360FGZ flash test

Why doesn't the 360FGZ, for all the functions it does have, have an exposure test? That may not be the correct name for it, where you set the flash how you want and then fire a test flash, after which the auto sensor indictates whether or not enough light was emitted. I'm thinking in terms of bounce flash where it is often coming up short both with a TTL camera (MX-5) and on auto with a manual camera (K2). My buddy's Vivitar at 1/4 the price has this function. Am I missing how to do it?

Dave

Yes, the AF360 does have a test. There's a button on the back marked "Test"

If you put the mode into "A" then pressing the test button will fire, and the "A" should blink if you've got a good exposure. (Check the manual - I haven't had a chance to look it up.)

When using TTL or P-TTL the test must rely on the body. The *ist-D will allow you to fire a test and indicate whether you have the power needed. Such a function isn't always available on the body though, so you'll have to resort to the "A" mode test (which is what the third-party flash guns will do).

Hope that helps a bit,
Matt

Many thanks, Matt. You are right. It does say that in the manual, but in a very round-about way at the end of a sentence so I didn't catch it. Makes more sense as I couldn't figure out how a flash that does everything else wouldn't have that function.

Thanks again.

Dave