M has the same price.

#34: Comment posted by ken on February 21st, 2014 - 04:39:38 AM:
Hi, I have 5600HS-D and recently purchased sony A7. can I still use 5600HS-D on sony A7 or I am out of luck and need to purchase the newer ones? Thank you in advanced for the newbie question. Your advises are greatly appreciated. Ken

Michael Hohner answers:
You can use the flash, with the ADP-MAA adapter. See the F.A.Q. and the page above.

#35: Comment posted by sal on March 13th, 2014 - 01:56:29 PM:
Can I use a Minolta program D314i on a Sony reflex like a A900?

Michael Hohner answers:
Not really, see “Flash with digital cameras”.

#36: Comment posted by sal on March 13th, 2014 - 02:13:27 PM:
So Minolta program D314i on a Sony a A900 fire at full power always?

Michael Hohner answers:
In theory. The D-314i and D-316i have an additional problem: They do not have their own power supply, and the A900 can not supply power to them. They only work on the Minolta 3000i. See the data sheet of the D-314i.

#37: Comment posted by Martin on March 22nd, 2014 - 05:26:20 AM:
I have the new A7, If I use the HVL-F20M as controller, will it be wireless TTL with my two HVL-F60M ? Thank you ...

Michael Hohner answers:
Yes, see the table above.

#38: Comment posted by Jessica N on August 19th, 2014 - 04:49:23 PM:

Hi, I'm using an a99 with an HVL-F43M as the controller and 42AM as the wireless flash (maybe I misread the table above but it appears to be an acceptable combination). After trying everything, pouring through the manuals, buying a Gary Friedman book and scouring the internet... I cannot get the 42AM to work wirelessly with my 43M as the controller. Any help would be so appreciated! Thank you very much!

Michael Hohner answers:
So did you switch the camera to wireless mode, the HVL-F43M to wireless control mode and the HVL-F42AM to wireless mode, too? What are your other settings? What happens if you press the test button on the HVL-F43M?

#39: Comment posted by Jessica N on August 19th, 2014 - 08:07:39 PM:
Camera is in wireless mode. 43M is on camera in Ctrl+ and 42AM off camera in Wireless on Ch 1. My 43M on-camera does not fire when I hit its test button (that's weird... I didn't notice that before!) Off camera, the 42AM (and 43M when off) fire with test button.

Michael Hohner answers:

Is the HVL-F43M also on channel 1? Is the AF illuminator of the HVL-F42AM blinking to indicate it's ready? You can also trigger a test flash by pressing the AEL button on the camera.

Do you have access to a camera with built-in flash to see if the HVL-F42AM works with the built-in flash as the controller?

If that all does not help, the HVL-F42AM may simply be defective (e.g. wireless receiver not working).

#40: Comment posted by Jessica N on August 29th, 2014 - 05:41:42 AM:

Thank you for mentioning the AF illuminator, it helped me to finally figure it out! There is a tiny button on the hot shoe of the flash units that when depressed, makes the flash think it is on camera. If the adapter or stand the flash is being attached to does NOT have a hole drilled out, the flash comes out of wireless mode! My flashes won't work wirelessly on their stands or on a camera adapter. So frustrating... Here is a better explanation: http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/2610833?page=1

#41: Comment posted by Vinson on October 7th, 2014 - 07:08:17 PM:
Thank you for the indepth write up. I am in need of help. I have the Minolta 9 but am unable to trigger my F60M wirelessly even though I switched the bottom switch to wireless and my F60m to WL RMT. I also tried using the F20M attached to my Minolta 9 to try and trigger my F60M on the Minolta 9 but to no avail. Thank you very much!

Michael Hohner answers:
As you can see in the table above, neither the HVL-F60M nor the HVL-F20M can be used as a wireless controller with the 9. Only the combinations listed above do work.

#42: Comment posted by Vinson on October 8th, 2014 - 07:10:26 AM:
Thank you Michael! I must have misread the table. So does that mean a HVL-F56AM will trigger the F60M since they are in the same table?

Michael Hohner answers:
Unfortunately not. Find the row that contains the 9. Then you can see the possible controllers in the “controller” column, and the possible remote flashes in the “remote flash” column. The HVL-F60M is not in the row with the 9 at all.

#43: Comment posted by Janice Cone on November 8th, 2014 - 03:52:15 PM:
I am trying to use my 5400HS flash off camera with my Sony a55 camera. I am following all the instructions in my camera book but the flash will not fire off camera. Wondering if there is something more I need to know? I haven't found my instruction book for my flash This table on the flashes was very helpful thank you so much!

Michael Hohner answers:
As you can see from the interactive table above, this combination of camera and flash is not compatible. The A55 can not trigger the 5400HS.

#44: Comment posted by Vinson on January 2nd, 2015 - 07:15:32 PM:

Dear Michael,

I have got the Sony A99, F60m,F56AM and F20AM. I am having trouble trying to trigger the F56AM as I do not know which settings to use. The f20AM triggers my F60M with settings on camera to wireless flash and TTL remote on F60m but I do not know why the F56am isn't triggering even though I have put it to WL on at TTL. May I know what I am doing wrong? Would you have a guide to set up these flashes to be triggered by the F20AM? Thank you very much!

