I’ve had various flashes over the years. Ranging between some janky plastic Vivitar thing that cost a couple of quid on ebay, to some of the relatively big guns such as the Nikon SB-900 and a Leica SF-60 that both cost hundreds. And some others inbetween.

*A photo from a night that I cannot truly recall.*

It’s the inbetween ones I want to focus on though.

Namely the Fuji EF-X20, and the Contax TLA 200. You may well be familiar with both of those. They’re the kinda flashes I like. Direct, and no fuss. Plus they look great and aren’t fucking massive. They’re not the brightest and they’re not the quickest, but they perform how I would want them to. I say this having not actually used the Contax, but as far as I’m aware the Fuji is basically a copy of it so I’m assuming it’s within the same ballpark.

Only problem is, the price tag. Where a few years ago you could pick the Fuji up used for £50, now you’re looking at £400 - which, for the price renders the flash a fucking atrocity in my opinion and I can’t believe anyone would want one.

The Contax commands a higher price still. Around £500.

Though if you shop around on eBay you can find a bargain at just £321.99. Such as this fine specimen rated EXC+++++ (yes, that’s five pluses):

They’re slow pieces of shit (seriously, the recycle time can be upto 6 seconds and I’ve been known to drink entire cups of tea faster than that), but anything more is just way too much flash for me.

The only time I really needed the faster recycle rates was when I worked long hours (for a flash) taking party photos. But those days are long gone. And my desire to take on more jobs like that is less than zero.

*Michelle & Katy, Cathouse || Nikon D610 + SB-900*

*I do not know these men but they are clearly drinking responsibly*

In the last couple of years I was occasionally using a Godox Lux Junior. It’s a similar kind of deal, but a little more expensive and a little more ugly. I’m not a fan of the soft rounded edges. Give me a brutalist block or give me death.

Anyway. This is about the Godox and their budget friendly IM30 and I’m painfully aware that I’m rambling on to the point where I’m sure there are shorter food recipe blog posts. Probably.