But it seems like a flash delivering this kind of power from such a 'small box' is prone to heat up a bit. It seems logical. Cheers, Jonathan -- Please visit my gallery. Can you give an example of how fast you were shooting? Like 2 frames per sec or so on?

1. Alien Flash Gun

I don't know much about flash photography, so I cannot answer your questions. I'm sorry for that. This is a video review of the Sony HVL-F42AM external flash gun compatible with Alpha DSLR camera's. Find great deals on eBay for sony hvl-f58am. Shop with confidence. View and Download Sony HVL-F42AM operating instructions manual online. Digital Imaging Accessories: Flash for α (alpha) DSLR Cameras. HVL-F42AM Camera Flash pdf manual download.

For some reason, Sony decided to change to a different hot shoe sometime between the A350 and the A77 II. I've read some reviews that suggest this adapter fits loosely on the camera.

That's the reason why we haven't heard too much (if at ALL) about this issue on the F36/F56/F42 flashed. So it's more of a testament to the ENGINEERING of the SONY TEAM that allows for a FAST recycling times but with all things good there is a DOWN side. The overheating 'warning'. I believe in NIKON's case the warning came too little too late and the FLASH gun was already damaged by the time the warning message is displayed. So Paul, don't sweat it, this is probably the 3 or 4th time this issue has popped up here on the forum and so far (unless Jonathan tells us otherwise.) it's only been a 'WARNING' and not a MELTDOWN. Chuckle I can see the headlines now in the other forums (Canon, NIKON, Olympus, & PENTAX) all proclaiming yet ANOTHER issue that SONY now has with it's dSLR system.

I've not tried all the possible combinations - but so far very tight flash-camera connection & effortless translation from old Sony-unique flash mount to the multi-use connection. My only gripe is with the 3d party flash not offering a modification to match the multi-use interface. I've a bit too much invested in the flash setup to buy new to match the Sony multi-use connection. Hence the mandatory do-hickey from Sony.

Keep the small platic cap hand and use it every time in the bag. This thing is also tiny and tends to get lost if not attached to the flash. Rated 4 out of 5 by Bob H. From Sony does it again Once again, Sony has gone off on its own, and created a unique type of hot shoe that is incompatible with everyone else.

JonathanK wrote: True, I notices that, too. Was kind of scary. I thought I used the flash incorrectly.

But it seems like a flash delivering this kind of power from such a 'small box' is prone to heat up a bit. It seems logical. Cheers, Jonathan -- Please visit my gallery.

That means if you buy, for example, Sony's otherwise excellent HVL-F43AM flash unit, you'll need this little adapter to fit the flash to a Sony A7 camera. The flash uses Sony's Multi-Interface Shoe, whereas the A7 line of cameras does not. The adapter fits fine, and mine doesn't cause the flash to wobble, as has been mentioned by some other reviewers. It just seems a shame that Sony keeps changing things and going its own way, which causes confusion and empty wallets. Rated 5 out of 5 by Bob H from Fits my A 77 Mark 2 With this device I can use the Metz flash that I had bought for my A350.

The F58 seems to have a temperature sensor to prevent you from damaging it, so heed its warning. Also the current draw from the battery will heat it up; you don't want it to explode in there! If you can, reduce your flash power/increase your ISO and you'll last longer.

But the Sony do-hickey is measurably better than 3d-party do-hickeys. Tkx to B&H for the help!!

Hi all, I recently purchased two HVL-F58AM flash guns (for my father and my brother, who both went ALPHA). I tried them out in my improvised studio and noticed a few things: • The flash guns are extremely sensitive to the WL-signals from the onboard-flash. Much more so than the Minolta 5600 HS, which I used so far. So no failures because of flashes that don't fire.

The thing is iv haved used and stressed several sb-800 and iv never fried any of them,so getting a SB-900 to stop firing way before there is any danger takes away the benefit of the faster recycling time to say the least. Hopefully the 58AM limit is higher then that of the SB-800.-) Kindest -- Regards Paul L. Which it sounds like it was. As far as the external battery pack helping, it depends on where the heat is coming from. If its from the flash tube or capacitors then no, if its from the batteries and charging circuit, maybe.

