AF 400FTZ to be used off camera from MZ%

I wish to use my AF400FTZ off camera from my MZ5 and would like to know what sync cord I need. I'm also interested in getting a dedicated Metz flashgun to use off camera. Any suggestions as to which model?

Some time ago, I aquired a used Metz CT54-1 for use with my Pentax cameras. The unit requires a special Metz cord to adapt the unit to the camera's PC connection. At the time, I had a P-3 and a P30t both of which didn't have a PC connection . A hot shoe adapter was the quick fix. Also, at that time, I purchased a long extension cord to allow me to move the flash unit well away from the camera. This cord was coiled and was a male/female type of set up, which pluggerd directly into the hot shoe adapter and allowed the Metz cord to plug into the out end. Both the hot shoe adapter and the extension cord were not expensive items.

More recenly, I have purchased a peanut slave for use with the Metz flash. This unit plugs directly into the loose end of the Metz cord. As a trigger flash, I have used either a small camera mounted flash (set to bounce) or with my most recent camera aquisition, the small integral camera flash has proven ideal. The peanut slave has allowed me to get rid of the cumbersome mess of wires the former method required

A small note, when using a flash remove the lense hood (if in place). I had read this note in the past, but continue to forget this simple task usually with less that desirable image results.

The Metz Hamerhead Flash 45CL4, with SCA Cable 3000C and SCA Adaptor 3702, work really well with the Pentax MZ5n, MZ5 and other modern models. The SCA3702 provides infrared focus assist.

I believe the Pentax sync cord for off camera flash is Sync Cord F, with the Fg Hotshoe Adaptor.

grahamwalton

Like many people, I have had lots of problems getting TTL flash to work properly with the *ist D, and have currently reverted to a far simpler setup using slave flash triggers and manual settings on the camera.

Off-camera flash usually suggests a fairly static setup, like studio portraiture, and in these circumstances manual settings work very well. It also means you can use any old flash gun or guns, though a powerful gun with several power output settings is ideal.

The only downside of all this is that you need a flashmeter, though a digital camera with manual settings can be used for this purpose. You just experiment until the settings give you perfect exposure.

Hi all

This is my first post, and I must say I'm impressed by the level of knowledge possessed by many of the members.

I was just wondering which of the proposed soultions retains full ttl control? I was considering trying to get off-camera ttl from my MZ-3 400ftz, but according to my local camera shop (avon film in Bath, whom I have always found very good and usually accurate in their comments) that I'd need to spend around £90 to get the dedicated lead and two adapters, one for the hotshoe and one for the base of the flash. Does anyone know if this is correct? I've managed to assemble my kit on quite a restricted budget, and the thought of shelling out close to a hundered pounds on cables scares me!


All advice/comments gratefully received

MAtt

Your shop in Bath is talking nonsense - partly.

The AF400FTZ has a 5p socket on it, so there is no requirement for an off-camera flash adaptor (as there would be with an AF360FGZ, for instance).

What you need is one of the 5p sync leads, the long one preferably, unless you want to mount the flash gun on a bracket fixed to the camera.

Then you need either a Hotshoe Adaptor F or a Hotshoe Adaptor Fg. Get the latter if you want to use the pop-up flash at the same time, because the former interferes with it.

These are expensive if bought new, but can be bought for typically half the new price on Ebay, if you are patient. Also, Amazon (of all people) sell this stuff at discount prices.

If you're handy with a soldering iron, buy the short lead and extend it!

Hi,
If you need the kit a bit quicker, MXV have 3 leads on offer at the moment for £17 each and 3 Hotshoe adapters at £15 each. All are near mint and most boxed. Using Georges idea of extending the lead yourself , this would give an outlay of £32 + post. The last few leads and adapters have gone for either this much or more on eBay recently.
the address is http://www.mxvphotographic.com/pentax_af.htm

If you need help to extend the cable, I am often in Bath as my son is at Uni there living on my narrowboat in Bath Marina.

Regards
Kim

That's a good link, Kim, and a kind offer!

But, coming back to the guest poster, I would reiterate my earlier advice that if you have a static situation (as with taking posed portraits) you would be better served with a fully manual flash set up. That gives you full control, without the camera trying to "interpret" the light and coming up with it's own solutions.

Hi George,
I fully agree with you in the studio situation. However, I feel it is worth getting the leads for the more mobile case such as trying to get photos at presentations etc. I've found that using a flash off the camera is much better than using it plugged on the camera and it is well worth the few pounds this costs. Besides, having got the leads, you can still use them in manual mode

Kim

Yes, Kim, I agree, in the situation you describe, then leads and TTL are the answer.

By the way, if you buy the adapter F, you can piggy back another on top (as often as you like) and connect two or more off-camera flashes.

There's probably a theoretical limit to how many you can add, but in practice I imagine that having more than two would be a nightmare.

George and Kim

Thanks for advice, I might just take MXV up on that - I can bear to part with £30 as opposed to £90!

It looks like Avon might have got confused with the flash I had, as others in the range would require the flash adapter and this would have pushed the price up quite a bit. As it stands, they were correct in specifying the lead and camera adapter I would need, but the price they offered looks a bit on the heavy side.

Many thanks

Matt