36

3.6 based on 36 customer reviews

14
10
3
2
7
Performance

Good

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Excellent

Please note: Product reviews may include product variations. Some product variations, services and/or features mentioned within Product Reviews may not be available in certain countries.

Most Helpful Positive
0

Great Little Perfomer

HVLF20M 12 December 2013  (USA)

This flash is a good companion for my A99 when I don't want to carry F60M or F43M. Works great in small premises, but even better just as a wireless trigger - it doesn't add lots of bulk to the camera. Basically the flash can be considered as a wireless trigger with a bonus - lighting :) Two the reviewers that give the flash one star - both reviews have nothing to do with the unit features or failures, so not sure about the point of rating a product without even testing it. Just return the flash and get your refund.

21

0

Most Helpful Critical
0

Performs well

HVL-F20M 24 May 2016 by salarymanjam (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

This very light flash performs very consistently. I'm happy with its compact form and power level.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Average

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Excellent

2

0

36 Customer Reviews

0

Mild function on the turning knob

HVL-F20M//C CE 27 June 2023 by Tflex (Singapore) Verified Purchaser Verified

I bought the flash a month ago. The turning point for the adjustment for the flash doesn't work so I send in. Now it is with Sony.

Performance

Fair

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Fair

0

0

0

Small but powerful

HVL-F20M 13 October 2021 by RevD (United Kingdom)

Very compact wee unit and very versatile.Perfect with my RX-10M3

Performance

Excellent

Design

Excellent

Ease of Use

Excellent

0

0

0

Works well for my needs

HVL-F20M 20 March 2021 by RGent (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

I bought this to simply use as a trigger to fire my F60M flashgun off camera and works well for this

Performance

Good

Features

Good

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Good

0

0

Response From Customer support
23 March 2021

Hi Rgent

Welcome to the Sony family!

We're glad you like your new flash module and hope you enjoy it for years to come.

If you need any assistance don't hesitate to contact us: http://bit.ly/UkSCntct

Sony support UK

0

Short life span

HVL-F20M//C CE 09 May 2020 by toklwee (Singapore) Verified Purchaser Verified

Used up 3 similar flash units in 3 years. The latest broke down after 4 months. One I threw away accidentally without sending for repair although under warranty. Also have quality problem with my Sony A6300. Video focusing sometimes drops off midway. Repaired 4 times, still the problem persists. Disappointed!

Performance

Average

Features

Good

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Good

0

0

0

A Must Have For a6xxx Cameras

HVL-F20M 20 March 2020 by Sonycam (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

This flash is a"jewel" on my A6000. More power and flexibility than the built in flash. Light weight and compact for travel. I love the "fold flat" feature whilst walking around. Fits the concept of compact mirrorless cameras.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Good

Design

Excellent

Ease of Use

Excellent

1

0

0

Efficient

HVL-F20M 05 March 2020 by Glenn81 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

Surprisingly packs alot of power for a flash so small.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Excellent

Design

Excellent

Ease of Use

Excellent

1

0

0

This was all I needed.

HVLF20M 15 January 2020 by Love Sony (USA) Verified Purchaser Verified

I already owned a bigger Sony flash but wanted a smaller one to carry with me for those times I didn't think I would even need a flash. And, I wanted this one to serve as the "controller" flash to flash my other flash off camera. I was told this would do the trick. And it does. Very simple to operate. This flash works well. It's basic and it's small, and that's what I wanted. It does have a switch to change between direct flash and bounce flash.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Average

Design

Excellent

Ease of Use

Excellent

1

0

0

Just what I need.

HVL-F20M 22 December 2019 by AAAARGH2 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

This little flash is perfect for what I need, usually a little fill flash outside or to brighten up a dull interior. It's not to powerful but used with my hx400v has enough features for what I need and folds down ready for use, just perfect.

