Af 360 fgz help

Flash power settings depend on the operating mode ... If you are using P-TTL auto-flash exposure mode, then it is the flash system itself that determines the actual flash power that is discharged for each shot. This is based on calculations made instantly from the pre-flash light reflected back to the camera, and it also knows the aperture and ISO as well. In this case, you have some control over the output with Flash Compensation settings, both on the flashgun and the cameras ... This is set in 'stops' of compensation in a range of -2 to plus 1 stops.

The other common mode is manual, and the difference here is that the system is not measuring reflectance back from the subject ... Output is set as a fixed power level related to full power in ratios, eg 1/2 , 1/4, 1/32nd etc. You are not' compensating' for a measured output, so this is not 'Flash compensation'.

Both these methods of control are made using the main dial and select button on the flash ... They will be available appropriately as you change into each flash mode.

There is one more mode still useful on todays cameras, 'Auto-flash' A mode. This uses the flashes own light sensor to measure output required, and is especially helpful when using manual non-coupled lenses, because the system is told the aperture and ISO directly by the user. In this case, power adjustments are made by 'tricking' the flash into thinking that that camera is set differently ...eg, camera is set to ISO 100, but you dial in ISO 400 on the flash ... This will produce 2 stops less light than the system measures as needed.

Thanks Daroni, very kind of you .... perhaps I could make my post even more excellent by correcting a mistake to start with ! I said that the flash compensation range was -2 to +1 stops .... in fact on the flash guns this is -3 to +1 stops. The -2 limit applies to the on-camera flash compensation setting (accesed from the four-way controller flash button). When using the pop-up flash then this camera FC setting would apply to the pop-up unit, and any flashgun set FC would apply to the flashgun output (in wireless operation).

If using the gun on the hotshoe then the camera and flashgun compensation settings are summed together to produce a total FC amount.

You can disable the 'auto power off' function, and this will keep your settings while the gun remains on .... I think it may default back to P-TTL mode whenever its turned off ? But anyway, while you're using it you can cancel the time out-this way ...

1. Put the 'setting switch' into the upper position (this is the switch on the far right that selects which row of buttons are active)

2. Press the 'light' button button for 2 or more seconds ... SL1 or SL 2 will indicate

3. Press 'Mode' button

4. Press the selector button (S - the button inside the dial) until you see PH2 dispayed.

5. Press the 'light' button again.

Let us know it this works please ! (Fingers Crossed )

Flash Man ?? Sounds like the latest superhero! Well, I love to use Pentax flash and I find it a great system. There's a great deal of experience out here on the forum of course ... I just aim to try and express things in a practical way thats digestable.

The issue you mention with shutter speed and having to close down the aperture, sounds like a High Speed Sync situation. This mode will allow you to set the faster speeds you need to 'cut back the light' while controlling flash with aperture and ISO. Set 'HS' on the slider along the bottom of the flashgun panel. I'd use manual exposure to get the ambient light right with the shutter speed. You only have P-TTL mode in High Speed Sync shooting as this requires measured light output, so you will control your flash output with flash compensation adjustments.

HSS will not work off-camera when using the built-in flash as the trigger. Off-camera HSS needs a second HSS capable flash on the camera as well. HSS will work fine with th Pentax gun mounted on the hotshoe, or using the P-TTL sync cable accessories.

There's a sticky thread at the top of this flash forum about HSS with some practical examples from me, plus of course MattMatics guide thread about P-TTL and the flash system also.

Thank you for the thank you! I'm really glad that it's worked for what you were wanting to achieve. The differences are clear to see, and its great that you've posted those examples there as a demonstration. It's a very interesting and creative example of HSS use.

The only point I'd add here for anyone following is to remember that for HSS you can't use P mode... This won't allow you to set shutter time value shorter than 1/180th ...M mode is best I find, and offers the most intuitive way to keep control of your ambiant exposure with 'shutter speed' without affecting your aperture and ISO figures.