I chose the HVL-F58AM over the HVL-F43AM mainly because of the higher power (GN58 vs. 95% of my flash usage is with bounce. Typically, I shoot in a lot of places with very high ceilings.

JonathanK wrote: Thanks all for your advice. It could make sense: A warning rather than damage. Does anybody know about other manufacturers? Any experience? Cheers Jonathan -- Please visit my gallery: Please dont tell me the 58am of is suffering from premature eja.

Maybe we can try to narrow it down to just how 'fast' you can shoot with the 58 in 1 minute before it starts to over heat? -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email: SonyProPhoto@Yahoo.com 'Always Looking For New People To Walk The Streets Of NYC With In Search Of The Perfect Shot' 'Equipment List' Beer Can 70-210 f4 (Sharp but TONS of CA) Sony 50mm f1.4 (Tack Sharp!) Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (!!Sharp Sharp Sharp!! ) Tamron 20-200 F2.8 Macro XD Di (I LOVE this lens!!). Jonathan, Paul, This is more of a case of OVER 'reacting' rather than over 'HEATING'. Jonthan, on the NIKON side, the Nikon SB-900 is notorious for this, while here on the Minolta/SONY side, ALL existing flashes PRIOR to the F58, recycled TOO slow to ever get THAT hot.

The extra power is nice to have. True, there is a size/weight difference with the two units but, in reality, not all that much.

If its from the flash tube or capacitors then no, if its from the batteries and charging circuit, maybe. Nbercasio wrote: I was shooting a dance demo this weekend using 2 F58's and 1 F42 setup. Both F58's overheated while 42 was fine. Does anyone know if the external battery will fix the overheating issue? Should Sony issue a major recall or what?

Does anybody know about other manufacturers? Any experience? Cheers Jonathan -- Please visit my gallery: Please dont tell me the 58am of is suffering from premature eja.

I bought two this time so that I always have a functioning one should one become damaged again. Rated 5 out of 5 by Sharp and light from With this adapter you can still use your old flash I bought this adapter for my Sony A99V full frame camera, which I am now using instead of my Sony A55V, which has a much smaller CMOS sensor, and therefore lower definition. Sony put an ultra-sophisticated flash shoe on the A99V, to take advantage of its enhanced capabilities. Sony, as usual, has thought about those of us who still love our old Minolta AF lenses and earlier Sony camera bodies. So they have made this flash mount adapter and priced it very reasonably. Sony is equalling Nikon and Canon in the quality and interchangeability of its equipment, as Sony produces some of the best cameras and lenses today.

If it is, then the unit shut itself down (a VERY good thing before permanent damage was done.) Look at the NIKON SB-900, that unit overheats and is 'bricked' destroyed and needs to be repaired or thrown out. While on the other hand the SONY F58 will continue to fire after it has been cooled off. Fast recycle times = Overheating SLOW recycle times = F42, F36, F56 and older Minolta equivalent's without ever getting close to overheating. Nbercasio wrote: I was shooting a dance demo this weekend using 2 F58's and 1 F42 setup. Both F58's overheated while 42 was fine. Does anyone know if the external battery will fix the overheating issue? Should Sony issue a major recall or what?

Rated 5 out of 5 by Sharp and light from With this adapter you can still use your old flash I bought this adapter for my Sony A99V full frame camera, which I am now using instead of my Sony A55V, which has a much smaller CMOS sensor, and therefore lower definition. Sony put an ultra-sophisticated flash shoe on the A99V, to take advantage of its enhanced capabilities.

I mean warning, like the SB-900.-) Problem with the SB-900 is that eventhough the warning can be turned off, the flash still shut down for 10min in some instances, haven really tried mine after the fw upgrade though. Nor have i tried the 58am enough to stress it to that point.

I eventually found one it would work with. I went ahead and mounted the flash directly on the a6000 and took a picture with it. Unfortunately it triggers the external flash during the ttl pre-flash, so it provides no light when you take the picture. It only works if you have the flash set to manual. Only useful if you want to have an external flash set to manual at the end of an extension cord.

