AF-200s
Posted 11/03/2010 - 17:59
Link
Or how bout an old Metz 45 CL-1 (edit found the model number, and had started this as "How how")
K-5; Siggy 10-20 f4, 30mm f1.4, 18-50mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8; Tammy 400mm f4, 500mm f8
Posted 11/03/2010 - 18:14
Link
It all depends on what camera you will use it with and what for.
Ken
“We must avoid however, snapping away, shooting quickly and without thought, overloading ourselves with unnecessary images that clutter our memory and diminish the clarity of the whole.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson -
“We must avoid however, snapping away, shooting quickly and without thought, overloading ourselves with unnecessary images that clutter our memory and diminish the clarity of the whole.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson -
Posted 11/03/2010 - 18:21
Link
Ah - well I've got a K10d and I'm not sure what I'd use it for mainly - could be portraits, or via wireless for still life / water / smoke / etc.
K-5; Siggy 10-20 f4, 30mm f1.4, 18-50mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8; Tammy 400mm f4, 500mm f8
Posted 11/03/2010 - 18:29
Link
In general you should check the trigger voltages if attaching older flashguns to newer bodies via the hotshoe without the risk of damaging your camera. There is plenty of information if you search for trigger voltages in the forums.
Someone better informed than I may be able to let you know if the AF200 is safe to use with a K10.
Roy
Someone better informed than I may be able to let you know if the AF200 is safe to use with a K10.
Roy
My PPG link
K-3, K-5 + D-BG4 Grip, Pentax: FA 50 1.4, DA* 300, Sigma 70-200 2.8 Macro HSM II, Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC, Metz 58 AF-1
K-3, K-5 + D-BG4 Grip, Pentax: FA 50 1.4, DA* 300, Sigma 70-200 2.8 Macro HSM II, Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC, Metz 58 AF-1
Posted 11/03/2010 - 18:57
Link
Pentax flashes are no problemo for Pentax camera's, so no worries there.
It's just that can't use any form of TTL besides P-TTL with the newer Pentax camera's.
So that means with older flashes you use Auto mode of the flash if they have that or Manual mode.
It's just that can't use any form of TTL besides P-TTL with the newer Pentax camera's.
So that means with older flashes you use Auto mode of the flash if they have that or Manual mode.
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Posted 11/03/2010 - 19:14
Link
I see, I had no idea flashes were that complicated. So if I had the Metz, I would have to calibrate it to each scene prior to firing? I.e. if I was to do a wedding (not that I plan to, but a good example), that I would have to choose a different flash setting for each shot?
Also, I see wireless adapters on 'the' auction site, do those work with the auto functions of newer flashes?
Also, I see wireless adapters on 'the' auction site, do those work with the auto functions of newer flashes?
K-5; Siggy 10-20 f4, 30mm f1.4, 18-50mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8; Tammy 400mm f4, 500mm f8
Posted 11/03/2010 - 20:24 - Helpful Comment
Link
Depends on what Metz you've.
What I mean is all pentax flashes work on pentax camera is that the trigger voltage are safe, with some older flashes the trigger voltage can be 200+ and it's the question if the camera likes that or not. The standard voltage for the hotshoe is 24v and I believe most pentax flashes are around the 10v to 15v or lower so certainly safe to use.
You've basicly 4 flash modes a flash can operate in for pentax, just like you've Av, Tv for you camera.
Manual - no explanation necessary
Auto - you give the flash information about your camera/ the flash collects that information, what it needs is F-number and ISO.
With those numbers and I build in light sensor in the flash it can calculates how much flash you should need.
TTL - A bit the same as auto the difference is the camera tells the flash what it must do and the camera does the metering from then sensor.
P-TTL - is the upgrade from TTL since TTL had some problems with digital I believe so now the flash does a small pre-flash and the camera meters the scene during that pre-flash and with that it does the calculations. With the newer cameras TTL and only this mode is supported besides manual and auto.
For wireless you've 4 options
1) is using the build in option some flash have, they simply flash with the any flash they see. The other draw back is that the build in flash is P-TTL only so it does a pre-flash triggering the flash. You can use manual and auto in this mode.
2) same as 1 but an advance version, it use communication between the flash and camera and therefore only goes off when you need the flash. you can use any mode with this one but only the newer flashes support this.
3) IR/infrared triggers, simply connection between the hotshoe of the flash and the camera. You can only use Manual or Auto.
