Ugh, so I finally pulled the trigger and got a Ricoh GR III for street photography because I wanted something tiny I could actually fit in my pocket, but now Im realizing I really miss having a flash for those moody night shots. The built-in one is... well, it exists, but I want more control. Im torn between the Lightpix Labs FlashQ Q20II and the Godox Lux Junior. The FlashQ looks super compact which fits the vibe, but the Godox has that cool retro look that I kinda love. Im worried about the size though—will it just make the camera feel awkward? Has anyone used these on a GR III?
Rarely post but saw this and had to chime in. Building on the earlier suggestion, I wouldn't bother with the Godox if you actually care about pocketability. The Lightpix Labs FlashQ Q20II is the only one that makes sense here. It sits flush and the wireless trigger is a game changer for off-camera lighting. Honestly, the retro look of the Lux Junior is fun for a bit, but it just gets in the way during actual street work.
Re: "Can vouch for this"
- I have to push back. People are jumping on the bandwagon because of social media optics, but let's be pragmatic about the Ricoh GR III. Summary of the thread so far:
- Some users prefer the Lightpix Labs FlashQ Q20II for size.
- Others lean into the aesthetic of the Godox Lux Junior.
- There is a vocal group suggesting generic eBay flashes to save cash. Here is the reality: the GR III has a tiny footprint and an equally tiny battery. Mounting a bulky, retro-styled flash like the Godox makes the camera front-heavy and defeats the purpose of pocketability. You are trading ease of use for a look you'll get bored of once you realize how much weight it adds to your wrist during a long night of shooting. My recommendation:
- Ignore the hype. The primary issue with both units is the lack of TTL support for the GR III. You are shooting manual anyway. 2. The Lightpix Labs FlashQ Q20II is the only one that stays true to the GR philosophy. It offers an off-camera transmitter, which is arguably more useful than a top-mounted unit for "moody" lighting. 3. Look at the balance. If it doesn't fit in a jacket pocket with the flash attached, you aren't going to carry it. The reviews praising the Godox are largely style-over-substance. Stick to what fits the actual utility of the camera.
Everyone pushes the Lightpix Labs FlashQ Q20II but honestly it feels cheap. Grab the Godox Lux Junior instead; it balances better and that retro aesthetic is actually functional, not just hype.
Been using this for years, no complaints
Interested in this too
> "The FlashQ looks super compact which fits the vibe, but the Godox has that cool retro look that I kinda love. Im worried about the size though—will it just make the camera feel awkward?" ^ This. Also, I respectfully disagree with the focus on brand-name micro-flashes. When I fix my own gear, I look at the long-term cost. I spent $50 on a generic trigger system years ago, and it cost me roughly $5 per year over its lifespan. The dealer wanted $300 for a proprietary system, but I did it for a fraction of that by just scouting online marketplaces for compatible manual units. Stick to these principles to keep your wallet happy:
- Buy unbranded manual units that use standard hot shoe contacts.
- Avoid proprietary battery systems that force you to buy expensive replacements.
- Look for units that use standard AA batteries you can buy in bulk. Go with any reputable third-party manufacturer that specializes in budget studio lighting; you cannot go wrong. I have saved a ton by ignoring the "vibe" tax and focusing on raw utility. A basic unit provides the same light for pennies on the dollar compared to these trendy pocket flashes. If you look at the cost per flash pop, the DIY route is the only one that makes sense for a budget-conscious photographer.
> "will it just make the camera feel awkward?" Just use any generic brand from eBay. Saved me a ton compared to name brands. My lawnmower's deck rusted through, but I fixed it for $20. Anyway.
> "The FlashQ looks super compact which fits the vibe, but the Godox has that cool retro look that I kinda love. Im worried about the size though—will it just make the camera feel awkward?" This comes up a lot. Both flash units will make the Ricoh GR III feel top-heavy because the camera body is so minimal. Avoid mounting anything heavier or bulkier than these options, as the hot shoe on the GR series is not designed for significant torque. You risk damaging the shoe if the camera knocks against your hip or bag while mounted. If you use an external flash, keep your finger on the unit when moving to prevent leverage stress on the mounting point. Always use a dedicated sync cord or wireless trigger if you plan on doing sustained night shooting rather than relying solely on the hot shoe.
I agree with the previous advice about being cautious, but honestly its ridiculous how these companies charge a fortune for basic plastic gear. It drives me crazy, quality is just GONE.
Can vouch for this
Gonna try this over the weekend. Will report back if it works!