Performance

Good

Features

Good

Design

Excellent

Ease of Use

Excellent

1

0

0

All you really need

HVL-F20M 05 December 2019 by MarkyM (United Kingdom)

I have purchased large flash guns in the past but came to realise that it is better to have a smaller flash for fill in. This is a brilliant little flash. It has been all over the world with me and remains on my camera almost all the time.It is so light I do not even know it is there. It provides enough illumination for 95% of all circumstances and it is brilliant that it also comes with an internal "wide" filter and has the capability to "bounce" also. When in the "off" position, you can fold the flash down, whist on the camera making the whole unit (camera+flash) very compact indeed. I am writing this review now as I have just purchased another one after I managed to break the last one after almost 6 years! Initially used on my A7R and now on my A7R3.

Performance

Good

Features

Good

Design

Excellent

Ease of Use

Excellent

0

0

0

Good travel flash at a great price

HVL-F20M 06 July 2019 by Mbehrsi (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

I wanted a flash to add to my 6500, for occasional use on holiday. The F20M is physically small and light, and does a great job. I was also pleased to find that it was able to control the off-camera wireless flash that I had bought with my Sony A100 over ten years ago. That was a nice bonus, and makes me even more happy with the purchase, especially at the low price.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Excellent

Design

Excellent

Ease of Use

Excellent

1

0

0

Excellent addition for basic flash photography

HVL-F20M 02 July 2019 by JimsZ (United Kingdom)

Excellent entry level on camera flash for enthusiast who wants to progress their photography to the next level

Performance

Excellent

Features

Excellent

Design

Excellent

Ease of Use

Excellent

1

0

0

Small and fits my A7 camera

HVL-F20M 15 May 2019 by chrislemon1955 (United Kingdom)

fits my camera and arrears to work well for failry close up use

Performance

Good

Features

Good

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Good

2

0

0

Perfect compact flash gun

HVL-F20M 12 May 2019 by Hifismith (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

A great compact flash gun with good range of features. Very useful on camera contoller for multi flash environments.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Excellent

Design

Excellent

Ease of Use

Good

1

0

0

Compact, Lightweight, Easy to - just what I need!

HVL-F20M 14 June 2018 by Biffo (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

Ok so it's not the fanciest flash on the block, but it combines seamlessly with the camera via the hotshoe and is ideal as a fill-in for those situations that need a bit of a boost.

Performance

Good

Features

Average

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Excellent

1

0

0

Won’t shoot higher speeds than 200

HVL-F20M 03 April 2018 by JackyTx (USA)

This one sucks so bad, it won’t let me shoot higher speeds than 160 on Sony 6,000. Why buy it it, might as well just use the flash your camera has.

0

10

0

Good features

HVL-F20M 26 February 2018 by Bigone (United Kingdom)

Bought this for my Sony camera different angles of flash works well

Performance

Good

Features

Good

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Good

3

0

0

Small and light

HVL-F20M 19 December 2017 by gt49 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

I don't use flash very often, just for fill-in and photographing documents, so I was looking to replicate the convenience of the built-in pop-up flash on the NEX 7, on my alpha 7R. The F20M is the smallest unit I could find; it is small and light but seems rather fragile mounted on the shoe for outdoor use. In terms of performance it is overkill of course being more versatile and powerful that I really need. It is a pity that 'professional' cameras don't include built-in flash units.

Performance

Average

Features

Good

Design

Average

Ease of Use

Average

2

1

0

Remarkably powerful

HVL-F20M 16 December 2017 by Singingbike (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

It may only have a GN of 20 but it still packs a punch. Light enough to keep in the bag for any occassion.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Average

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Good

2

0

0

F20M Review

HVL-F20M 12 December 2017 by dndn (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

Bought this for my Sony NEX-6. Previously had an HVL-F20S on an NEX-5N camera. This one uses its own separate batteries, which can be both good and bad. Not had it long enough to know how long batteries will last, but expect ~90 shots from 2 Duracells and even more if I used externally charged rechargeables. Unit seems well made and works well - as expected. Interestingly, unlike HVL-F20S this one does not come with a plastic diffuser cover - I wonder why not? Only criticism is, as specified no ability to swivel flash head. However I knew this when I bought it. All in all a good unit.