4) RF/Radio Frequency, same as 3 but it use RF and therefore you don't need to see the flash. With Pentax you can only use manual and auto with this.
The question you need to ask is how much you are willing to learn and how much control you want?
The same as with your camera Manual mode gives you all the freedom and most control but Av or Tv are really handy.
With flash that's the same but Av & Tv is now P-TTL with the K10D, you can also use Auto but that takes more time to setup.
What I mean is all pentax flashes work on pentax camera is that the trigger voltage are safe, with some older flashes the trigger voltage can be 200+ and it's the question if the camera likes that or not. The standard voltage for the hotshoe is 24v and I believe most pentax flashes are around the 10v to 15v or lower so certainly safe to use.
You've basicly 4 flash modes a flash can operate in for pentax, just like you've Av, Tv for you camera.
Manual - no explanation necessary
Auto - you give the flash information about your camera/ the flash collects that information, what it needs is F-number and ISO.
With those numbers and I build in light sensor in the flash it can calculates how much flash you should need.
TTL - A bit the same as auto the difference is the camera tells the flash what it must do and the camera does the metering from then sensor.
P-TTL - is the upgrade from TTL since TTL had some problems with digital I believe so now the flash does a small pre-flash and the camera meters the scene during that pre-flash and with that it does the calculations. With the newer cameras TTL and only this mode is supported besides manual and auto.
For wireless you've 4 options
1) is using the build in option some flash have, they simply flash with the any flash they see. The other draw back is that the build in flash is P-TTL only so it does a pre-flash triggering the flash. You can use manual and auto in this mode.
2) same as 1 but an advance version, it use communication between the flash and camera and therefore only goes off when you need the flash. you can use any mode with this one but only the newer flashes support this.
3) IR/infrared triggers, simply connection between the hotshoe of the flash and the camera. You can only use Manual or Auto.
4) RF/Radio Frequency, same as 3 but it use RF and therefore you don't need to see the flash. With Pentax you can only use manual and auto with this.
The question you need to ask is how much you are willing to learn and how much control you want?
The same as with your camera Manual mode gives you all the freedom and most control but Av or Tv are really handy.
With flash that's the same but Av & Tv is now P-TTL with the K10D, you can also use Auto but that takes more time to setup.
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Posted 11/03/2010 - 21:43
Link
Great help there Anvh, thanks for that!
As for how much am I willing to learn, the answer is as much as it takes. I just never thought there would be that much to learn in terms of flashes. I'd like to get into shooting some stock photo's (be it micro or macro) and putting some of my gear to use. I'd also like to keep the costs down, so that's why I'm not going to run out and get the biggest and best flash out there.
Google tells me that the Metz 45 cl-1 isn't a TTL flash, not even sure if it's an auto flash. So I guess that's out. Not so keen on the other things that come with the first flash I mentioned now either. Any suggestions for something that'd be a good ratio between cost / benefit?
As for how much am I willing to learn, the answer is as much as it takes. I just never thought there would be that much to learn in terms of flashes. I'd like to get into shooting some stock photo's (be it micro or macro) and putting some of my gear to use. I'd also like to keep the costs down, so that's why I'm not going to run out and get the biggest and best flash out there.
Google tells me that the Metz 45 cl-1 isn't a TTL flash, not even sure if it's an auto flash. So I guess that's out. Not so keen on the other things that come with the first flash I mentioned now either. Any suggestions for something that'd be a good ratio between cost / benefit?
K-5; Siggy 10-20 f4, 30mm f1.4, 18-50mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8; Tammy 400mm f4, 500mm f8
Posted 11/03/2010 - 22:11 - Helpful Comment
Link
No thanks Whelmed.
A flash introduce a new dimension into photography, what I said just now is just the basics, you also have various forms of light modifiers.
Flashes are a lot of fun but it's a lot of work and trying out.
Here is a list of trigger voltage of a lot of older lenses. link
The Metz 45 Cl1 is 7.6V so that's safe to use.
Pentax is a bit unclear how high voltage the camera can takes but like said 24Volt is the standard and so far as I know Pentax has that standard, some say it can even take flashes up to 200 volt but that's at your own risk.
The Metz 45 is a hammer head (that's how they are called right?)
If you want to be creative then look for some normal flashguns.
However it seems like a powerful flash though.
For new flashes the Metz 48 seems to offer the most bang for the bucks, you can do all the tricks with it except the auto mode and it can't be use as master/controller in wireless mode but it can be used as slave and that's the mode that matters.