• The flashes have 'passed out' a few times, giving me a 'Overheated' warning. Anybody experienced that too?

Nbercasio wrote: I was shooting a dance demo this weekend using 2 F58's and 1 F42 setup. Both F58's overheated while 42 was fine. Does anyone know if the external battery will fix the overheating issue?

To be fair, I do sling a camera around with the flash attached and am not gentle with my gear so it isn't unreasonable that it got damaged but it is something to keep in mind. This adapter should be treated carefully. I bought two this time so that I always have a functioning one should one become damaged again.

This thing is also tiny and tends to get lost if not attached to the flash. Rated 4 out of 5 by Bob H. From Sony does it again Once again, Sony has gone off on its own, and created a unique type of hot shoe that is incompatible with everyone else. That means if you buy, for example, Sony's otherwise excellent HVL-F43AM flash unit, you'll need this little adapter to fit the flash to a Sony A7 camera. The flash uses Sony's Multi-Interface Shoe, whereas the A7 line of cameras does not.

JonathanK wrote: True, I notices that, too. Was kind of scary. I thought I used the flash incorrectly. But it seems like a flash delivering this kind of power from such a 'small box' is prone to heat up a bit. It seems logical. Cheers, Jonathan -- Please visit my gallery. Unless you were firing FULL power @ 5FPS then the F58 shouldn't overheat, and even if it does, put your hand on the gun, is it HOT?

LOL Let's not give any ammo for the trolls to feed on, ok? Paul.R.Lindqvist wrote: JonathanK wrote: Thanks all for your advice. It could make sense: A warning rather than damage.

Uncle sam usa we want you sticker decal for macbook pro. The HVL-F58AM is 3' x 5.8' x 4.2' and weighs 15.6 ounces (76.2mm x 147.3mm x 106.7mm/ 442g). The HVL-F43AM is 3' x 5.2' x 3.5' and weighs 12 ounces (76.2mm x 132.1mm x 88.9mm/340.2g). For me, I don't mind carrying around the extra weight to have the higher output power available when I need it.

Attention Windows users, the all-in-one photo editor Luminar 2018 is out now and available for just $59 £53 for new users, with big discounts for upgrading users. We rated Luminar as ' Highly Recommended'. Visit the to try it for free. The Sony HVL-F43M is a new flash gun for the latest cameras and interchangeable-lens camcorders equipped with Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe. Successor to the HVL-F43AM model, the HVL-F43M also doubles as a powerful LED video light for keen videographers. Price and availability of the Sony HVL-F43M are to be confirmed. Sony Press Release Weybridge, 27th June 2013 Shoot smarter with the versatile new HVL-F43M external flash • Smart, compact design with bright GN43 flash output, Quick Shift Bounce and dust/moisture resistant design • Powerful LED light for video shooting • Multi Interface Shoe for compatibility with latest Sony A-mount SLT, E-mount cameras/camcorders and Cyber-shot™ models Brighten up your shooting with the HVL-F43M flash gun for latest cameras and interchangeable-lens camcorders equipped with Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe.

This maintains the same bounce angle in either shooting position for consistently lit photos. While the F43AM was compatible with the Auto-lock accessory shoe on older A-mount cameras, the new F43M is now even more versatile. It’s equipped with a Multi Interface Shoe for 100% compatibility with Sony’s SLT-A99, SLT-A58, NEX-6, HDR-VG900, HDR-VG30, Cyber-shot™ HX50, RX1/RX1R and RX100 II models. It is also compatible with Auto-lock accessory cameras via the optional ADP-AMA adaptor. The brand-new model has another bright trick to broaden its appeal. The F43M also doubles as a powerful LED video light for keen videographers. Keep shooting Full HD video on your camera or camcorder when you’re short of natural light; backlit subjects, interviewees, parties and night-time scenes are bathed with natural, even illumination.

Since I had to flashes and both did it at least 3 times, I suppose it has to do with my handling. I was shooting full power most of the time, and maybe I worked too fast. The extremely short recycling time makes it possible, unlike working with the 5600HS, but is it possible that the flashes are not built for that kind of work?

