Cheap flash for K20D?

I need an external flash for my K20D. There are couple of reasons (one of them triggering 'dumb' slave flashes), some experiments, flash use learning (bouncing flash) etc.)

I cannot afford flash I'd like to have (Metz 58 AF-1 or Pentax AF-540FGZ) so I'm considering some cheap option.

I bought a very cheap flash on car boots sale, Miranda 700CD, which should work with Pentax - unfortunately it occurred it didn't work at all (it charges, but no flash even with the test button - no idea why, possibly the bulb is dead).

I read in some archive posts Vivitar recommendations, but which models should I look for?

Nice if I could use it later for some multi-flash setup.

Same here, picked up some cheap flashes $0.50 for mini 11gn flash, but works great as a trigger for syncing of dumb flashes. If you can find working models you cannot beat the price.

But try here for a list of flash brand names and voltages. In general if it says it is safe, it will be OK on a Pentax. I think Pentax has higher safe range than some other brands. (But I forget the exact number....)

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

The Pentax AF240Z and AF280T are excellent flash units that can usually be bought for not too much money on Ebay. Both can be pointed up if used for triggering other units (and not illuminating the subject), and both have their own sensors, which means they can cut themselves off when they have provided enough light.

For more money, the AF500FTZ is a superb flashgun, though it will only work in manual mode on modern DSLRs.

All of these are much cheaper than the modern P-TTL guns.

Buying Pentax means quality and compatibility (within the stated limitations) are assured.

G

Thanks

Amoringello, the link provided is useful. Quite overwhelming number of flashes mentioned there

George, these two sound interesting - I'll see what ebay can provide me with. And what prices... I'm looking for something really cheap (in price).

Any hints on these Vivitars (mentioned few times in other posts, but I didn't find which models are recommended - and why) - can be better then Pentax mentioned by George?

You want to be looking for 283 and 285 models (various suffixes - Google will help there).

I don't know your budget but in Digital SLR Photography (October) they have tested flash guns under £150 on this flash Sigma EF-530 DGST With a street price £120.00

This is a quote from them

BUILD QUALITY 4 out of 5
FEATURES 3 out of 5
PERFORMANCE 3 out of 5
value for money 3 out of 5
OVER ALL 3 out of 5

Performance

Although a shade dark,there is still enough light to capture detail at the lens' maximum focal length. The light creates the slightest amount of red tint, but not enough to cause problems

flash coverage 16-70mm (24-105mm)

and it is ttl

Hope this helps

James

I have a Jessops 300AFD (Pentax) which I'm going to sell. Its ttl but not pttl.
See here for details link

Not sure what its worth so make me an offer if interested.

Hefty, these look good So now I know I'm probably after Vivitar 285HV (more powerful, very reliable) or Pentax AF240Z and AF280T (which support trailing curtain flash and should work as slaves in the future with less hassle - as far as I understood).

My budget is up to £20 (ish), the less the better, so I'm looking for bargains (as I wrote - I look for really cheap flash) - but thanks for offers I hope I'll get something used for about £10. It's after summer holiday and the school year just started, so I'm on a tight budget now...

Thanks for your help again

The two Pentax flashguns don't support trailing curtain flash. Later models do, but they will either be more expensive, or less versatile.

G

Ah, good to know, thanks. Not to raise expectations too high Still, they are very good flashes and having a little experience with flashes (I only used very simple flash unit with my old good Zenit 12XP) any of the above should bring me hours of fun / experiment opportunities.

Watch the auction sites for a Vivitar 283. They generally go for a similar amount to your budget.

I've bought Pentax AF240Z on ebay today, for about £11 Thanks for all good advices and help with the choice.