1st DL and COBRA 700AF FLASH

Having recently acquired a Pentax 1st DL Digital SLR, I would like to know if it is at all possible to combine my COBRA 700AF Dedicated Autofocus flash unit with this camera. The hot shoe buttons appear to be the same configuration, although when I fit the flash to the camera, the red autofocus lights come on and remain on. Whilst attempting to take a photo, the 1st DL will neither focus on the red light nor flash.
I previously used the flash with my Pentax SF7 SLR film camera OK and it still works with this.

Any suggestions ??

Are you sure it's pushed right on to the hotshoe. I'd say if it works on a SF7, it should work on anything Pentax. Have you checked with the manufacturer?