Michael Hohner answers:
Can you trigger the HVL-F56AM when you use the HVL-F60M as the controller (in CTRL/CTRL2 mode)?

#45: Comment posted by Vinson on January 3rd, 2015 - 02:25:37 AM:
Dear Michael, I see Ctrl 2 RMT 1 and RM2 1 Is there anything I need to set over here?

Michael Hohner answers:
Set the HVL-F60M to mode "WL CTRL", and the HVL-F56AM to "WL On". Also make sure both are on the same channel (CH 1). Then mount the HVL-F60M on the camera to use it as a controller. If that works, the HVL-F20AM should work as a controller as well.

#46: Comment posted by Vinson on January 3rd, 2015 - 04:50:33 PM:
Dear Michael, On the HVL F60M I have it set and can see: "CH1 WL CTRL+ TTL RATIO ON CTRL 1 RMT 1 RMT2 1 on the HVLF56AM I see: TTL WL ON ( I hold select for a few seconds and configure it to CH-1) A99 I have it set on WL With the F60m mounted on A99 there is no triggering on the HVL56am. Do you think there might be a problem with the HVL56AM? Thank you.

Michael Hohner answers:
You have to select CTRL mode, not CTRL+, and RATIO OFF. With CTRL+ you can only trigger the newer Sony flashes. You can switch between CTRL and CTRL+ in the menu of the flash.

#47: Comment posted by Vinson on January 4th, 2015 - 02:07:05 AM:
Dear Michael, Thank you so much. I managed to trigger it wirelessly! I was in the pits and thought it was faulty. Thank you!!!

Michael Hohner answers:
So using the HVL-F20AM as the controller also works?

#48: Comment posted by Vinson on January 15th, 2015 - 06:04:27 PM:
Dear Michael, Using the HVL-F20AM works. Today I also found out something weird. Attaching theADP-MAA to the HVL56AM stops it from being fired wirelessly from the F20AM mounted on the A99. Any idea to work around this? Because I need to slot the F56am on to a lightstand. Is there a cold shoe minolta to standard ISO hotshoe around? Thank you.

Michael Hohner answers:
The iISO shoe flashes have a small switch in the flash foot. When it's pressed by the shoe (of the camera, or of adapters) the flash knows it's connected to a camera and switches to on-camera mode. The Minolta OS-1100/Sony FA-CS1AM connector has a small indentation where the switch is, so the switch is not pressed, and the flash stays in off-camera mode. See here.

#49: Comment posted by Bojan Mihalic on February 3rd, 2015 - 09:23:10 PM:

Hello, Michael
I use reflex a900 with radio controlled triggers Pixel King. Trying to fire hvl60 is often hard work. Well, it fires few times, but then, all of the sudden, flash is turned off. Then I have to go to umbrella, turn it on, set it again in manual mode, which I use most and turn off ttl mode. Its pain in the ass.
I thought its something with power save mode, but its not. Flash is on 30 min and camera is always on.
Any idea? Thank you.

Michael Hohner answers:
Does this also happen when the flash is on the camera? If not, you should contact Pixel King support.

#50: Comment posted by Don Peterson on February 14th, 2015 - 04:01:17 PM:

GREAT web resource!!

I just bought a Sony A7ii and I'm trying to make an informed decision regarding flash.

I own a Minolta 5600 HSD and a Sony HVL-58AM.

I would like a compact flash unit to use on the camera at times. (Those two units REALLY over balance the A7 form factor.) Ideally I would like to have TTL flash AND also a trigger that will fire and adjust the other unit(s) in a similar manner to how the Pocket Wizard works.

I realize you have limited your advice to Sony/Minolta. But, if I can't get most of this done with the HVLFM20? or other?, are there other units such as those from Missin and YongNuo that I should consider. Also, is it wise to just sell my older units and start over--even though they are very good quality?

Michael Hohner answers:
The HVL-F20M can control the other two wirelessly. I don't know much about Nissin or Yongnuo flashes. There's no need to sell your other flashes. They work in wireless and wired mode with the A7II, and to use them on camera you only need the ADP-MAA adapter.

#51: Comment posted by Kalpana Patel on March 8th, 2015 - 11:06:08 PM:
Hi all, tried to use my table for my combo but not success. how can i trigger a hvl36am wirelessly using hvl43m on my a7r as a controller. i followed directions in the 43m manual but no luck :(

Michael Hohner answers:
As you can see in the table above, the HVL-F43M must be in mode CTRL/CTRL2 to be able to control a remote HVL-F36AM. And the HVL-F36AM must be in wireless mode, of course. Also see pages 58 and 70 of the English language HVL-F43M manual.

#52: Comment posted by metras philippe on March 16th, 2015 - 06:23:25 AM:
i have an A7 and an HVF L20 M. Will the HVF be a trigger for a Minolta 3600 HS D ? Will they work together TTL? Will the Minolta work on the A7 thanks to the adapter ( TTL) ? Danke fûr die Hilfe .

