Paterson Interfit eFlash is a flat panel flash with a hot shoe, a non-automatic unit for use on any camera having either a hot shoe or PC terminal.

The flash tubes are recessed behind a 3-3/4x5-inch white Plexiglas diffusion panel, so the light produced is very soft light without need to use either a softbox or umbrella for diffusion as is the case when using a conventional harsh shoe mount flash. This type of soft light is excellent for lighting nearby people and tabletop products.

The light output is less, so you cannot use this flash for distant subjects. For instance, the recommended exposure with ISO 100 film is f/5.6 at 6 feet. You must refer to a chart in the instructions to determine the lens aperture needed for the ISO film speed in use, then set the camera lens manually or use a flash meter.

There is no TTL automatic flash metering as when using a dedicated flash. Batteries are easily inserted into the panel, and a few well-marked controls switches are located on the back. There is an on/off switch and another switch to turn off the built-in slave flash.

A ready light glows when it's charged and ready to fire, and there is a test fire button if you use a flash meter. The mounting bracket that slides into the camera hot shoe can be used to position the panel flash on the right or left side of the shoe. When more light is required, two flat panels can be used on one bracket.

The Paterson Interfit eFlashproduced nice soft lighting for nearby subjects and had good color balance.