Help with Flash
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Printed on: 5/12/2026 12:11:22 AM
Topic
Topic author: Vlad
Posted on: 20080103104538
Hi everyone,
I am starting to take more pictures indoors with my Soviet cameras, and was wondering whether there is a decent flash unit with bounce head made by USSR that you can recommend me that does not require me to plug it in into wall socket and runs off AA batteries preferably. Is there such a thing?
Also can someone enlighten me how to take pics indoors with flash then? I would assume my Leningrad light meter is useless in this scenario.. is there like a universal setting for all my cameras I should use like 1/30 and F8? Or is there a way to determine that without a very expensive Seconic light meter?
Thanks,
Vlad
Replies
Reply author: cedricfan
Replied on: 20080103113249
Ask Aidas if he can get you a Saliut flash, that works on all power sources. See the Wiki for pictures, it is a goos source of information, you know [:D]
And I must warn you: almost all USSR-flashes are pretty bad plastic [:(]
Also none that I have yet seen has auto-setting, so you must adjust aperture according to distance every time. That is done with calculating from guide number, or by a dial in flash. Eg if flash has GN 25 (metric, GOST-100) and the distance is 4m then 25/4=6,3 means aperture 6,3 and if distance is 6m then 25/6=4,2 so aperture is 4. Maybe you need an Elorg-calculator also [^]
Yes, shutter speed usually 1/30 or 1/25. With Leningrad you also need to adjust sync time, but I can't remember which was which (in Zenit: X=electricflash and M=bulbs)
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20080103114310
I see! That does make sense! Thanks! I'll look for this flash on eBay as well.
Vlad.
Reply author: AidasCams
Replied on: 20080103114335
Juhani,
Did you mean "Saulute" flash? I have never met "Saliut" brand among the soviet flashes. [:)] Yea, Saulute was quite popular product in Soviet Union and it was the only product known widely as made in Lithuania![^]
Vlad, I can try to find you one, but local pick-up only, sorry ... [:D]
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20080103115029
Hehe, don't worry about Aidas, I'll keep searching on eBay, I'm in no hurry, I got my Rollei flash for now that I'm using, just wanted a Soviet one to go along with Soviet cameras.
Thanks!
Vlad
Reply author: cedricfan
Replied on: 20080103131852
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20080103154417
Well I see them there from time to time... And I got other source [;)].. I'm sure in time everything can be found.
Reply author: Luiz Paracampo
Replied on: 20080103181320
Salute flash is a very complex circuit flash.
The most reliable is the Fil 10 (although clumsly) and the Chaika. This one uses two 4.5 volts batteries no more made.. but can be replaced by two three large cell telephone units.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20080103185610
What batteries does Saulute use?
Reply author: Luiz Paracampo
Replied on: 20080103201800
In built Nickel -Cadmium
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20080103203605
I see so I'll just need a plug converter then. Thanks!
Reply author: cedricfan
Replied on: 20080103233048
Reply author: AidasCams
Replied on: 20080104011843
Just for you to know - lithuanian word "Saulute" means "Daisy" or "Little Sun". Good match for flash unit, isn't it?
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20080104135201
Thanks guys! It does look like I'll need to go to the gym to get some more muscles before I can start carrying this thing around.. man, it's big! [:D]
Vlad
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20080108125139
Reply author: AidasCams
Replied on: 20080108125610
yea, you just bought a simple one. But it works ok with vintage Smenas ... [:D]
Reply author: cedricfan
Replied on: 20080108132929
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20080108133528
HA! [:D]