Michael Hohner answers:
Why don't you just read the page above, especially the last part?

#53: Comment posted by philippe.metras on March 16th, 2015 - 07:29:33 AM:
I did but it is not clear for me. Thank you for not answering. ein typischer Deutsch ........

Michael Hohner answers:
How difficult can this be? Just select the ILCE-7 (= A7), then the HVL-F20M, then the 3600HS(D), and then you see the result. I'm just very tired of answering the questions in the main text, and then again a dozen times in comments.

#54: Comment posted by philippe.metras on March 16th, 2015 - 08:03:56 AM:
I read the text but not the last paragraph and I missed the table . Es tut mir leit....Ich liebe Deutschland !

#55: Comment posted by Andrea on April 28th, 2015 - 01:43:55 PM:
I have a A77 mII and I' would like to use my 2 flashes as wireless flashes sony,Sony hvl F43M and hvl 32AM. Can i do it?

Michael Hohner answers:
Yes, it works. See the last section of the page above. Either one of the flashes can be the controller. If you want to use both as remote flashes at the same time, you need another flash as the controller.

#56: Comment posted by Michel Brien on August 9th, 2015 - 03:46:40 AM:

Hello from Canada

I was playing with my flashes and after checking your interactive flash chart, i realized you don't publish ratio compatibility with A7 cameras. I just tested A7MII with HVL-F43M as controller in Control+ mode with ratio and i was able to specify ratio for 3 groups as the manuals say. The remote flashes i used for this were HVL-F60M in RMT1 and HVL-43AM in RMT2 and i was able to vary ratios successfully. I tried 1:4:1, 1:1:4, 1:16:1 and 1:1:16 and they all showed a different ratio of lighting.

Any reason why the chart does not specify ratio flash with up to 3 groups as in the A-Mount cameras ?

Thanks for your very useful site.

Michael Hohner answers:
Ratio flash is not mentioned anywhere in the manuals or tech specs from Sony. That may be because of the terrible quality of the recent manuals. Did the flashes actually fire with different output ratios? Or did you just test that they fire at all?

#57: Comment posted by Michel Brien on August 9th, 2015 - 03:22:13 PM:

When i varied the ratios ( one flash left of the subject, one flash to the right), the difference in lighting and shadows clearly demonstrates the ratio is working properly.
I will try the HVL-F32M later to see if it can be used as RMT group in ratio also along with other flashes that can be used in RMT2 group.
The F32M manual does not mention this (just that ratio WL flash can not be used).The HVL-F42AM also has this capability and it is not mentioned in its instructions.

And i agree with you, the quality of instruction manuals is not improving.

Michael Hohner answers:
I've updated the above now.

#58: Comment posted by Alexandre on October 17th, 2015 - 11:03:33 AM:
Michael, Thank you so much your site in general, and this page in particular. This is such an asset for Sony/Minolta clients trying to navigate through successive versions of their protocols. Best regards from France. AG

#59: Comment posted by AJ on January 5th, 2016 - 02:52:52 AM:

Excellent resource. I have a Sony A7r mark 1 and would like to know if I can use the HVL43M as the on camera controller and the HVL42AM and HVL36AM as the off camera flashes. I've managed to get the HVL42AM to fire with the HVL43M controlling the ratio but how do I get the HVL36AM to work as well and the ratio controlled by the HVL43M. I can't get both the off camera flashes to fire at the same time. Can you advise what the settings are to do this because the HVL43M manual does not have this level of detail.

Michael Hohner answers:
The HVL-F32M must be in mode CTRL2/CTRL to be able to control a remote HVL-F36AM. See custom setting C03 of the flash.

#60: Comment posted by AJ on January 5th, 2016 - 12:21:07 PM:
Do you mean the HVL43M which is my on camera controlling flash needs to be in this mode. But can I fire and control both the off camera HVL42AM and HVL36AM via the controlling HVL43M?

Michael Hohner answers:
Yes, the setting is on the controlling flash. You can control both remote flashes. See page 70 of the English HVL-F43M manual.

#61: Comment posted by AJ on January 5th, 2016 - 01:03:38 PM:
I've managed to get both flashes to fire and thank you so much. However, in order to get TTL exposure, do I need to point all 3 flashes inc the controller flash to the subject. Also, how do I manually change the ratio on each flash. I have RMT on my controller flash.

Michael Hohner answers:

The flashes can point anywhere, as long as enough light from the controller reaches the remote flashes to carry the control signals. It's the camera that is controlling the cut-off-point of the flashes, not the flashes themselves. The ratio of the flash groups is set on the controller. See page 61 of the English manual. The manual does not mention the ILCE-7 models, but that's probably just because the manual was written before the ILCE-7 models were released.

