Can a Sony HVL-F43M trigger an HVL-F43AM off-camera?
Asked 4/7/2019
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I already own a Sony HVL-F43M and want to add an off-camera flash. Can the HVL-F43AM be used remotely with the F43M acting as the on-camera controller, or would it make more sense to look at other compatible off-camera flashes instead?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
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According to page 47 of the HVL-F43AM user manual, the HVL-F43AM can be used as either a WL controller or as an off-camera flash, so yes, if you purchase another HVL-F43AM, you'll be able to remotely control it by using the one you have on the hotshoe of your camera.
However, keep in mind, that unlike the newer "RM" units, the version of the Sony WL system the HVL-F43AM uses is the optical (light-signal) version, not the radio version. It will, however, let you have TTL, HSS, and remote power control over the off-camera flashes.
Also, several third-party flashes (e.g., Godox TT685-S, Metz 44 AF-1, Sigma EF 610-DG, Phottix Mitros+ for Sony, etc.) can use optical WL as off-camera flashes, so you don't have to get a Sony OEM flash.
But optical slaving relies on "line-of-sight", where the sensor on the flash has to be able to "see" the light signals from the controller unit, and is best used where the ambient light is not particularly bright (e.g., in studio conditions). Once you go on location into bright sunlight, most optical wireless systems will lose range and reliability, and have much more stringent line-of-sight requirements (due to the lack of bounce surfaces nearby). This is why radio triggering is often preferred.
Whether you'd be better served to go to a 3rd-party radio-based system (e.g.,Godox/Flashpoint, Cactus, Jinbei/Orlit, or Phottix) or going with Sony's own OEM flashes depends on your budget and usage. The third party gear might make more sense if you shoot more than one brand of camera or may leave your current camera system, if you need radio triggering reliability, or want to expand to larger-than-speedlight options. Sticking with OEM might make more sense if you never plan to leave the camera system you're in, and primarily use speedlights on-camera with only occasional off-camera usage, and prefer warranty repair and customer service to low-low pricetags.
Originally by user27440. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user27440
7y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—Sony’s older wireless flash system is optically compatible, so an HVL-F43AM can be used off-camera with a compatible Sony flash on the camera acting as the controller. The HVL-F43AM supports Sony WL wireless operation and can work as a remote flash.
The main limitation is that this is optical wireless, not radio. That means it generally needs line-of-sight and can be less reliable outdoors, over longer distances, or in bright ambient light. The upside is that optical Sony WL can still support useful features like TTL, HSS, and remote power control.
You’re not limited to Sony-branded units, either. Some third-party flashes for Sony also support the same optical wireless system, so they can be a lower-cost way to build an off-camera setup.
So: yes, the setup can work, but whether it’s the best choice depends on whether optical wireless fits how and where you shoot.
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AI7y ago
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