Performance

Good

Features

Average

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Excellent

4

0

0

Great flash

HVL-F20M 18 November 2017 by Davecamps (United Kingdom)

Great value flashgun, very easy to use, much better that built in unit.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Good

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Excellent

2

0

0

Perfect extra flashgun for Cybershot DSC-HX400V

HVL-F20M 25 February 2017 by Saxman68 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

I was looking for an integrated flash for my HX400V and already have a Canon TTL flashgun. There isn't much I could actually do with that except use it in manual mode - rather negates the idea of an automatic camera! I was not after a huge flashgun and I saw this one that seemed to fit the bill. Guide number 20 which is about 4 times more powerful than the built in flash on the Cybershot. The flash is semi-automatic in that wide angle or telephoto has to be set manually, but this is a small niggle for a flashgun that works through the lens and integrates as a wireless sender for remote flashguns as well. It can also be used as a bounce flash. In my (limited) usage I have found it to be very reliable and produces good light coverage against camera settings. Now for the not so good. The head can not be switched on and off manually except by either lowering it against the shoe mount or switching off the camera with the flash attached. This is a nuisance as the OFF position leaves the hot shoe at a 90 degree angle and this bungs up your camera bag. The flash cannot be used effectively in bounce mode with the camera in portrait orientation as the flash does not twist. Other than that it does the job.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Average

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Excellent

4

0

0

good image quality

HVL-F20M//C CE 09 July 2016 by zenaq (Malaysia) Verified Purchaser Verified

overall satisfied,camera improvement was great and easy to use

Performance

Average

Features

Poor

Design

Fair

Ease of Use

Average

1

0

0

Performs well

HVL-F20M 24 May 2016 by salarymanjam (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

This very light flash performs very consistently. I'm happy with its compact form and power level.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Average

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Excellent

2

0

0

Simple & Light

HVL-F20M//C CE 16 May 2016 by KennyNg77 (Malaysia) Verified Purchaser Verified

Small yet powerful, light and easy to carry around. Suitable for travelling use and as wireless flash trigger.

Performance

Excellent

Features

Average

Design

Average

Ease of Use

Excellent

1

0

0

Great little flash!

HVLF20M 25 July 2015 by mrNewt (USA)

I don't understand why people are complaining about the build quality... I use this flash, I hold it in my hands and for what it is, the flash is very well built. Maybe is a later model that they had!? Yes, is not a tank, but considering how small it is, this thing is built as good as it can get. Works flawlessly on my a7m2 and a6000. My only complain will be about the price (that's why the 4 star only)... maybe a little high for what it is. I only purchased it because I used my points and brought the price considerably low enough to make it worth (around $130 with taxes). I would like to buy another one, but only if price gets considerably lower than what it is now.

9

1

0

great flash, poor construction

HVLF20M 19 February 2015 by aphotographer1 (USA) Verified Purchaser Verified

I had this flash on my sony rx100. I'm a pro photographer and use a dslr, but also like to have a small point and shoot. This flash really brings the rx100 to a new level and I love the picture quality it gave me. I dropped the camera and the flash broke instantly. I bought a new one, dropped it, and the same thing happened. It broke in the exact same spot, the very thin point where the flash meets the attachment screw. I think Sony should redesign this flash and make this pivot point wider. Yes, I know I dropped it, but it did not drop very far either time (I'm short...from my hip to the ground), and all of my other equipment has gone through so much more without ever breaking. Probably will not buy a third one. I'd recommend the flash if you're careful!

8

20

Response From Sony Support
21 February 2015

Hi aphotographer1, We're sorry to hear that the flash of your camera broke that easily. We will forward this message to the proper department. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Thanks. -Anthony

0

Faulty Sony

HVL-F20M 05 February 2015 by Norrie (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified

I bought this product 3 weeks ago and sorry to say that having bought Sony products for over 30 years without a problem, this was the first faulty item I have ever received. Item returned for full refund from seller. Wont change my high opinion of Sony products but with this item I have a problem as it is the only type available for my A3000 camera.

Performance

Poor

Features

Excellent

Design

Excellent

Ease of Use

Excellent

2

19

0

Perfect for the A6000

HVLF20M 07 January 2015 by SonyTerpFan (USA) Verified Purchaser Verified

A great flash for the A6000, this is my first flash so I cannot really compare it to others but it works great. This is my first flash that lets me take bounce flash pictures. Over the holidays, I took several hundred pictures with it and I have been really impressed with its performance. I used my Sony (CycleEnergy, 800 mAh) AAA rechargeable batteries and they worked great with the flash and the fact that it only uses 2 batteries is a plus since I can swap out them out for another pair fairly quickly.