#62: Comment posted by AJ on January 5th, 2016 - 01:34:40 PM:

I'm confused by what you mean by RMT. What I am asking is can I control all 3 flashes and their outputs via the controlling flash ? The controlling flash only displays RMT and I am unable to control each ratio of the off camera flashes. I can control these ratios jointly but not individually. Another question is do I need to set the correct ratio or can I get correct exposure through TTL? You're a star!

Michael Hohner answers:

There are only two flash groups in CTRL2 mode (see text above), i. e. the controller on the camera as one group, and the remote flashes as the other group. You can only set a ratio between these two groups, i. e. between the controller and the remote flashes. For three groups (controller, and two groups of remote flashes) you need the CTRL+ mode, which however is not supported by the HVL-F36AM. These are the limitations.

Of course, you can always achieve a ratio between the remote flashes by placing them at different distances from your subject, or by using a diffusor on one of the flashes.

Unless you switch the flashes to manual mode, they are in TTL mode. The total exposure is controlled by the camera, and the ratio only changes how much light comes from which flash unit.

#63: Comment posted by AJ on January 5th, 2016 - 03:19:45 PM:

Thanks Michael. I fully understand now! What I will need to do is upgrade the HVL36AM to a HVL42AM. If i reduce the controller flash to the '-' setting, does that mean the flash is firing and is it letting out any output. I would prefer my controller flash to be off and rely on the off flash camera flashes to fire so in the '-' mode, is it mean it's not letting off any flash power? Your advise has been amazing so far and U will share this site with other sony alpha users.

Michael Hohner answers:
Yes, it means that the controller will not contribute to exposure. Note that the controller will still emit the control flashes!

#64: Comment posted by Johan de moor on January 10th, 2016 - 08:39:21 AM:
Wow what a good site this is I,ve got a 77 m2 with the flashes 58, 42 & 36 Is there a wirelash flash controller for this setup whereby i can use the ttl metering? Now i use the build in or the 58 as remote. But i don,t like the light of that on the subject. Is there any solution for?

Michael Hohner answers:
Try using ratio flash with the HVL-F58AM as the controller, and reduce the output from the controller to 0 (displayed as --). Also see the comment above. You can also use regular wireless mode, and physically block the light from the controller so that there's still enough for the control signals to get to the remote flashes, but less direct light onto the subject.

#65: Comment posted by Michael Seidel on March 14th, 2016 - 08:25:03 PM:
Hello one correction for your WL set up table: DSLR-A100 ->DSLR-A700 (complete DSLR lineup except A900/850) cannot use HVL-F20AM/M as controller. Only A700 + A850/900 can use HVL58/43/60 as WL controller, others only build in flash. For HVL-F32M I have to check Best regards Michael

Michael Hohner answers:
Thanks, I have to fix this at a later time.

#66: Comment posted by Michael Seidel on March 15th, 2016 - 02:11:48 PM:
Hello here some info on HVL-F32M HVL-F32M • Controller (no wireless ratio) on o A900, SLT cameras o NEX-6, NEX-7 o ILCE-cameras o SLT-A65, SLT-A77, SLT-A99, ILCA-77M2 • Not controller on o DSLR- series except A850/900 o SLT-A33, SLT-A55 Best regards Michael

Michael Hohner answers:
The table should be correct now.

#67: Comment posted by Rene on May 23rd, 2016 - 08:05:20 PM:

Hello,

I am a fresh user of an "old" Dynax 7 and 5600HS (D) system. I have read everything I could find on net about the wireless flash triggering and ratios. I also experimented a bit with an empty camera and am now left with a few questions.

Since this is film and not the digital inflation I would love to get more answer in theory, before I go do tests on films. My questions are following:

1. When setting the Dynax 7 to WL mode, the screen asks to chose Normal or Ratio mode. The Normal mode is described as "only accessory flash fires". Yet when I use it, it appears the on camera flash fires as well.

2. When I select the Ratio mode, the Dynax 7 manual states "built-in flash with provide 1/3 and off camera flash 2/3 of the exposure". Now I understand this, but playing with the system further questions arise:

a: How will the camera determine that ratio regarding it does not know the distance of the off camera flash? There is no way the 4 segment TTL metering matrix can know what I aimed the flash at. Furthermore, it can not know the zoom setting I have chosen.
b: When in "Ratio mode" which is supposed to provide a fix 1/3 - 2/3 ratio I can still change the ratio on the off camera flash to the vice versa setting. However, due to the way it is marked I have no idea which one is the 2 and which the 1 in either cases.
c: Since it appears I can trigger the external flash via Ratio mode also when having the off camera flash in Manual mode I am curious how the system resolves this? Am I correct when I think that the camera should achieve a sufficient final exposure via OTF-TTL even when the off camera flash is in manual mode and set to any strength? Will the on camera flash do it's job to fill in the exposure deficit?

I suspect the Ratio mode must be some kind of approximation unless the system would do a TTL metered off camera flash up to 2/3 of the required exposure and then fill the 1/3 with the on camera after.

Anyway, I will be glad if this thread is not all dead by now and if I can get any response or thought about it before I go and spend 100 Euro testing this on film before I can use the knowledge on my subjects ...

Thank you for the answers and for the great resource page!

