Sony HVL-F36AM High-Power Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 2 inches ; 12 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000DZKRSM
• Item model number: HVLF36AM
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Take great pictures with superb flash coverage with the Sony HVL-F36AM digital camera flash. You will be able to capture a variety of moods with this flash's long list of features. With the ability to synchronize with all shutter speeds, the HVL-F56AM digital camera flash from Sony is capable of capturing the moment, no matter what time it is. Whether it's a clear, sunny day or a cloudy dusk, you can be sure this flash will fill your subjects with the right amount of light.

Feature List

• Auto zoom
• Auto locking foot
• High-speed synchronization (Synching for all shutter speeds)
• Wireless flash
• Bouncing (Upwards only)
• Specific light control

Product Description

Sony HVL-F36AM High-Power Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very capable flash, August 2, 2006

By 

Hiram Grant "just call me Sam" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony HVL-F36AM High-Power Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera (Electronics)

Another upgrade from the dead Konica-Minolta series, the F36AM is a capable flash that should be the first choice for most A100 users.

Although less powerful than the F56AM, it's still powerful enough for most common indoor family photography, even when using power reducing features like bounce cards, etc. Both bounce and swivel are useful, bounce is by far the more important, and best used with an effecient system such as the Lumiquest Pocket Bounce. The lack of swivel will probably not be missed by most.

The High-Speed flash synch is a blessing to anyone wishing to do outdoor portraits, and wishing to use a large aperture to put the background out of focus. Otherwise, there is often too much light, and something, ususally the aperture, must give. Note: HS flash is very inefficient, and not a real option for sports photography at any real distance.

The wireless flash system is as easy as it gets, and works very well. Although you might not use this very often, it opens up a world of possibilities.

Who should move up? Those needing more distance, or those considering an external battery pack, should look at the F56AM.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works great on KM 5D, November 1, 2006

By 

BetsyR (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony HVL-F36AM High-Power Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera (Electronics)

This flash is simple, versatile, and most importantly, it is giving me accurate exposures on my Konica Milolta 5D. The wireless mode is very straightforward, and opens up really unique lighting possibilities. It is powerful enough to give a perfect exposure when bounced off my 9' ceiling. I have not yet tested it in more demanding situations, but it looks like it will be all I need for 95% of my flash lighting.

Note that the HVL-F36AM is NOT just a Sony-branded KM 3600hs. It tilts vertically, but does not pivot laterally. Also, the wide-angle diffuser is not built-in (it clips on). That being said, I'm still really happy with this flash.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lower-cost flash for Minolta / Sony SLR, December 17, 2007

By 

Stephen Mahanes (Arnold, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony HVL-F36AM High-Power Digital Camera Flash for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera (Electronics)

I'm an owner of a Minolta Maxxum 5 and a Sony Alpha A100. I enjoy both cameras quite a bit. This flash works with either of them perfectly. It has plenty of range and brightness, and syncs very well. I especially like the wireless mode, which I use almost exclusively.

If you don't need a really expensive flash, look into this unit. It is really great for the money. The higher end version (F56AM) is a bit brighter and can swivel, but this isn't necessary in my opinion.

Consider getting a diffuser to go with this flash, for softer edges.