The Sony HVL-F43AM is a compact, dust- and moisture resistant external flash unit for Sony Alpha cameras, featuring Quick Shift Bounce adjustment and wireless ratio control. The company’s innovative Quick Shift Bounce system, which debuted on the more powerful HVL-F58AM of 2008, allows flash head position to be adjusted instantly when switching between horizontal and vertical compositions, maintaining consistent shadow positions regardless of camera orientation. Wireless Ratio Control, available on the Sony A900, A850 and A700, makes it easy to select light emission ratios for up to three separate flash units. The zooming head of the HVL-F43AM covers the angle-of-view range of a 24-105mm lens on a full-frame digital SLR camera, and the flash boasts a guide number of 43 (in metres at ISO 100/21°) at the 105mm setting. Powered by four AA type batteries, the Sony HVL-F43AM recycles in about 2.9 seconds after a full discharge, and is available to photographers worldwide from Spring 2011.

Also announced today is the VCT-55LH bracket that offers space for mounting additional cold shoe accessories while the camera’s main shoe is occupied. These may include things like a shotgun microphone or the CLM-V55 clip-on LCD monitor, for example. Sony also unveiled a lens hood for the 35mm and 85mm SAM lenses, and a soft carrying case that accommodates most Sony cameras (excluding the A850 and A900) fitted with a standard zoom.

Update: We have just added an image gallery with a dozen product shots provided by Sony Europe.

Sony Press Release

Sony introduces powerful, compact HVL-F43AM external flash for ? cameras with Quick Shift Bounce

HVL-F43AM external flash with GN43, Quick Shift Bounce adjustment, wireless ratio control and dust/moisture resistant design
More new ? system accessories: VCT-55LH bracket, LCS-AMB soft carrying case and ALC-SH111 lens hood

HVL-F43AM external flash
With a powerful output of GN43 (105mm ISO100 m), the compact yet versatile HVL-F43AM flash from Sony is optimised for superb results with all A-mount cameras.

As featured on the HVL-F58AM, the innovative Quick Shift Bounce system allows flash head position to be adjusted instantly when switching between horizontal and vertical compositions. This maintains consistent shadow positions regardless of camera orientation, allowing easy creation of natural-looking ‘bounce’ effects.

Smart flash functions open up even broader creative lightning possibilities. Wireless Ratio Control makes it easy to select light emission ratios for up to three separate flash units*. This allows quick creation of sophisticated multi-point lighting effects without the need for complex professional equipment.

Ideal for everyday shooting and more serious applications, its dust- and moisture-resistant design makes the HVL-F43AM ideal for demanding assignments, indoors or outside.

Flash power levels are switchable in 22 increments, from 1/1 through to 1/128 level in 1/3 steps. High output power is complemented by a quick 2.9 second (approx.) recycling time. Despite the flash’s extensive functions, operation is refreshingly clear and simple via the high-quality LCD screen and direction buttons.

VCT-55LH bracket
The VCT-55LH is a versatile mounting bracket that offers space for mounting additional ISO cold shoe accessories. A useful add-on for all A-mount cameras by Sony, the bracket can also be used with E-mount cameras such as the NEX-5, NEX-3 and the Handycam® NEX-VG10E HD camcorder.

Other accessories – like a shotgun microphone – can be securely mounted while the camera’s main shoe is occupied. The VCT-55LH is ideal for use with the CLM-V55 clip-on LCD monitor that offers a clear, high-resolution view of images during video and still shooting.

Soft Carrying Case LCS-AMB
The LCS-AMB carry case protects your A-mount camera and attached standard zoom lens while you’re travelling. A special suspended partition cradles the camera securely while allowing quick access. Finished in durable black polyester material, the case can be slung over a shoulder using the supplied strap, carried by the grab handle or attached to a belt. It also features handy pockets with space for up to two extra batteries, spare memory card and lens cap. (NB: Not compatible with DSLR-A900/A850).

Lens Hood ALC-SH111
Compatible with DT 35mm F1.8 SAM and 85mm F2.8 SAM lenses, this round-profile hood shades from direct sunlight to prevent glare and lens flare.

See all accessories by Sony for the ? camera system here: www.sony.co.uk/hub/dslr/accessories

The new HVL-F43AM external flash, VCT-55LH bracket, LCS-AMB soft carrying case and ALC-SH111 lens hood for ? cameras by Sony are available from Spring 2011.

* Wireless ratio control available when using DSLR-A900, DSLR-A850 or DSLR-A700

Image Gallery

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