10

0

0

It was good for a while

HVLF20M 09 December 2014  (USA)

I bought this flash less than a year ago for my NEX-7. It complimented the camera well since the built it flash is not high enough to get over some of the lenses. Also, it allowed bounce flash pictures. It was a reasonably good flash for it's size. However, within a year it would only take one picture and would stop (batteries were not the problem). I may have taken 40 - 50 pictures with it. Now it does not work at all.

13

3

Response From Sony Support
11 December 2014

Hi Foxy,

We can feel your frustration and we apologize for the inconvenience. Please contact us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with your product details and event number for further assistance with your concern.

0

A great little Flash

HVL-F20M 09 June 2014 by johnnyfb (United Kingdom)

A useful , lightweight portable flash that overcomes the built in flash's limitations, able to "bounce" light effectively. Only downside is that the unit's off position is "folded" so soaring in a amore streamlined fashion will drain batteries so if not using for some time take the batteries out (always good practice!) I would recommend this for use with NEX models and possibly withe the new A7's too.

Picture Quality

Excellent

Features

Good

Design

Good

Ease of Use

Excellent

8

4

0

Outstanding Value and Performance

HVLF20M 31 March 2014 by MiaAlpha (USA)

Very compact and adds great clarity to my photos. I use this as an add on to my A35 and I could not be more satisfied. Huge upgrade from built-in flash.

9

2

0

Nice flash, but poorly constructed

HVLF20M 06 January 2014 by type5keith (USA)

I bought this flash to use on my SLT-99V to command my HVL-F58 flash wirelessly. I used it one time in this manner and it worked amazingly well. However, when I took the flash off of my camera, using extreme care as I had been warned about the frailty of it's mount connector, the mount connector separated from the flash and could not be reattached. Upon a closer examination I saw how poorly designed and cheaply built the connection was between the flash's mount connector and the main part of the flash. I returned the flash to my vendor and replaced it with a HVL-F43M, albeit at a $250 cost differential. The F43M has given me no problem whatsoever. It's mount connector is outstanding and seems to be constructed to the level of excellence that I have come to expect out of Sony camera products.. unfortunately I cannot say that about the HVL-F20M.

43

4

0

Good for small places

HVLF20M 01 January 2014 by Karaingermany (USA)

Was visiting family for Christmas and I did not like the flash results on my A77. I wanted something small to easily take with me and use while taking pictures of family in the house. You are able to bounce the light so that your subjects do not have that glossy flash look. I was really happy with the Christmas pictures. It worked well also taking pictures of groups outside at night close up. The only down side is that after a few shots with the flash it takes some time to recharge. I missed a couple shots because of that. I found that if I shut it off (folding flash down toward the camera) then turned it back on (flipping back up) it helped recharge a little faster. There is also a etched piece if plastic in the flash that you can turn down so that a direct flash is not so harsh. Works up to 100 ft IMO but better 75 and under I did not need any adapter for this to fit my A77. I am pleased with the purchase.

17

1

0

Great Little Perfomer

HVLF20M 12 December 2013  (USA)

This flash is a good companion for my A99 when I don't want to carry F60M or F43M. Works great in small premises, but even better just as a wireless trigger - it doesn't add lots of bulk to the camera. Basically the flash can be considered as a wireless trigger with a bonus - lighting :) Two the reviewers that give the flash one star - both reviews have nothing to do with the unit features or failures, so not sure about the point of rating a product without even testing it. Just return the flash and get your refund.

21

0

0

What they fail to Mention

HVLF20M 08 October 2013 by BDHPhotoED (USA)

I was very excited to finally get an external flash for my camera, as I take many portraits. I have a Sony a65. The description for this item says its compatible with the camera, however they fail to mention that in order to make it work you must purchase an adapter. Thus the flash is useless until you buy an adapter as well.

45

33

0

Flash does not fit the NEX 7

HVLF20M 16 August 2013 by dapastor (USA)

I purchased this flash for my NEX 7, because it is listed as compatible. It is NOT compatible.

36

32