I need a powerful, yet easily portable flash

[fireallconsuming]

I'm looking for a flash unit that I can either hand hold or bracket mount to my 4x5, be able to bounce or diffuse and still get a good working aperture.
I've looked at quantum, but they are way expensive...my main problem is that I am not super knowledgeable about what portable flashes are out there and which ones are brightest and all that.

[Dan Schmidt]

metz 45's , can get used at KEH for 100-200

[Gem Singer]

The Vivitar 285HV is available, new, at B&H for $89.95. Uses four AA batteries (AC power cord is optional). It's been around for years. Has a huge flash output.

[Dan Fromm]

Agfatronic 643CS

[Frank Petronio]

Schneider Xenotar 135/3.5 and TMY

[Bob Salomon]

Metz 60 series

[David A. Goldfarb]

Norman 200B setups can be had fairly inexpensively, compared to Quantum or Lumedyne. For a little more, the 200C is lighter and more compact, and the 400B has more output.

[Michael Graves]

Any one of the upper line Metz or a Norman 200 or 400B.

[Nick_3536]

If you can find it the Agfa 643. Good luck -)
If not the Metz 60 or the 45 if you need less power.

[Gordon Moat]

Nikon Speedlights SB-25 or SB-26, or newer style SB-28
Sunpak 120-J