Classic System Accessory

Contax TLA 280 Electronic Flash

A dedicated shoe-mount flash from Contax, designed for their SLR system. It offers TTL automation alongside full manual control and a versatile zoom head, making it a precise tool for both automatic and creative lighting setups.
Engineered Precision

Key Features for Consistent, Creative Lighting

Contax TLA 280 flash showing its control panel and battery compartment.

Core Flash Specification

The core function that defines this unit: a capable, shoe-mounted electronic flash with a guide number of 80 at ISO 100 (feet), delivering powerful light in a compact form factor with essential modes for both automatic and manual operation.

Original Accessory Suite

The complete set of accessories included with the unit: its original branded box, the protective leather case for storage and transport, and the comprehensive instruction manual detailing all functions.
Contax TLA 280 flash unit with its zoom head extended, positioned on a camera.
Elevated Illumination

Achieve Professional Flash Control with Versatility

Adaptive Zoom Head

The integrated zoom head adapts the beam angle to match your lens from 28mm wide-angle to 85mm portrait perspectives.

Precision Bounce Capability

The bounce head tilts from 0 to 90 degrees, allowing you to redirect light off ceilings for softer, more natural illumination.

Reliable TTL Metering

Automatic TTL metering with compatible Contax SLRs provides accurate, hands-off exposure for consistent results.

Full Manual Control

Manual power settings of full, 1/4, and 1/16, plus second-curtain sync, give you complete creative command over the light.
Applied Lighting

Ideal for These Creative Scenarios

Contax TLA 280 flash mounted on a camera, aimed to bounce light off a ceiling.

Controlled Portrait Lighting

For portraiture, the bounce head softens the light to flatter subjects and reduce harsh shadows. TTL metering ensures consistent exposure as you move.
Contax TLA 280 flash being used at an indoor social gathering.

Event and Documentation

Capture well-lit indoor events, weddings, or gatherings. The zoom head adapts to different room sizes, and the guide number provides ample power.
Close-up of the Contax TLA 280 fill flash button being pressed.

Outdoor Fill Flash

Use the fill flash button or 1/16 power setting outdoors to gently fill shadows on subjects’ faces without eliminating the natural ambiance of the scene.
Night scene with light trails created using second-curtain sync.

Creative Motion Effects

Employ second-curtain sync to create dynamic motion blur trails behind moving subjects at night, adding a sense of movement while keeping the subject sharp.
In Use

Operate with Confidence

Install Power Source

Insert four fresh AA batteries, ensuring the correct polarity. The flash will power on and be ready for use with compatible TTL cameras or in manual mode.

Mount on Camera

Slide the flash firmly into the camera’s hot shoe and secure it using the locking wheel to ensure electrical contact and physical stability.

Select Zoom Setting

Adjust the zoom head manually to match the focal length of your attached lens for optimal light distribution from 28mm to 85mm.

Set Exposure Mode

Choose your mode: TTL for automatic exposure with compatible cameras, or Manual for direct control over full, 1/4, or 1/16 power output.

Angle the Bounce Head

Tilt the flash head upward to bounce light off ceilings or walls. Angles from 0 to 90 degrees are available for softer illumination.

Store Properly

After use, turn off the flash, remove batteries for storage, and place it in the included case to protect it during transport.
User Experiences

From the Contax Community

I paired this with my RTS III for a studio portrait session. The TTL metering was spot-on, eliminating guesswork between shots. The ability to tilt the head up for ceiling bounce gave a beautifully soft, wraparound light that my subjects appreciated. It felt like a natural extension of the camera system.
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M. R.Dependable TTL performance
For my manual work, having the 1/4 and 1/6 power settings is invaluable. I use it for fill flash outdoors, dialing it down to just kiss the shadows away without overpowering the natural light. The build is solid, and the inclusion of the original case was a welcome bonus.
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Focal PointPrecise manual control
The 28-85mm zoom range covers most of my standard shooting needs. Switching from wide to portrait is seamless, and the light output remains consistent. The second-curtain sync has been great for adding motion blur to my night street photography, creating dynamic trails.
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Silver HalideVersatile zoom range
Finding one with the original box, case, and manual in this condition is a rare find. The manual itself is a useful guide to all the functions. The flash works flawlessly, and the fill-in flash feature is a neat addition for subtle fill when bouncing.
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Analog EyeComplete with accessories
I took this on a documentary assignment, relying on it for over 400 frames. It never failed, and the battery life was good. The guide number is more than sufficient for indoor events. It's a compact, professional tool that earns its place in the bag.
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K. TanakaReliable on-location tool
Contax TLA 280 flash unit next to its original leather case and manual.
Contax TLA 280 flash unit mounted on a Contax SLR camera body.
Close-up of the Contax TLA 280 flash head showing its tilt mechanism and zoom lens.

Answers for the Discerning Photographer

What type of batteries does the Contax TLA 280 flash require, and are there any recommendations for best performance?
The TLA 280 requires four AA batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended for reliable performance and to minimize the risk of leakage. Lithium AA batteries can offer longer life for extended shooting sessions.
TTL (Through The Lens) automatic exposure is supported when used with compatible Contax/Yashica mount SLR cameras that feature TTL flash metering. Full manual power control is available on any camera with a standard hot shoe.
Yes, the flash features a second-curtain sync mode. This allows the flash to fire at the end of the exposure, creating more natural-looking motion trails behind moving subjects in low light.
A dedicated fill flash button activates a small, secondary flash tube on the front of the unit. This provides a subtle catchlight or fill-in shadow when the main flash is set to a lower power or is bounced.
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