The best kept secret for on camera flashes is the old reliable Sunpack 383
It is not a TTL dedicated flash for digital. It does not have a zoom.
But…
Not only does it have full manual ratio from 1:1 to 1:16 power, but it also has bounce, swivel, and 3 auto eye settings. The auto eye is on the flash. It does not go through the lens and work with your cameras auto function.
You can also look for the Sunpack 422D, 433D, or 444D. These are the same as the 383 but they have detachable modules to dedicate them specifically to certain old film cameras. You’re not concerned with the dedication (not the same as TTL), as these probably won’t dedicate properly to new digital cameras. But they do work great, and if the foot ever breaks (they often do) then you can just order a new module.
Don’t underestimate the auto eye built in to these old flashes. They work fabulously. The newer dedicated TTL/ETTL/PreFlash/InfraRed/PulseStrobe blah blah blah is very much marketing and hype.
The secret workhorse for pros is the Sunpack 383 or the Vivitar 283/285. I like the Sunpacks because the Vivitars don’t swivel and don’t have power setting for 1/8th for some strange reason.
They are so cheap that you can get a few of them and use for studio lights too.
They accept flash diffusers like this or this, and even an assortment of these and these too. There’s lot’s more accessories (cheap) like snoots and soft box adapters.
Then you can get a set of these and trigger it all wirelessly… and still keep each Sunpack flash on Auto or set Manually power ratio.
This is old tech meets new tech. It’s really a fun and efficient, expandable kit to build and use. You can even get high powered external battery supplies and or run it all from an AC adapter.
A well kept secret of the pros.