Rene Maurin

Michael Hohner answers:

1. The built-in flash is used to control the remote flash. See the section “Wireless Flash” above.

2a: The camera will only set a 1:2 power ratio between the flashes, not taking into account the flash distances. You should also set the zoom of the remote flash to 24 mm (see flash manual).

2b: Ratio mode must be off on the remote flash. See the chapter in the flash manual.

2c: Obviously, any flash in manual mode will always fire at the set power level. It will not adhere to the power ratio set at the controller. As always with manual flash, you are responsible to set the correct power level.

#68: Comment posted by Rene on May 31st, 2016 - 12:09:49 PM:

Thank you Michael,

I am however left with one more question.

1. What happens when not respecting the 24mm zoom? Does it still work (albeit with colapsed ratio due to zoom) or doesn't it fire at all?

2. When using a 5600HS(D) on camera as the controler in normal mode, does it only send the minimal "morse" to the remote flashes or does it contributes to exposure as 1/2 of it?

I am trying to use a SONY HVL-F43M in the mix and it can be trigered only in normal mode so I wonder if I can mount 5600HS(D) on camera or do I need a tripod close to it ...

Thank you and all best,
Rene

Michael Hohner answers:

With a narrower zoom setting the flash will output a higher GN at the same power level. So the ratio might not be what you expect.
As mentioned above, the controller always controls the remote flash with optical signals. With ratio flash, it will also emit a main flash intended for exposure. In non-ratio mode it won't.

Not sure what you mean with your last question. The 5600HS(D) used as a controller on the Minolta 7 can not trigger the HVL-F32M, according to the information I have.

#69: Comment posted by Lam Vu on October 19th, 2016 - 09:21:02 AM:
Can I use F32M as controller and F58AM as remote and how to set. Thank you.

Michael Hohner answers:
It depends on your camera. See the last section of the page above to verify your combination of equipment. In general, you mount the controller on the camera, switch it to controller mode (see manual of flash), and switch your remote flash to wireless remote mode (see manual of flash).

#70: Comment posted by T.Kovacs Aron on June 11th, 2017 - 11:22:44 AM:

Dear Michael!
I am trying to combine two flashes with my Sony DSLR-A580 camera. I wish to use the HVL-F43AM as TTL flash mounted on the camera, and control the Minolta 3600HS (D) wirelessly off-camera at the same time. How can I set the flash to control mode on this body? Unfortunatelly the setting is step back to RMT mode, when I try to focus the camera.
The table above shows it`s ”wireless flash supported” in this configuration, set to CTRL2 mode.
Thanks for helping!

Michael Hohner answers:
Apparently the A580 can only use the built-in flash as the controller. I have to make some changes to reflect that in the table above.

#71: Comment posted by T.Kovacs Aron on June 13th, 2017 - 07:56:27 PM:
I was trying the same above, with a Sony Alpha 99 camera, and it works without problems! Seems to be my A-580 camera, which it is not capable to control the flash.

#72: Comment posted by Odell on June 17th, 2017 - 03:55:35 AM:

I have a Sony A100 camera and a HVL-F56AM flash. For some reason, my flash has stopped working. I thought it was the camera connection but it works with another flash. I like my 56 better. The flash powers up but doesn't discharge. I would like to get it repaired if necessary but all of the camera stores in my area has closed down. Best Buy doesn't have the expertise in my opinion. I could sure use some advice.

Michael Hohner answers:
Have you checked Sony's repair options?

#73: Comment posted by Mike E W on June 22nd, 2017 - 12:02:40 AM:

Sony a7rii with Minolta F4 G macro (200mm) and minolta twin flash 2400(1000 controller and Sony hot shoe adapter) The flash fires on test, but regardless of what I have done so far, not when I press the shutter button. Any idea what the correct camera and/or controller settings are to use the flash... I must admit that I am somewhat "in the dark".

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.

Best regards. Mike E W.

Michael Hohner answers:
Does the camera indicate that a flash unit is mounted? If it doesn't then there may be a problem with the connection (contacts, adapter, ...). Otherwise it should just work.

#74: Comment posted by Mike E W on June 22nd, 2017 - 01:53:31 PM:
Ok, thanks, checked both 1000 controllers on an A850, work perfectly - tried a Mecablitz on the A7rii - no go, so fault in camera... Best regards, Mike E W

#75: Comment posted by Michel Brien on June 28th, 2017 - 03:10:26 PM:
What happened to the Sony HVL-F20AM and HVL-F20M as Wireless flash controllers in your interactive table ?

Michael Hohner answers:
Added them back. Thanks for spotting this!

#76: Comment posted by Michel Brien on June 29th, 2017 - 04:13:08 PM:
Testing HVL-F45RM and i am having some issues: - In optical WL control, it does not trigger HVL-F36AM or 56AM or Minolta 3600HS(D) or 5600HS(D) Tried another flash /body/lens in a store and same issue. So you may want to change/review your compatibility listing

Michael Hohner answers:
If that's true then this flash seems to be the first model to no longer support CTRL/CTRL2 mode (as a controller). This means it can only control flashes from the HVL-F42AM onwards. The manual is a bit unclear on this. Either way this requires some bigger changes to the underlying database.

