Photography gear is constantly evolving, redefining what it means to be “professional.” Once, carrying massive DSLRs and powerful flashes was the mark of a serious photographer—now, smaller, more efficient setups are taking over.
What’s popular and "in" when it comes to photography gear changes with the tide. Once upon a time—I’d like to say it wasn’t that long ago, but I’m rapidly coming to realize it really kind of was—huge cameras and gigantic flashes were the defining traits of the professional photographer. You showed up to a scene strapped with a huge Nikon DSLR or two, blasted everything with as much light as possible, and shot your shot at f/8. Smaller cameras and tiny flashes were for struggling artists and rich dentists.
As I continued shooting and my career progressed, I discovered two things. First, what’s "in" when it comes to photography only sometimes dovetails with what’s actually useful or pragmatic. Second… well, we’re a long way from those days. In the field, I can count on one hand the number of photographers I run into who still rock the gigantic DSLR. It’s not that they aren’t great cameras, but rather that one’s body can only take so much punishment. Weirdly, I’m in better shape now than I was in my twenties, and while I can run faster and farther, I feel every mile in every joint for days afterward. Heavy gear has a place in my kit, but I find myself traveling lighter and lighter for everyday shooting.
I also find myself shooting a lot more on film these days. On average, my everyday carry bag consists of a small digital body, a pair of lenses, a laptop for filing, and at least one analog camera. Sometimes it’s my old FM2, sometimes I’m feeling fancy and carry my Leica MP, and sometimes I’m trying to do something unique and carry my XPan. Either way, for a small, lightweight bag, that’s a fair amount of gear. Every inch of space counts.
A few months ago, KEKS sent me their new KF01 flash for review. They’re an interesting company—recently, I tested out their Rapidwinder and had a blast playing around with it. They’ve got a knack for bringing stuff to the market that’s simple and fun, and I was eager to put the KF01 to the test. Honestly, this review was meant to go live weeks ago, but life and work managed to get in the way.
According to KEKS, "The KF-01 combines a sleek, modern aesthetic. The rectangular shape of the KF-01 is inspired by the Contax TLA140. Its body is about the same size as a credit card, making it very portable to carry around. The minimalist design also keeps a subtle and unobtrusive look on your camera." I actually shot on the TLA140 with my Contax G1 for quite some time and had hoped to directly compare the two, but sadly, my TLA140 has disappeared into the black hole of lost and discarded gear I call my closet.
At first glance, the two flashes do appear very similar—or at least share a conceptual lineage. Tall and thin, maybe slightly larger and thicker than a box of Tic Tacs and made from machined aluminum, the flash has some heft without feeling heavy or bulky. It features a non-TTL hot shoe and a PC sync port for older cameras. There are three power options (with the highest output being a Guide 12) and an exposure chart on the back to help photographers find the right exposure. In a nutshell, it’s small, sturdy, and simple to use. According to KEKS, the recycle time on a full charge is one second.
What could use improvement? Well, the last 20 years have spoiled me when it comes to flash design, and it would be useful to have a TTL option or some kind of in-flash auto function. I imagine that would significantly complicate what’s, by design, a small and extremely simple tool. I'd like to see future iterations with this feature. This isn’t a dealbreaker; in fact, the simplicity of the flash is appealing all on its own, but it would be nice to have the option. I’d also be aware that when shooting at full power, the recycle time can grow the longer you shoot. If you plan on using it for long stretches at a time, have a few extra AAA batteries on hand.
Beyond that, I was quite happy with the final product. As I mentioned, it’s reasonably tough, very simple to use, and does a simple job very well. It matched well with a variety of cameras and, unlike some older flashes, did not present any danger when using it on more modern cameras.
What I Liked
- Compact and Lightweight Design – The KF01 is small, sturdy, and easy to carry, making it a great addition to a lightweight kit.
- Simple and Intuitive Operation – With a non-TTL hot shoe and straightforward power settings, it’s easy to use without unnecessary complexity.
- Good Build Quality – The machined aluminum construction gives it a solid feel without being too heavy or bulky.
- Quick Recycle Time – A one-second recycle time on a full charge makes it efficient for general use.
- Versatile Compatibility – Works well with a variety of cameras, including older models with a PC sync port.
What I Didn’t Like
- No TTL or Auto Mode – While simplicity is a plus, a TTL or auto-exposure option would have been a useful addition for more flexibility.
- Recycle Time Slows at Full Power – The flash’s recycle time can increase with extended use at full power, requiring extra AAA batteries for longer shoots.
- Limited Power Options – With a max output of Guide 12, it’s not the most powerful flash, making it less ideal for demanding lighting situations.
Will it be perfect for every job? Probably not, but that’s not what it’s designed for. This isn’t going to replace your high-end HSS/TTL flashes, and chances are you’re not going to be shooting a lot of red carpets or pressers with it—but as part of an everyday walking-around kit, it’s hard to argue against it.
