Anyone seen an AF201 FG in the wild yet or used one?
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Posted 27/09/2015 - 08:49
I haven't heard any user reports of it yet. Plenty of discussion about it and the need when the K3II and the FF pictures came out, but no actual users. I'm sure they're there in the background doing their thing with it. It must be a very handy item, a good step up from a ' built-in' with the tilt and some manual power control.
It was disappointing to hear that it cannot replace the built-in as P-TTL wireless trigger, which will restrict it's appeal for many flash users ... But for your intended needs it sounds ideal.
Come on AF201 users ... Where are you? Tell us about it !
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
It was disappointing to hear that it cannot replace the built-in as P-TTL wireless trigger, which will restrict it's appeal for many flash users ... But for your intended needs it sounds ideal.
Come on AF201 users ... Where are you? Tell us about it !
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
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Posted 27/09/2015 - 09:10
Regarding the problem of the lens casting a shadow when using the built in flash:
Had the same experience with the bulkier lenses casting a shadow, and I have the previous version of the AF201c Pentax which is a nice flash but limited; no tilt or swivel but it solves the problem of the shadow on the 16-50
However a couple of weeks ago I bought a s/h Metz 20 C 2; It is so small (will almost fit in a cigarette box) and it has a very nifty tilt, if it had a swivel I would be even happier.
It really is a great little unit though and is high enough on the mount to avoid the shadow cast by the 16-50 DA* and other big lenses.
Perfect fill-in and also it does a really nice job on (true) macro with the normal 1:1 macro lenses.
It cost me £20 in as new condition with a case, I was very lucky and being so incredibly pocketable it goes with me everywhere.
flashgun[quote:3496ace15f="Jetsam1"]Has anyone seen/had a play with one of these yet? I know it's only a very basic/cheap bit of kit and not very interesting for most but I think a fill flash might be good for me as my 16-50mm is very fat and causes a shadow on the built in flash and the older flash gun I have is manual only (sort of) and HUGE.
Tilt is enough for me although I would like swivel for use in portrait but you can't have everything. Just want a lightish solution to keep ISO down for interior shots but won't be doing anything complex just a general fill to boost ambient light.
Daronl
Had the same experience with the bulkier lenses casting a shadow, and I have the previous version of the AF201c Pentax which is a nice flash but limited; no tilt or swivel but it solves the problem of the shadow on the 16-50
However a couple of weeks ago I bought a s/h Metz 20 C 2; It is so small (will almost fit in a cigarette box) and it has a very nifty tilt, if it had a swivel I would be even happier.
It really is a great little unit though and is high enough on the mount to avoid the shadow cast by the 16-50 DA* and other big lenses.
Perfect fill-in and also it does a really nice job on (true) macro with the normal 1:1 macro lenses.
It cost me £20 in as new condition with a case, I was very lucky and being so incredibly pocketable it goes with me everywhere.
flashgun[quote:3496ace15f="Jetsam1"]Has anyone seen/had a play with one of these yet? I know it's only a very basic/cheap bit of kit and not very interesting for most but I think a fill flash might be good for me as my 16-50mm is very fat and causes a shadow on the built in flash and the older flash gun I have is manual only (sort of) and HUGE.
Tilt is enough for me although I would like swivel for use in portrait but you can't have everything. Just want a lightish solution to keep ISO down for interior shots but won't be doing anything complex just a general fill to boost ambient light.
Daronl
Last Edited by Daronl on 27/09/2015 - 09:30
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Posted 27/09/2015 - 10:09
It is silly but I would like to keep it Pentax and the WR would be nice in low light outdoors or when there is liquid flying about as toddlers and small children are wont to do.
I've discovered sourcing used equipment over here is not simple and postage costs tend to cancel out savings on cheaper things. It's not worth buying anything below a certain value, and SRS seem to be the only stockist I can find for anything Pentax related at a reasonable price and they will post to Hungary (already checked this before for something else!).
I was kind of surprised not to see it as a package option for the K3ii as I thought that was the underlying reason for it's introduction! I don't think there is anything else on offer with the form factor?
Though the 50-135mm doesn't suffer the shadow from the built in flash......
K5, K200 and several film Pentax cameras!
I've discovered sourcing used equipment over here is not simple and postage costs tend to cancel out savings on cheaper things. It's not worth buying anything below a certain value, and SRS seem to be the only stockist I can find for anything Pentax related at a reasonable price and they will post to Hungary (already checked this before for something else!).
I was kind of surprised not to see it as a package option for the K3ii as I thought that was the underlying reason for it's introduction! I don't think there is anything else on offer with the form factor?
