D-40 Flash vs the Hasselblad 4504

[ComicDom1]

I have been trying to compare the two flashes listed in the title. I know the Hasselblad appears to be a much larger flash than the D-40. The D-40 appears to have a replaceable flash tube.

Is there any advantage to one over the other? Which one would a person be better off with and why?

Thanks in Advance,

Jason

 

[blowupster]

Both are excellent flash that works perfect.
The Proflash 4504 is easier to carry and to works with.
The D-40 works only in TTL mode or full power manual.
The Sunpak 120j or quantum flash give more liberty.
I have one D-40 and two Proflash + several other flash.
Impossible to works TTL with two D-40.
I'm fanatic of working manual mode but with partial power, that's allowed with Proflash and other usual flashs.
The D-40 is done to be fiited on the camera that's all.
It's impossible to filter the bulb to mix the flash light with the environment.
The light of the D-40 with reflector may be great, but I have a panel reflector for Proflash that works fin too.
Bot have about the same power (more power for the 45 anyway).
The A mode (only for Proflash) open interesting way: If your flash is far from your camera and it allow to test without empty your flash as the D-40 does.
The Proflash is usable with other cameras.

 

[fotografz]

Hasselbad Flash

For the V camera I have 2 120Js, 2 D-40s, a Pro-Flash 4504, a couple of Metz shoe mounts with Hasselblad TTL modules ... and 2 Metz 70ZM-5s for my H camera.

I do not like the Quantums that I had, and sold them because of their larger bulky size and requirement to use a separate battery pack and attachment cords ... which I hate.

The Sunpack 120J TTL isn't all bad, but only takes 4 AA batteries or a big battery pack & attachment cords ... the D-40 takes 6 AAs which lasts longer and recycles faster. Plus, you can get separate snap-in battery inserts for the D-40 so you can preload them and swap out batteries much faster.

The D40 works best when mounted to a Prism Finder. Unlike side mounted handle mount flash, it keeps the flash over the lens and drops any cast shadow behind the subject.

Controlling flash compensation with the D-40 is extremely simple on a V camera, just change the camera ISO setting ... couldn't be easier. However, your V camera must support TTL flash metering ... like a 503CW or 203FE for example.

More importantly the quality of light from the D-40 is nicer IMO ... it is a bare bulb flash with a parabolic reflector. Being round, it also works in an umbrella very well.

BTW, the D-40 can be used off-camera TTL with the long extension cords made for it. Not sure, but I thought there was a "Y" connector so you could shoot two using TTL. I'll have to check on that.

Most all Quantum Q flash light modifiers work on the D-40 reflector including diffusers. Quantum also makes wide-angle reflectors that fit the D-40 ... including a gold one which warms the subject ... I use that one when shooting in tungsten light or for fill during sunsets.

Yes, the D40 flash bulb CAN be changed, but you do not have to buy the expensive Hasselblad branded one. The Sunpack 120J bulb is the same. And I believe the Quantum Bare Bulbs can be used .. but I'd double check that.

If the notion is to use a flash off-camera like a studio strobe, there are better ones to consider than any of these ... which are not designed for that purpose.

On camera, my favorite is the D-40 for it's quality of light. Outside for fill, or inside for back-lit difficult lighting scenarios, it is incredibly accurate on the cameras it was designed for.

-Marc

Jewish/Cuban Wedding in Miami: ... shade side of the building ... 503CW & Portra 400NC, 50mm, direct D-40 flash with reflector set to wide angle for fill.

Bride descending the staircase: backlit subject in reflective white hallway ... 203FE & Portra 400NC, 50/2.8FE, D-40 flash with milk white ball diffuser.

 

[blowupster]

Interesting where did you fin a "milk white ball diffuser." as hasselblad did not offer accessories for the D-40

 

[fotografz]

Interesting where did you fin a "milk white ball diffuser." as hasselblad did not offer accessories for the D-40

Delta is a company that makes photographic odds and ends for a lot of different applications ... one of mine was from them. I made the other one using the optional dome cover from a Gary Fong Light Sphere and epoxied it to a Sunpack parabolic reflector. Works like a charm.

However, just look at the Quantum catalog of light modifiers ... most of them also fit the D-40 and Sunpack 120J.

-Marc