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Viltrox Retro Flash — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Camera FlashesViltrox Retro Flash

Viltrox Retro Flash — image 1

Viltrox

Viltrox Retro Flash

Expert Review Analysis

The Viltrox Vintage Z1 is a ultra‑compact, manual‑only on‑camera flash with a retro matte‑silver metal body and leather accents. It offers a modest GN 12, seven power levels, a built‑in 1100 mAh Li‑ion battery with USB‑C charging, and a fixed 28 mm coverage diffuser, targeting lightweight fill‑light needs.

✓ Best for: Street, event, travel, and casual photographers who need a discreet, lightweight fill flash for close‑range subjects, such as backlit portraits, low‑light snapshots, or as a backup unit for mirrorless cameras lacking built‑in pop‑up flashes.✗ Not ideal for: Weddings, sports, large‑group gatherings, or any situation requiring long reach, high power, rapid burst shooting, or advanced features like TTL, high‑speed sync, or bounce head.

Pros

✓Extremely compact size (68.5×50.2×74 mm) and lightweight (116 g), fits easily in a camera pocket for on‑the‑go shooting.
✓Built‑in 1100 mAh Li‑ion battery provides up to 400 full‑power flashes or up to 10 000 flashes at the lowest power setting.
✓

Price History

Current

$38.24

Average

$44.71

Lowest

$38.24

Highest

$49.99

Good Deal — 14% below average

Price trend (90d):-10.5%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#84Best#37Worst#84 -47

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.5/ 5Reviews204+1 reviews

Specifications

Battery

Battery Capacity1100 mAh mAh

Charging Time≈50 minutes (USB‑C) minutes

Battery Life (full power)400 full‑power flashes per charge

Battery Life (minimum power)up to 10,000 flashes at 1/64 power

Design

Height177.8 mm mm

Width63.5 mm mm

Length76.2 mm mm

Weight116 g g

Body MaterialMatte silver metal with leather texture

Features

Power Levels7 manual levels (1/1 to 1/64)

SyncHot‑shoe (single‑contact) + optical slave (S1/S2)

Sleep ModeActivates after 15 minutes of inactivity minutes

General

BrandViltrox

ModelVintage Z1

ColorSilver

Warranty3 years

CompatibilitySony, Fujifilm, Canon, Nikon, Olympus (hot shoe)

Lighting

Guide Number12 m (ISO 100) m

Flash Coverage28 mm (fixed) mm

Color Temperature6500 K K

Performance

Recycle Time0.2–3.5 s

Flash Duration1/5000–1/50000 s

Power

Power Output23 W/s (full power) W/s

Flash

Guide Number12 (ISO 100, meters) / 39.4 ft

Flash Duration1/5000 s to 1/50000 s (T₀.₅)

CoverageFixed 28 mm wide‑angle

Dimensions & Weight

Height7.0 inches

Width2.5 inches

Depth3.0 inches

Weight0.25573622392 pounds

Research Sources

diyphotography.net

digitalcameraworld.com

amateurphotographer.com

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User Reviews

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4.5

(204 reviews)

$38.24$42.7411% off

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Vintage Z1 Camera FlashSilverZ1+ (Multi-brand) 3 Year Manufactuer

USB‑C charging enables a full charge in about 50 minutes, offering fast turnaround between shoots.

✓Includes a white diffuser that softens light for flattering portrait fill without additional accessories.

✓Manual rotary dial with clear power‑level indicators allows precise 1‑stop adjustments across seven levels.

✓Hot‑shoe sync and dual‑mode optical slave give flexibility for on‑camera or off‑camera use.

✓Retro matte‑silver metal body with leather‑textured accents adds a distinctive aesthetic appealing to style‑conscious photographers.

Cons

✗Maximum guide number of only 12 m (ISO 100) limits effective range to close‑up subjects and makes it unsuitable for larger groups.
✗Full‑power recycle time can reach 3.5 seconds, which hampers burst shooting and fast‑moving subjects.
✗Lacks TTL, high‑speed sync, and a bounce head, restricting control over exposure and light shaping.
✗Fixed 28 mm flash coverage and no zoom restrict versatility for different focal lengths and subjects.
✗Manual‑only operation requires constant adjustments, which can be cumbersome in dynamic shooting environments.
✗Battery life drops to around 400 flashes at full power, which may be limiting for extended sessions.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Professional reviewers highlight its ultra‑portable pocketable size and lightweight build as ideal for travel and street photography.
✓The retro aesthetic and matte‑silver metal body with leather trim are praised for adding a distinctive visual appeal.
✓Accurate GN 12 output with consistent 1‑stop power steps is noted as reliable for fill lighting.
✓Long battery life with 400 full‑power flashes and fast USB‑C recharge receives commendation.
✓Inclusion of a built‑in diffuser and simple dial controls are lauded for ease of use.

