HELP! HVL-f32X and V3 compatibility

[GVales]

Ok, Im sorta confused here.

I want to buy an external flash for the V3. I sorta wanted the HVL-F32X. I go to the Sony website to see what flashes are compatible. It isn't there. I look in the V3 accessory catolog, it is there. I email sony tech, they say

Response (Nelson) 04/04/2005 03:36 AM

Thank you for contacting Sony Style with your inquiry regarding the HVL-F32X Digital Camera Flash.

The HVL-F32X Digital Camera Flash is not compatible with the DSC-V3 Cyber-shot camera. We do not have any flashes available for the DSC-V3 Cyber-shot camera. You can contact Sony local dealers to check for its availability.

Please visit the following link to view the range of accessories available for the DSC-V3 Cyber-shot Camera:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=&ProductSKU=DSCV3&TabName=acc


Now I look in the owners manual on page 72, and it gives specific directions on how to use the HVL-F32X with the camera.

So, is there anyone out the that has the V3 and the F32X? Do they work together fine? Does it communicate through the hot shoe or do you have to use the ACC plug for it to communicate?

Thanks...I probably should of asked here first instead of asking a H.S. under paid prompt reading dropout that knows no more about nail clippers as they do about sony products!

[gary_hendricks]

Wow, how's that for inconsistency on the part of Sony support? I own the HVL-F32X but unfortunately haven't had a chance to try it on the V3. I will try to get a V3 (from my camera shop friend) to try it out. :)

[GVales]

Thanks!

You must be a product of the 60's or 70's when that name (Gary) was popular! If caught my Mom's eye in 70!

-Gary

[Robert]

Ok, Im sorta confused here.

I want to buy an external flash for the V3. I sorta wanted the HVL-F32X. I go to the Sony website to see what flashes are compatible. It isn't there. I look in the V3 accessory catolog, it is there. I email sony tech, they say



Now I look in the owners manual on page 72, and it gives specific directions on how to use the HVL-F32X with the camera.

So, is there anyone out the that has the V3 and the F32X? Do they work together fine? Does it communicate through the hot shoe or do you have to use the ACC plug for it to communicate?

Thanks...I probably should of asked here first instead of asking a H.S. under paid prompt reading dropout that knows no more about nail clippers as they do about sony products!


I have both the V3 and the HVL-F32X. They are indeed compatible with one another. SONY is such a big company that apparently the left hand doesn't always know what the right hand is doing.

I'm quite pleased with the combination. I especially like the fact that the HVL-F32X can be mounted on a flash bracket and plugged into the body of the V3 as well as mounted directly on the hotshoe. Both a sync cord and a flat bar flash bracket are supplied with the HVL-F32X. That's a bonus as many camera manufactures charge an arm and a leg for their dedicated sync cords. I bought the HVL-F32X at Amazon.com for $132 U.S. and shipping was free. The price has been fluctuating so if you decide to buy one you may find it for more or less money. At the time Amazon.com had the best price of all the reputable mailorder houses that I'm familiar with.

I might add that the V3 is also compatible with other flashes as well. I've tried it sucessfully with the SunPak 383 and the Vivitar 285HV. However when non dedicated flashes are used the camera must be in the Manual mode and the flash must be used in the Auto mode.

[GVales]

Thanks Robert...

I have both the V3 and the HVL-F32X. They are indeed compatible with one another. SONY is such a big company that apparently the left hand doesn't always know what the right hand is doing.

The flash and the camera, you think we are talking in the same hand! But goes to show when you get too big...

I feel I can call myself a A/V and Computer Guru..I love Sony products in certain areas : TV's (the best for the cash by far), DVD players, CD Players, Monitors, Playstations, LCD TV's...they shine in those area, and I decided to try the camera genre too with the V3 (as my other options would of been the powershot G6 or Pro).

I wouldnt buy Sony Computers(though I would probably give their laptops a go), speakers, car stereos, home receivers,...


Couple of more questions for you Robert...

when mounted on the V3's hot shoe, will it communicates through the shoe, and does not need the Sync cord?

And would you recommend any other over the F32X in the same price range?

Thanks

[GVales]

Ok I broke down and ordered from amazon :

Sony RMVD1 Remote - because even on a tripod when taking nite shots I always ever so slighty jiggle the camera when I hit the button

Sony HVLF32X External AutoProgrammable Flash

Sony VCL-DEH07VA

all for $280 total!

[Robert]

Thanks Robert...



The flash and the camera, you think we are talking in the same hand! But goes to show when you get too big...

I feel I can call myself a A/V and Computer Guru..I love Sony products in certain areas : TV's (the best for the cash by far), DVD players, CD Players, Monitors, Playstations, LCD TV's...they shine in those area, and I decided to try the camera genre too with the V3 (as my other options would of been the powershot G6 or Pro).

I wouldnt buy Sony Computers(though I would probably give their laptops a go), speakers, car stereos, home receivers,...


Couple of more questions for you Robert...

when mounted on the V3's hot shoe, will it communicates through the shoe, and does not need the Sync cord?

And would you recommend any other over the F32X in the same price range?

Thanks


The sync cord is only used when the flash is mounted on the flash bracket. It's an either/or situation. Personally I prefer to use the flash mounted on the flash bracket as mounting the flash directly on the camera seems a bit top heavy in my estimation.

To my knowledge there isn't any other dedicated flash for the V3 other than the F32X. The SunPak and Vivitar units that I mentioned although very usable and excellent buys at 1/2 the price of the F32X are non dedicated. In short I think you'll be much happier with the F32x

[GVales]

Thanks a million Robert!

[Bud Cool]

My V3 accessory book included the f32x flash as one of the accessories, it works ok, but
In the setup mode
camera 2
Your option is Flash int < or > Flash ext
It doesn't seem to matter, the external flash works in both int or ext???

Instructions for using the f32x is in the manual
Turn on the flash, set to p s a m.. and shoot, nothing about the setup

Any one have a clue about this?