#77: Comment posted by Michel Brien on June 29th, 2017 - 10:54:19 PM:

I am in he process of testing different combinations and i will be meeting with a Sony tech rep next week because this HVL-F45RM (and another one we tested at the store) all underexpose badly when used as remotes. Maybe the 2 issues are related but in the meantime, the underexposure issue is absent when using the built-in flash from A77, A700 an even Maxxum 7D which is really bizarre since i would have thought that the new protocol would not be supported with these older cameras. I only get underexposure when using a Control Flash ( HVL-F20M, F32M, F43M)

I will keep you posted

#78: Comment posted by Michel Brien on July 5th, 2017 - 02:44:27 PM:

Met with the Sony training specialist yesterday who was very interested in the issue.

I had made some more tests before meeting with him and made some other interesting discoveries:
- If i use any control flash (HVL-F20M, F20AM, F32M, F43M, F43AM) and place the control flash head in any bounce position (90°,75°,60°,30° up), exposure from the HVL-F45RM as remote is OK.
- If i use HVL-F43M or AM in Control+ mode, exposure from the HVL-F45RM as remote is OK and even sometimes over-exposed.
- These issues only happen with bodies with the MIS shoe ( A7II, A7R and A99), if i use A900, A700 (only tested with built-in flash) or Maxxum 7D, exposure by HVL-F45RM in remote is OK or over-exposed slightly.

He finds this behaviour to be out of normal and is contacting Sony Japan for further evaluation.

#79: Comment posted by Bjarke Garling on November 21st, 2017 - 10:07:04 PM:

Hi.
I've had a Sony A37 for some years now, and feel quite comfortable with it. I had a A200 prior to this one.

I've just aquired my first flash, a Sony HVL-F43M (so I'm using a shoe adapter), and as far as I can tell, I should be able to use it wirelessly, but I can't get it to trigger.
I followed Sonys guide on using wireless flash, but nothing happens.

I've never used an external flash before so it's probably some really newbie stuff I'm missing.

I've googled the subject but everything feels a lot more advanced than what I think is the issue.

Michael Hohner answers:
Do you have the adapter mounted when you try that? If so, please remove the adapter, otherwise the flash may think it's still mounted on the camera. And what exactly do you mean with "nothing happens"? Is there not even a control flash by the camera? If that's the case the camera may have a defect or is not correctly set to wireless mode.

#80: Comment posted by Bjarke Garling on November 22nd, 2017 - 02:41:13 PM:

Hi Michael.

Thanks for your very speedy reply.

I've left the adapter on the camera for the most of my tries, and as far as I can recall I've tried it once where the adapter was removed from both camera and flash.

When I set the flash to WL on camera, the flash follows suit as expected. I place the flash where I want it, and pop-up the built in flash on the camera.

When I take the picture there's a flash from the build in flash (or rather some sort of series of very rapid flashes) but my HVL-F43 never fires.

After I wrote here I tried to update the firmware on my camera (from 1.02 to 1.04) hoping that would help, but I still can't get it to work.

Michael Hohner answers:
Make sure the camera is in wireless mode (see the flash symbol on the display) and that the flash is in wireless remote mode (RMT) and is indicating that it's ready. Remove the adapter from the camera and flash. You can also try the other wireless channels (set on the flash) in case the camera is not on channel 1.

#81: Comment posted by Bjarke Garling on November 26th, 2017 - 08:27:45 PM:
Hi again. Thank you very much for your advice. I tried changing the settings on the flash to RMT and it worked right away!

#82: Comment posted by toughluck on January 22nd, 2018 - 09:06:55 AM:

Hi,

Looking at the interoperability table, I'm glad to see that HVL-F58AM in CTRL+ mode will work with HVL-F42AM in three flash groups -- which Sony does not mention in its official WL flash guide.
As far as I understand it, the three groups are: CTRL, RMT and RMT2. I'm able to set the on-camera flash to CTRL, I suppose I should be able to set an off-camera F58 (or F43 or anything newer) to CTRL, RMT or RMT2 group as needed.
However, it's not possible to set F42AM to anything but just WL flash. As far as I recall from old Minolta manuals, remote flashes are treated as such, and in ratio mode, they provide 2/3 of light by default (with the built-in flash providing 1/3) so it is probably in the RMT group.
Is there any way to turn it to work as RMT2 group? There's a custom option to change the channel (CH1 or CH2), but is that the right configuration option?

I'm asking before I get experimenting (I finally got a few sets of rechargeable batteries and I'm going to try them). If it works in three groups, then F42AM is the perfect flash for WL photography, since it's absurdly cheap second hand.

Michael Hohner answers:
A HVL-F42AM is always in the RMT group. The channel configuration switches to a completely different set of flashes, so one camera controls one set, and another camera can control a different set.

