Ringlights

[pappapratt]

Does anyone have any familiarity with the Sunpak DX-12R?

Before I go through extensive testing, I thought I'd ask if anyone has any insights.

Thanks in asdvance,

M

[Joe Peoples]

What is it you'd like to know? I bought one a few months ago and love it, though I don't use it all that much. I picked up the TTL module and it works perfectly.

[MikePL]

I bought this beauty yesterday, used for the equivalent of $40.

This unit is not the newest out there, but it has lots of great functions.
http://jedrak.com/000/cokin1.jpg

It has dedication for different cameras
SD-??
OM- Olympus
ME- Minolta ??
PX- Pentax
NI- Nikon
CA- Canon
http://jedrak.com/000/cokin2.jpg

It has tiltable flash heads
http://jedrak.com/000/cokin3.jpg

And it works great with the S2. I can use it either in one of the manual modes or in TTL mode !!!
http://jedrak.com/000/cokin4.jpg

I must admit that it distributes light much better that the Nikon SB-27 that I have, which is strange. The Nikon flash tends to either overexpose or underexpose in an inconsistent manner, but my ringflash does the job right. What's more the ring can be mounted onto the flash body and operate as a conventional unit. Contrary to many other ringflashes, it can be fitted to large diameter lenses. All my lenses are 77mm and all I need to do is cut some tabs. If I had 72mm lenses there would be no problem at all.

I won't use this flash for close-up pictures, I will use it for fashion shoots. You know... this careless style of pictures taken on streets in the evening. The model wears some cool clothes and the flash produces a sharp, raw light. If I used a normal flash I would get the nasty red eyes and one shadow. I am planning to make a round softbox to cover all the three flash heads (with a hole in the center of course :D ). This would give me still very raw, snapshot-like pictures but with very delicate shadows and very good skin tones (no shiny nose tips or foreheads).

I think that there is no problem with ring flashes. Whether it's Nikon, Vivitar, Sunpak or whatever else, just make sure it won't fry your camera. If it's dedicated, it won't. I am planning to have a good time with my flash

[pappapratt]

Joe,

I took some practice shots with the 12-R and most seem to be blown out when I shoot in TTL mode.

Unlike Mike, I will shoot primarily macro with it, although it certainly has the power for portraits as well.

Of course Manual shooting, particularly with macro works well. However, is there a way to have the AF illuminator assist lamps in use when in manual mode?

[Joe Peoples]

Did you use the TTL module on your camera?

[pappapratt]

Joe,

yes, the NE-1AF

[snapthepicture]

I use the Profoto Accute setup with the 1200w ring flash. That gives me an incredible pop. Bronicolor has one too with the same power made by the same manufacture I have been told. I use this in a fashion setting on location. I have never used a ring flash like the ones shown in the picture. But they look a lot lighter and easier to use.
Bruno

[Joe Peoples]

I use the DX-12 for photos of people, in the 5'-12' range, so I don't have any experience in macro mode. Why not call Sunpak and ask their tech support for advice. I assume you've read and re-read the manuals for the camera and flash and have checked your settings. Good luck.