First of all flashes are few and far between for the Panasonic Lumix series, unlike for Canon or Nikon. Who buys used, is familiar with the problem. Many matching flashes as the older Panasonic FL28 have plus easy-contacts. You are not TTL compatible, so they can not communicate with the camera and be regulated by it. In simple terms, the flash would just from the camera signal "more light!" receive and trigger-depending on whether it is adjustable, with full power or manually controlled. The used from the FZ50 "real" hot shoe should be better equipped to match with a TTL flash. So one is the DAF-42, the dried way, probably only imported maker says it is several forums Tumax.
The flash is as strong as the folding of the FZ50 flash (GN11) with a guide number of 42, almost four times. Straight bridge cameras with their huge zoom range need strong lightning for telephoto. Since the flash is rotated and swiveled, but eg also portraits so much that can not be better flashed frontal. In high like landscape you better flash indirectly via the ceiling or wall. But what if this is not know and thus a bounce flash produces color distortion? The flip-out reflector of DAF-42 nevertheless allowed in conjunction with a bounce flash (45 °) bounce flash. One also extendable diffuser ensures however for softer flash distribution if you want to flash directly at close range. All of these options are also excellent for red-eye removal.
Please ignore cheap accessory flashes that do not offer these possibilities of the bounce flash and are rigidly aligned to the front! Only for direct lightning in the vicinity finally satisfies even the built-in flash.
The DAF-42 is also suitable for wireless flash. This process is carried out with the built-in flash as a "master", the DAF-42 triggers via its light as a "slave". So you can, for example, illuminate the subject from the side, which usually looks much nicer than the flash from the direction of the camera. However, here lurks an unexpected problem that costs the dehydrator flash half a point opposite the Metz. "TTL" means yes, that very shortly before the regular flash A pre-flash occurs, the camera measures through the lens and thus regulates the required exposure. Unfortunately, the dehydrator has no "Vorblitzerkennung" and triggers already made in this, barely visible to the eye pre-flash. Thus, "thinks" the camera while red-eye reduction, it would be the full flash output available. During the actual flash signal of folding flash of DAF-42 is but "not yet come again" and remains at that very moment the recording dark -er can not flash so quickly in succession. It is therefore essential in this mode off with the DAF-42 TTL on the camera and set the exposure itself in the principle of "trial and error". Annoying! The flash is in the intensity adjustable from 1/1 to 1/16 (for comparison in Metz 1/1 - 1/128). This is all the more important the closer the flash is placed on the subject.
The motorized zoom dehydrator operates the (small picture) focal range of 24-85 mm. The FZ50 zooms contrast of 35-420 mm, which does not fit at first glance. But no problem, it just looks 85 mm as a synonym for "tele". Of course, the lightning works well even at longer focal lengths, it must not indeed be the same 420 mm. In another review someone complained, the engine would only push horizontally adjusted flash available. This is logical, because the power zoom is supposed to change the flash illumination angle -broad in Wide, narrow at the telephoto end. But when I flashed indirectly, yes I want flash only up to the ceiling and ensure that the light is distributed extensively from there, rather than to produce harsh shadows as the frontal flash. So the flash may not be considered, as the lens zooms, but simply flashing a direct way to the ceiling.
Two other disadvantages of Metz: first, the processing is something "rustic". The battery wears no pivoting, captive flap, but a removable cover. Hardly conceivable with two hands to change here in the open the batteries. Second, in Metz, the firmware is renewable and often are far from retrofitted via a USB port to purchase flash new features or bug fixes. This option is completely missing in dried; Also discover page of dried provides no information on the flash. Finally, the scope of supply is limited to lightning and instructions, a mounting foot and a bag as in the more expensive Metz are nowhere. Here are due an additional 1.5 star deduction.
One problem that apparently only Panasonic cameras concerns: some dried-flashes are not recognized by the camera, or at least not triggered. Even my flash, the "perfect" worked according previous owner, had this problem. I was already on the verge of throwing it away, but dared one more try. The foot with the tiny contacts is attached with four screws. It is fastened with three screws the board. The four contacts get over small springs contact with the board. After I got the board and the pins with contact spray "Contact 60" machined, it worked perfectly again. Half an hour's work, and not entirely cheap flash was saved!
Conclusion: Those who used or new saves money compared with the better-Metz flashes, buys thus already a few disadvantages. The often low dried-hand prices can make the purchase worthwhile for medium requirements but thoroughly. And medium-sized claims just match the already a bit old-down, but still very good superzoom Panasonic even provided.
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