Criticized by Experts

✗Experts criticize the low GN 12, stating it offers little reach beyond pop‑up flash capabilities.
✗The absence of TTL, high‑speed sync, and bounce head is seen as a major limitation for serious photographers.
✗Full‑power recycle time of up to 3.5 seconds is considered too slow for action or event shooting.
✗Fixed 28 mm coverage limits flexibility compared to zoomable competitors.
✗Manual‑only operation is deemed less efficient for dynamic lighting situations.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Everyday users love the flash’s feather‑light 116 g weight, making it easy to carry and unobtrusive on‑camera.
✓The simple rotary dial and ready‑indicator light are praised for intuitive manual power selection.
✓Long battery endurance, with reports of 400 full‑power shots and up to 10 000 at low power, is frequently mentioned.
✓The included white diffuser provides soft, flattering light without needing extra accessories.
✓USB‑C charging convenience and quick 50‑minute full charge are highlighted as user‑friendly features.

Users Complain About

✗Users report the 3.5‑second full‑power recycle as too slow for burst shooting or fast events.
✗The low GN 12 is repeatedly mentioned as insufficient for subjects beyond a few meters.
✗Lack of bounce head and zoom means users cannot shape or broaden the light for larger scenes.
✗Manual‑only control forces users to adjust settings between shots, which can be cumbersome.
✗Some users note occasional variance in recycle times, with faster speeds at low power but sluggish at full power.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers commend the Viltrox Vintage Z1 for its pocketable size, retro styling, reliable GN 12 output, and long‑lasting USB‑C rechargeable battery, positioning it as a stylish, no‑frills fill flash for travel and street work. However, they also point out its limited power, lack of TTL or high‑speed sync, and slow full‑power recycle, making it less suitable for demanding or fast‑paced photography.

What Users Say

Everyday users appreciate the flash’s feather‑light weight, simple dial interface, long battery life, and the included diffuser that softens light without extra gear. Common complaints focus on the slow full‑power recycle, low guide number, and the absence of bounce or zoom, which limit its usefulness beyond close‑range fill lighting.

Common Complaints

Low maximum guide number, slow full‑power recycle time, manual‑only operation, and lack of bounce head or zoom for light shaping.

What People Are Saying

“throw it in your bag everywhere”
User review

“tiny flash with big promise”
DIY Photography

How It Compares

vs. Godox TT350

Advantages

✓Higher guide number of 36 m provides significantly greater reach.
✓TTL and bounce head add flexibility and automatic exposure control.

Disadvantages

✗Heavier at around 200 g and larger footprint than the Z1.
✗Lacks the retro aesthetic and ultra‑compact pocketability of the Z1.

Choose the Godox TT350 when you need more power and TTL features; stick with the Z1 for ultra‑compact, style‑focused fill lighting.

vs. Sony HVL-F20M

Advantages

✓Higher GN 20 offers better range than the Z1.
✓Compact size comparable to the Z1 while providing TTL support.

Disadvantages

✗Higher price point and no retro design appeal.
✗Lacks the built‑in diffuser and USB‑C fast charging of the Z1.

The Sony HVL-F20M is suited for users who prioritize power and TTL within a compact form, whereas the Z1 targets photographers valuing style, battery convenience, and ultra‑light weight.

vs. Viltrox Z2

Advantages

✓Even lighter at 52 g and features a folding head for ultra‑compact storage.
✓Includes TTL for automatic exposure control.

Disadvantages

✗Lower guide number of 6 m provides less illumination than the Z1.
✗Fewer full‑power flashes per charge compared to the Z1's 400 shots.

Select the Z2 if ultra‑light weight and TTL are paramount; opt for the Z1 when you need a bit more power and longer battery life with a retro look.