Sunpak auto 4205G Thyristor

The Sunpak auto 4205G Thyristor (also known as auto 544 in the US) is a classic professional “hammerhead” flash.

Some example studio shots to get an idea of the light output using several modifiers are below. The setup is:

• Distance to wall: 200 cm
• Wall width: 300 cm
• Wall height: 240 cm and flash set at 120 cm height
• Wallpaper: 2 colors is 70 cm width
• Flash power setting: 1/2
• Camera settings: 100 ISO, 1/125 sec, 16mm (APS-C), aperture set every shot after measuring using a flash meter

Light distribution and intensity

Bare flash, F/13 lightbeam 35mm = 60 deg

Using a 28mm diffuser = 74deg. F/9

Using a 20mm difuser = 90 deg. F/6.3

Using a 1/4″ grid. F/13

Using a 1/8″ grid. F/13

Using a TL-3 converter @ T1 = 85mm F/16

Using a TL-3 converter @ T2 = 135mm F/16

Using a foldable reflector. F/5.6

Shooting through a Westcott umbrella. F/6.3

Shooting in a reflecting Westcott umbrella. F/5.0

In a 60x60cm softbox with single diffuser. F/7.1

Bouncing off the ceiling (causing some color shifting). F/5.0

Hotspots with several modifiers

Without modifiers in reflecting umbrella

With 28mm difuser in reflecting umbrella

Without modifier through umbrella

With 28mm diffuser through umbrella

Without modifier in 60x60cm single diffuser softbox

Using a foldable reflector

Casting shadows

Shadow using the flash in a reflecting umbrella: very soft light

Using a 60x60cm softbox the light is much harder