Though the 50-135mm doesn't suffer the shadow from the built in flash......
K5, K200 and several film Pentax cameras!
Last Edited by Jetsam1 on 27/09/2015 - 10:10
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Posted 27/09/2015 - 16:22
There's one brief comment on Amazon UK but for the price you can get a much more powerful and flexible flash from Sigma or Metz, so I can understand why the little Pentax doesn't sell well.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
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Posted 27/09/2015 - 16:51
It's not something I know a lot about but most flash guns I see are pretty bulky. I want to avoid too much bulk. I will sacrifice power for portability as I don't use much flash and only really as a fill in already lit rooms. For my Olympus for example the add on flash you get with the camera has always been adequate and I haven't had any desire to get a dedicated more powerful flash. The Pentax just seemed to be a nice little package for an occasional user. Could even leave it on te camera until wanted as it is almost small enough.
The one on Amazon is hardly a comment!!
K5, K200 and several film Pentax cameras!
The one on Amazon is hardly a comment!!
K5, K200 and several film Pentax cameras!
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Posted 27/09/2015 - 16:51
It does have the Weather Resistant quality in its favour though, to match up with WR camera body. Get a few spots of rain and those other models you mentioned would be coming off straight away .....
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
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Posted 27/09/2015 - 19:24
McGregNi wrote:
It does have the Weather Resistant quality in its favour though, to match up with WR camera body. Get a few spots of rain and those other models you mentioned would be coming off straight away .....
It does have the Weather Resistant quality in its favour though, to match up with WR camera body. Get a few spots of rain and those other models you mentioned would be coming off straight away .....
That is a USP of Pentax right there! I have had my Pentaxes out in torrential downpours so I know they can be trusted with the WR. To make it worthwhile though I may have to order something else to go with it as well, will have to think about that!
K5, K200 and several film Pentax cameras!
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Posted 27/09/2015 - 20:38
Then what about a suitable diffuser to give softer light for front-fill. Bounce will not always be possible given the power available. There are a lot of nice little flash accessories now that can really improve the look of on camera flash.
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Last Edited by McGregNi on 27/09/2015 - 20:39
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Posted 28/09/2015 - 02:03
I have the entire current Pentax wr flash lineup and also both the older 540 and 360. Naturally this includes the Pentax 201FG (wr).
Unfortunately haven't had much use for the 201 outside of what you were specifically looking for; to boost up the iso numbers. Outside of the wr feature though, the GN just isn't there for much. Add to that the limited wide angle scope coverage; as it doesn't quite get apsc 18 or beyond. So depending upon subject of one happens to be using a Pentax k3 with any 18mm lens (or wider); one will notice a bit of fall off, and also very limited distances to less than the 8m that is claimed. The two batteries considerably limit the use.
On the other hand, cannot seem to get enough use of the newer 540 (aw). Minus the somewhat limited guide number for the price; it's one of the better hotshoe mounted flash units for Pentax, or better when it's used off camera.
If one can make due without the WR feature... The Metz 64 is near perfection for Pentax, but especially the GN. If one can spare the size and weight the Metz 76 is one of the currently best systems available for Pentax, truly a professional level flash.
In other news... And you may very well have read it here first...
1. That Pentax may be working on a flash unit similar to the Metz 76. Other than size of the flash and that it is not hotshoe, no other specs besides that it will likely have the wr feature, and also about the price level of a newly issued (as in 1st day of initial release) Pentax k3. Let me make sure I'm stating that one correctly, a Pentax flash going at about the same price level as a brand new K3.
2. May very well see more professional line 3rd party flash for Pentax. Most likely Quantum and perhaps items such as (more) Bolt, Phottix, even Nissin
Unfortunately haven't had much use for the 201 outside of what you were specifically looking for; to boost up the iso numbers. Outside of the wr feature though, the GN just isn't there for much. Add to that the limited wide angle scope coverage; as it doesn't quite get apsc 18 or beyond. So depending upon subject of one happens to be using a Pentax k3 with any 18mm lens (or wider); one will notice a bit of fall off, and also very limited distances to less than the 8m that is claimed. The two batteries considerably limit the use.
On the other hand, cannot seem to get enough use of the newer 540 (aw). Minus the somewhat limited guide number for the price; it's one of the better hotshoe mounted flash units for Pentax, or better when it's used off camera.
If one can make due without the WR feature... The Metz 64 is near perfection for Pentax, but especially the GN. If one can spare the size and weight the Metz 76 is one of the currently best systems available for Pentax, truly a professional level flash.
In other news... And you may very well have read it here first...