#83: Comment posted by toughluck on January 23rd, 2018 - 10:40:42 AM:
Thanks Michael, that's what I thought concerning channels (I seem to recall they were set through DIP switches in 3500xi and 5400HS flashes I owned way back). However, it's still neat that you can have three groups of flashes, but one of them can be a set of F42, which could work to provide ambient light while another flash (or flashes) can be used to provide fill flash or something directional.

#84: Comment posted by Johann on February 12th, 2018 - 10:32:45 AM:
Hi I have a Sony A77 (first edition) and 2pcs 5600HS(D) and 1pcs 3600HS(D). Kan I use one of the 5600HS(D) as controlflash to handle the other 2 wireless? I can´t get it work with a 5600HS(D) mounted, but with the built-in flash in the A77 it works. Thanks. //Johann

Michael Hohner answers:
As you can see in the interactive table above the 5600HS(D) can not be used as a controller on the A77.

#85: Comment posted by Simon Bergman on June 2nd, 2018 - 08:41:38 PM:

I have the same problem as T.Kovacs Aron (Comment #71). When I try to use my HVL-F43AM on my a850 it goes from CTRL mode to RMT mode. I can set the flash to CTRL off-camera and on-camera, but as soon as i press the focus button the flash goes to RMT mode. I also have a HVL-F58AM that works as a commander. I have identical settings on both flashes. I had the same problem on a a900.

Does anyone have further information about this? According to the list on top of this page, as well as Sonyäs official documentation, it should be possible to use the F43AM as a commander on a850/a900

#86: Comment posted by toughluck on September 24th, 2018 - 10:37:57 PM:

I'm looking for comments on using 3rd party speedlights as remote lights in Sony's CTRL+ wireless system (optical). I intend to get several used ones, which is why I'm considering them instead of genuine Sony units (I can get several for the price of one Sony).

So far, I've been able to verify the following Metz units using Metz's online manual database:

44 AF-1 S digital
44 AF-2 S digital
Work in CTRL and CTRL+ modes, are always in RMT group. Cannot select channel, they will respond to masters using any channel. Metz claims this unit can work as a controller on supported cameras, but I wouldn't bet Sony is supported this way.

50 AF-1 S digital
48 AF-1 S digital
These work like HVL-F42AM. They allow both CTRL and CTRL+ modes, and the flash is always in "RMT" group. They cannot act as a controller.

52 AF-1 S digital
58 AF-1 S digital
58 AF-2 S digital
64 AF-1 S digital
These four work like top of the line Sony models. They provide full support for all modes, including acting as a controller.

M400 Sony
This one provides full support in CTRL+ mode (controller/slave, CTRL/RMT/RMT2 group selection), and only in CTRL+ mode. There is no support for old CTRL mode. This unit is possibly the most compact, size- and weight-wise, optical controller for CTRL+ with full ratio control.

#87: Comment posted by toughluck on September 26th, 2018 - 09:35:53 AM:
Update about Godox and Quadralite Godox TT685S and Quadralite Stroboss 60S/60S evo provide support like Metz M400, only CTRL+, both as commander and slave. Other Godox/Quadralite flashes are not compatible at all.

#88: Comment posted by toughluck on September 26th, 2018 - 10:22:39 AM:

I looked up Nissin's online manuals and found the following:
i40, i60A, Di700A, Di866S:
Work as remote only (no commander function)
Can select RMT or RMT2 group (no effect in CTRL mode, will respond as RMT group always)
Cannot select channel, lamp will respond to signals on all four

Di622 Mark II:
Works as remote only (no commander function)
No information if CTRL+ is supported, or just CTRL, or both
Cannot select group (only RMT), and there's no mention about CTRL+ in this context, which suggests it's not compatible with CTRL+
Cannot select channel, will only respond at channel 1

I would still appreciate input on other manufacturers.

#89: Comment posted by Amjid Jabbar on March 26th, 2019 - 10:21:02 PM:

Hi Michael

I have the Sony A7riii.

I have the Sony HVL43M which I use as a controller and the off camera flashes are the Sony HVL43AM and Sony HVL36AM. Both the off camera flashes have a hot shoe adapter which I use when mounting on my A7riii.

I mount the HVL43M on camera, put the camera into wireless setting.
I press the FN button for 3 seconds and go to the custom 3 setting and have it as control 1 and control +.
I then make sure that it is in channel 1 and wireless.
I press the button to make sure the Ratio and Ctrl blink on the flash and then take it off. I then press FN. I also make sure it is on TTL.
I mount my first off camera flash on to the A7riii which is the HVL43AM. I then take it off. The red infra blinks on the flash.
I then mount back the HVL43M on camera and again press FN for 3 seconds.
I go to the custom 3 setting and have it as control 2 and control.
I make sure the Ratio and Ctrl blink at the same time and take this off the camera. Before I take it off I make sure it is in TTL.
I then mount my second off camera flash which is the HVL36AM on the camera and make sure it is in the wireless mode.
I take off this flash and this off and the red infra red on this flash blinks.
I then mount back my HVL43M back on the camera.

