When buying a camera, be sure to check the flash. Moreover, the check should be carried out in several modes, usually in three. If you buy a flash separately, then there are some subtleties here, which you should pay attention to.
It is necessary
- -flash;
- -camera.
Instructions
Step 1
If you are buying a professional / semi-professional camera, then first of all you need to insert the batteries into the corresponding compartments and turn on the camera. Now you should proceed directly to checking the flash. First, make sure it works properly in automatic mode. In this case, it should turn itself on if there is not enough light in the room. At the same time, on the street in bright light, it should not work.
Step 2
The next step is to test the flash in forced mode. Press the forced release button. It should have an effect every time it is pressed. If at some point the flash does not fire, then there is a high probability that it is faulty.
Step 3
The last step to check is to turn off the flash and take multiple shots in different lighting conditions. In this case, a malfunction will be indicated by the unintentional activation of the flash. If you buy a flash separately, make sure that it matches your camera model. Test it under various conditions. Take multiple shots with the flash frontally, that is, the flash should be pointed towards the subject you are shooting. Then test it with bounced light - the flash is looking at the ceiling, and the frame is illuminated by the reflection of light on a white surface. In both cases, everything should work properly the first time.
Step 4
When buying a flash that has already been used, try asking the owner for the conditions under which they most often shot. If it is frontal, then the flash is most likely in good condition, but if he twisted it all the time and used reflected light, then there are no guarantees. That is why it is better to buy handheld flash units from amateurs rather than professionals.