1. That Pentax may be working on a flash unit similar to the Metz 76. Other than size of the flash and that it is not hotshoe, no other specs besides that it will likely have the wr feature, and also about the price level of a newly issued (as in 1st day of initial release) Pentax k3. Let me make sure I'm stating that one correctly, a Pentax flash going at about the same price level as a brand new K3.
2. May very well see more professional line 3rd party flash for Pentax. Most likely Quantum and perhaps items such as (more) Bolt, Phottix, even Nissin
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Posted 28/09/2015 - 14:19
Many photographers here, and on other forums, strive to save money with flash by looking to cheap radio triggered products and much older TTL units (those that remain voltage compatible with the modern cameras) .....so a dedicated option in the 1000.00 GBP region is sure going to be a challenge!
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
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Posted 29/09/2015 - 17:40
Hardly small, but stupidly cheap and surprisingly reasonable build quality - I got one of these recently:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-Speedlite-Panasonic-Fujifilm-single-contact/dp/B0...
I rather like it.
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Mike
Pentax K5 / Pentax K5 11/ Pentax K200D / Canon Rebel T1 i / Canon 650D / Pentax MX-1 / Fuji XF1 /Fuji X 10 / Canon EOS-M / Canon G10/ Pentax Mz-7 x 2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-Speedlite-Panasonic-Fujifilm-single-contact/dp/B0...
I rather like it.
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Mike
Pentax K5 / Pentax K5 11/ Pentax K200D / Canon Rebel T1 i / Canon 650D / Pentax MX-1 / Fuji XF1 /Fuji X 10 / Canon EOS-M / Canon G10/ Pentax Mz-7 x 2
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Posted 29/09/2015 - 18:58
I do have a Pentax AF400FTZ that I got for £5 in totally mint condition that I can get decent results from with bounce flash with the K5. It is enormous though! This would have most of the functionality of the cheap new manual flashes won't it? I have inly used it on manual mode and experimentation varying the F stop generally leads to something acceptable!!
Sometimes I do like/need to be fully auto with the toddler running around and so was considering this new small Pentax flash...... As always it is very complicated to make a decision... I doubt I will really be getting into flash as a technique it's more for getting family shots in poorer light.
K5, K200 and several film Pentax cameras!
Sometimes I do like/need to be fully auto with the toddler running around and so was considering this new small Pentax flash...... As always it is very complicated to make a decision... I doubt I will really be getting into flash as a technique it's more for getting family shots in poorer light.
K5, K200 and several film Pentax cameras!
Last Edited by Jetsam1 on 29/09/2015 - 18:59
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Posted 29/09/2015 - 19:32
I suspect you would. don't know if there'd be any size/weight benefit .
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Mike
Pentax K5 / Pentax K5 11/ Pentax K200D / Canon Rebel T1 i / Canon 650D / Pentax MX-1 / Fuji XF1 /Fuji X 10 / Canon EOS-M / Canon G10/ Pentax Mz-7 x 2
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Mike
Pentax K5 / Pentax K5 11/ Pentax K200D / Canon Rebel T1 i / Canon 650D / Pentax MX-1 / Fuji XF1 /Fuji X 10 / Canon EOS-M / Canon G10/ Pentax Mz-7 x 2
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Posted 24/05/2016 - 15:25
Bought one, £109 from SRS.
for my K-1. I did use the built in flash on the K-3 now and again, so wanted something small and light to go on the K-1 and am pleased to say the AF201FG fits the bill, very small, light P.TTL, 2 AAA batteries, and a tilt head for bounce. Guide No. 20 /100 ISO.
I already have the mid size Pentax AF-360FGZ for 'serious' flash use, but it is big and heavy with its four AA batteries, and I wanted something more compact.
Pleased with it so far!
K-1, Sigma 12-24mm DG EX, Sigma 24-70mm DG EX, K-3, White K-01 with 40mm XS and white 35mm f2.4, SMC Pentax FA 1.8 31mm AL Limited, 43mm f1.9 Limited, 77mm f1.8 Limited, Sigma 17-50 f2.8, SMC Pentax DA* 50-135 f2.8, MX + SMC M 50mm f1.4, SMC A 50mm f1.4, SMC A 50mm f1.2, Spotmatic F 55mm f1.8, ES with 55mm f1.8 and 28mm f3.5, Program Plus (Chrome) with SMC A 50mm f1.7, Pentax 6x7, Leica ii, plus misc. odds and sods)
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Jetsam1
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Budapest
Tilt is enough for me although I would like swivel for use in portrait but you can't have everything. Just want a lightish solution to keep ISO down for interior shots but won't be doing anything complex just a general fill to boost ambient light.
K5, K200 and several film Pentax cameras!