Been numerous discussions regarding this warning 'feature' that will save your flash. (SB-900) Problem is for a function to be useful it needs to implemented rightly, shooting a wedding with the SB-900 and have it shut down for 10min is not fun, add the fact your SB-800 keeps in firing without any trouble at all.

I chose the HVL-F58AM over the HVL-F43AM mainly because of the higher power (GN58 vs. 95% of my flash usage is with bounce.

I tried it and found that it fits securely, as does the Metz. It's important to tighten both the adapter and the flash by turning the wheels at the bottom of each. If there's any other problem, I couldn't find it. Rated 1 out of 5 by Ronald from Well, this was pretty useless First - this (in conjunction with the fragile multi-interface shoe) is not substantial enough to safely keep a good-size flash on your camera. Expect to splat a flash or two. I decided to use it with an extension cord and flash bracket to avoid that issue - but it was sensitive about working with some of my extension cords. I eventually found one it would work with.

I mean warning, like the SB-900.-) Problem with the SB-900 is that eventhough the warning can be turned off, the flash still shut down for 10min in some instances, haven really tried mine after the fw upgrade though. Nor have i tried the 58am enough to stress it to that point.

With a design that resists dust and moisture, the HVL-F43M handles everyday shooting as well as more challenging outdoor assignments. Wireless control allows quick creation of sophisticated multi-flash effects. It’s easy to accurately control lighting ratios for up to three on and off-camera flash units for beautifully balanced, pro-style results. Other smart functions include Auto White Balance adjustment with colour temperature information for consistently natural-looking white balance under any lighting conditions.

For more information on Sony Europe, please visit For more information on Sony Corporation please visit “Sony”, “WALKMAN”, “VAIO”, “Cyber-shot”, “Handycam”, “α”, “Exmor”, “BRAVIA” and “XDCAM” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The HVL-F43AM is 3' x 5.2' x 3.5' and weighs 12 ounces (76.2mm x 132.1mm x 88.9mm/340.2g). For me, I don't mind carrying around the extra weight to have the higher output power available when I need it.

Cheers Jonathan Please dont tell me the 58am of is suffering from premature eja. I mean warning, like the SB-900.-) Problem with the SB-900 is that eventhough the warning can be turned off, the flash still shut down for 10min in some instances, haven really tried mine after the fw upgrade though. Nor have i tried the 58am enough to stress it to that point. Been numerous discussions regarding this warning 'feature' that will save your flash. (SB-900) Problem is for a function to be useful it needs to implemented rightly, shooting a wedding with the SB-900 and have it shut down for 10min is not fun, add the fact your SB-800 keeps in firing without any trouble at all.

Rated 3 out of 5 by sandboa from does the job but fragile This adapter does the job it is intended to do. It does allow you to use older Minolta/Sony mount flashes on a newer sony camera with the Mulit-interface Shoe. It works well, as you would imagine. The reason I don't rate it more highly is that I just bought by second (and third) of these adapters since my first one failed after a year or so of use. To be fair, I do sling a camera around with the flash attached and am not gentle with my gear so it isn't unreasonable that it got damaged but it is something to keep in mind. This adapter should be treated carefully.

Alien Flash Gun

High quality LCD screen. Compatible Shoe Multi Interface Shoe (Auto-lock Accessory Shoe with optional ADP-AMA adaptor) Included items Connector protect cap, mini-stand, case Dimensions (WxHxD) Approx. 75 x 140 x 87 mm Weight Approx. 355g (without batteries) Power source 4x AA Alkaline / AA Ni-MH batteries About Sony Sony is a leading global innovator of audio, video, communications and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. Sony is renowned for its audio-visual products, such as the BRAVIA™ LCD high-definition (HD) television, Cyber-shot™ digital camera, Handycam® camcorder, “α” (pronounced Alpha) digital SLR camera, Sony Tablet and Walkman® MP3 player as well as its VAIO™ personal computers and 3D HD professional broadcast equipment.