Here is a good guide for the P-TTL flashes link
This might also be interesting link
If you're willing to learn however and you've control over your camera then A manual flash is all that you need, you can get flashes made for Canon and Nikon as then, those flashes will work in Manual mode (also Auto I think) on your Pentax and with any wireless device option.
If you want a new Manual flash then this might be interesting link
A flash introduce a new dimension into photography, what I said just now is just the basics, you also have various forms of light modifiers.
Flashes are a lot of fun but it's a lot of work and trying out.
Here is a list of trigger voltage of a lot of older lenses. link
The Metz 45 Cl1 is 7.6V so that's safe to use.
Pentax is a bit unclear how high voltage the camera can takes but like said 24Volt is the standard and so far as I know Pentax has that standard, some say it can even take flashes up to 200 volt but that's at your own risk.
The Metz 45 is a hammer head (that's how they are called right?)
If you want to be creative then look for some normal flashguns.
However it seems like a powerful flash though.
For new flashes the Metz 48 seems to offer the most bang for the bucks, you can do all the tricks with it except the auto mode and it can't be use as master/controller in wireless mode but it can be used as slave and that's the mode that matters.
Here is a good guide for the P-TTL flashes link
This might also be interesting link
If you're willing to learn however and you've control over your camera then A manual flash is all that you need, you can get flashes made for Canon and Nikon as then, those flashes will work in Manual mode (also Auto I think) on your Pentax and with any wireless device option.
If you want a new Manual flash then this might be interesting link
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Posted 13/03/2010 - 20:39
Link
Sheeat, I couldn't pass up the deal on: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120541570003#ht_500wt_1182 41 quid and comes with a SMC-A 50mm f2 which I can probably sell for 15-20GBP. I like the case, I just wonder if I can make it work for my K10d.
Thanks for the info, Stefan, on all the different options. I was really close to buying a Metz 36 af-4 from SRS for 70GBP, but I figure I should learn the hard way first (like I did with my manual primes).
Thanks for the info, Stefan, on all the different options. I was really close to buying a Metz 36 af-4 from SRS for 70GBP, but I figure I should learn the hard way first (like I did with my manual primes).
K-5; Siggy 10-20 f4, 30mm f1.4, 18-50mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8; Tammy 400mm f4, 500mm f8
Posted 13/03/2010 - 20:49
Link
Oh no that's a great price, enjoy!
I did forgot you've a lot of manual lenses and the problem is that P-TTL won't even work if the lens doesn't have an Auto-aperture.
Your only automatic option would be Auto-mode from the flash with those lenses.
My knowledge is limited with Hammer flashes, I ain't sure if you can mount them on a stands and things like that. That's why I said they might be limiting in a creative way since you can't do strobist work with them but I could be wrong.
I already have a good flash with all the advance functions that I almost never use so my second and third flash are going to be manual flashes because that's all you really need.
Most likely I will get two of those if money allow it. link
I did forgot you've a lot of manual lenses and the problem is that P-TTL won't even work if the lens doesn't have an Auto-aperture.
Your only automatic option would be Auto-mode from the flash with those lenses.
My knowledge is limited with Hammer flashes, I ain't sure if you can mount them on a stands and things like that. That's why I said they might be limiting in a creative way since you can't do strobist work with them but I could be wrong.
I already have a good flash with all the advance functions that I almost never use so my second and third flash are going to be manual flashes because that's all you really need.
Most likely I will get two of those if money allow it. link
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Posted 13/03/2010 - 20:55
Link
Well, worst case I sell it and loose a few, but at that price I figured it was hard to lose much. Don't suppose that there is any market for old used film SLR cameras eh?
Can't wait!
Can't wait!
K-5; Siggy 10-20 f4, 30mm f1.4, 18-50mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8; Tammy 400mm f4, 500mm f8
Posted 13/03/2010 - 21:24
Link
Have a lot of fun Whelmed.
I see the flash simply use the hotshoe as the trigger and the cord is pretty long, you could and should do off camera work with it.
Just take the camera in one hand and the flash in the other and shoot like that, it might be hard to manual focus though but your light wouldn't be so dull or killing at least.
I see the flash simply use the hotshoe as the trigger and the cord is pretty long, you could and should do off camera work with it.
Just take the camera in one hand and the flash in the other and shoot like that, it might be hard to manual focus though but your light wouldn't be so dull or killing at least.
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
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