I can trigger the off camera flashes with the HVL43M. Both the off camera flashes are in RMT mode from what it reads on the HVL43M.

I put the controller flash into the - setting so that it doesn't fire but it still flashes.

The question is are the off camera flashes now in TTL? I can reduce and increase the flash power by the controller HVL43M but I don't know if they are in TTL? When I usually use the HVL43M as an independant flash in none wireless TTL mode say in Aperture, shutter or manual camera settings then the flash is blinking rapidly and that tells me it is in TTL. But when I use it as described above with other off camera flashes for a wireless set up, the flash does not blink rapidy which suggests it not TTL?

Advice and guidance is most appreciated.

Michael Hohner answers:

First of all, I don't know why you mount the flashes on the camera to change the settings. This is not necessary. You can change the settings directly on the flash units when they are not mounted.

Second, the flash is in TTL mode when it displays "TTL" on its display, and in manual mode when it says "manual" (and the power level can be set). Use the TTL/M button to switch between the two modes.

The HVL-F36AM does not have a manual mode.

You can not control the manual power level from the HVL-F43M as the controller. You can, at most, control the power ratio of the remote flash groups (when using multiple groups).

#90: Comment posted by Jernej on November 25th, 2019 - 08:39:41 PM:

Hello! I have a Sony A37 and a Sony A77 body, have used a Minolta 2500D flash on camera for some years and have recently bought a Minolta 3600HS (D) to try working with wireless off camera flash. It does work, with both bodies, using the built in flash as the controller and the 3600HS (D) in wireless mode.
But it seems to me that the built in flash contributes a lot (or rather too much) to the exposure. When I bounce the off camera flash off the ceiling, the picture ends up being exposed practically only by the built in flash – flat, harsh shadows and everything. This always happens if I'm closer than approximately 2m to the subject with the A37 or closer than approximately 3m to the subject with the A77. In other words - it seems to me that the built in flash emits more light than simply control bursts, it almost completely overpowers the off camera 3600HS (D), that is bounced from the ceiling. More noticeably so with the A77 than with the A37.
Am I missing a setting somewhere? Or is this in fact normal behaviour when being this close to the subject? Or am I not supposed to bounce the off camera flash?
I have worked around this by simply physically redirecting the light emitted by the built in flash upwards with a piece of white plastic, strapped “in front and below” the popped up built in flash. And it does work – no more direct flash from the built in noticeable in the picture. But is that the way to do it?

Best regards and thanks for all the great info on this site - helped me get two flash units, that work with my cameras, for very little money.

Michael Hohner answers:

There are a few things to consider: First, when you bounce the flash, the distance the light travels is much longer than the distance from the camera to the subject. So the guide number of the bounced flash will be reduced while that of the controller stays the same. Second, if the ceiling is not bright white, some of the bounced light will be absorbed in addition to the longer flash distance. Third, the built-in flash of the A77 has a higher guide number than that of the A37, so this is what you see when you compare the two cameras.

You basically did the right thing: if you don't want too much light from the controller, block the line of sight to the subject.

#91: Comment posted by Joaquim Mendes on April 17th, 2020 - 12:31:39 AM:

Hello!
Can I fire an HVL-F58AM flash as a slave, only with the light of a non-sony / minolta flash? Any brand speedlite!?
I can fire the HVL-F58AM with the camera's pop-up flash, but this causes the non-sony / minolta flash to dip first than the HVL-F58AM and the shutter, and does not illuminate the photo.
This happens with all the cameras I have (A350; A55; and A68)
Is there a solution to solve this problem?
Maybe whit a of camera radio trigger and recive on the HVL-F58AM?
Thank you

Michael Hohner answers:
The Minolta/Sony flashes do not support triggering them with a simple flash pulse, as explained above.

#92: Comment posted by Jean-Luc GUILBARD on May 20th, 2020 - 05:22:26 PM:

Great Job !!! thank you very much, user SONY's manual translated from japaneese to french are so bad :-(

I recently used ILCE-7RM4. I got 3 flashes :
- HVL-F36AM (a very old one but still good and HSS capable)
- HVL-F43M (2013)
- HVL-F45RM (recent)
I Wonder if I can use these 3 flashes with the 7MR4 by using optical control.
I would like tu use the HVL-F43M as controler plugged on the 7MR4. The F36AM and the F45M as remote flashes both Under TTL mode both or one Under TTL and the other one in manual mode (with a part of its power).

1
according to your Wireless flash table, i can use the F43M in CTRL/CTRL2 mode. in this case the controler F43M dislay only one group RMT, does it means the both remote flashes (F36AM and F45RM) belong to the same group ? RMT group ?
and are controled Under the same ratio
2
the F43M CTRL+/CTRL1 mode cannot trigg the F36AM, correct?

Do you have further suggestion about other configuration to overcome my need described above to control optically and separately in 2 groups my flashes ?

I sincerely appreciate your huge database which help me to spare money and select the good device !

Michael Hohner answers:
You're correct for both questions. Of course, you can set up one remote flash as manual, and control light levels between the two remote flashes this way.