According to this DPReview thread, the Nissin Compact Flash i40 isn't expected with TTL support for Fujifilm X cameras until October this year. But with a guide number of 40 at 35mm the i40 appears to provide enough power for the user coming from flash units powered similarly to Nikon's SB700, but in a much smaller package. And thanks to a metal accessory foot and push-button locking pin, it should be more sturdy than Fujifilm's current offerings, while offering similar levels of menu-less operational simplicity.

Both indoor and outdoor shooters may find this especially important. I know I do.

Last week I shot a wine event for the British Embassy here in Tokyo armed with the usual: a D800 and a 50/2 Ai and a 28/2,8 AiS and an X-Pro 1 with the Voigtlander 12mm and the Fujifilm X-T1 as backup to the D800. My flashes were Nikon's old SB28 and current mid-level SB700. Both Nikon flash units were too top-heavy, pitching both the X-Pro 1 and X-T1 forward when hung on a camera strap. And of course, neither shot TTL. Why I've not invested in Fujfilm's flashes can't be answered in a small article. Suffice it to say that I'm reticent to invest fully in a system that still hasn't proved its longevity. Hence my sticking by my Nikon guns. Any modern flash will work with X cameras manual mode, of course at poor sync speeds. But I'm itching for TTL ease of use. And again, I see no comparably sturdy flashes from Fujifilm. I've destroyed three plastic-foot flashes in the last couple of years.

I am very much looking forward to this flash unit. If indeed it debuts in October, Ω will be taking a close look at its performance in event photography.

Nissin Press Material: Compact Flash i40