Medalight F1 Pocket Flash Weighs Just 28 Grams and Charges via USB-C

For owners of compact film and mirrorless cameras, the ultra-lightweight Medalight F1 camera flash has been released. The matchbox-sized device weighs just 28 grams, features a built-in battery good for over 300 flashes, and charges via a standard USB-C port.

The accessory measures 42 × 34 × 25 mm. Inside is a xenon lamp with a guide number of GN10 and a color temperature of 6200K (±400K), designed to effectively illuminate scenes at distances of up to four meters.

The flash operates in fully manual mode without TTL automation: photographers adjust flash power themselves using a four-step switch offering 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 settings. The built-in 280 mAh lithium-ion battery fully recharges in 1–1.5 hours.

According to a user review on Habr, the device requires about six seconds after a cold start to charge its capacitor for the first time, making it more convenient to keep turned on for candid street photography.

An Affordable Alternative to the Cult-Classic Fujifilm EF-X20

The release of the Medalight F1 comes in response to a shortage of compact flashes on the market. The metallic Fujifilm EF-X20 was previously considered the benchmark in this class, but after it was discontinued, prices on secondhand platforms like eBay rose to $225–500.

While the F1 falls short of the Fujifilm model in output power and lacks TTL metering, the new flash excels thanks to its built-in USB-C battery and minimal weight. A standard single-pin hot shoe ensures compatibility with a wide range of digital compacts and vintage film camera gear.