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Cheap Macro Flash

StarScr33m
Posted 18/06/2014 - 13:33 Link
Hi all,

I'm looking for a cheap macro flash as the Pentax and Metz ones are quite expensive. I found one that seems decent the Viltrox JY-670, however from reading some comments it seems it doesn't work with the Pentax K5II. Anyone know of a similar macro flash with tubes like that instead of LEDS? Thanks.
_________________________
Pentax K3
Vivitar 28-200mm f3.5-5.3 A Macro
Tamron 90mm f2.8 SP DI Macro 1:1
Pentax smc DA 55-300mm f4.0-5.8 ED
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC
Pentax 18-135mm WR
kh1234567890
Posted 18/06/2014 - 15:22 Link
Centon MR20 off eBay - a fiver ?
Edited by kh1234567890: 18/06/2014 - 15:22
JohnX
Posted 18/06/2014 - 15:23 Link
Should work ok. Why do you think it won't?

From Amazon specs;

•Compatible cameras: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, Samsung. With host adapter: Sony

From Viltrox site;

Compatible camera Camera with standard hot shoe
Edited by JohnX: 18/06/2014 - 15:27
kh1234567890
Posted 18/06/2014 - 15:27 Link
JohnX wrote:
Should work ok. Why do you think it won't?

It looks the same as a Vivitar 5000 which I have. That works fine except that exposure setting can be a bit of a hit-and-miss test. I gather that there are other incarnations of the same thing under different names. If you get one make sure that it comes with all the lens rings.
JohnX
Posted 18/06/2014 - 15:29 Link
kh1234567890 wrote:
JohnX wrote:
Should work ok. Why do you think it won't?

It looks the same as a Vivitar 5000 which I have. That works fine except that exposure setting can be a bit of a hit-and-miss test. I gather that there are other incarnations of the same thing under different names. If you get one make sure that it comes with all the lens rings.

I was referring to the Viltrox JY-670 mentioned by the OP

I've had two of the Centron types and the only issue I've got with them is that the batteries go in the body of the flash unit and the whole unit is connected to the end of the lens.
Edited by JohnX: 18/06/2014 - 15:31
kh1234567890
Posted 18/06/2014 - 15:34 Link
JohnX wrote:
kh1234567890 wrote:
Quote:
Should work ok. Why do you think it won't?

It looks the same as a Vivitar 5000 which I have. That works fine except that exposure setting can be a bit of a hit-and-miss test. I gather that there are other incarnations of the same thing under different names. If you get one make sure that it comes with all the lens rings.

I was referring to the Viltrox JY-670 mentioned by the OP

OK. That one looks cleverer than mine. But mine cost me all of ten quid.

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Spring Onions by kh1234567890, on Flickr
McBrian
Posted 18/06/2014 - 19:24 Link
I have the Viltrox and can wholly recommend it; HOWEVER it has/had problems with the K5II/K5IIs, have a read through this thread over on Pentax Forums.

I've had no problems with either my K5II (with latest firmware)or K3.

Here's one with the K3, DFA100 WR and 1.4xHD.

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And here's a DFA 100WR lens hood modified to take the flash tubes without putting addition weight/restriction on the lens barrel, IIRC I used/modified the 62mm ring that came with the flash.

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Hope this is of some help.
Cheers
Brian.
LBA is good for you, a Lens a day helps you work, rest and play.
Edited by McBrian: 18/06/2014 - 19:26
StarScr33m
Posted 18/06/2014 - 19:47 Link
I've gone ahead and bought one from eBay as McBrian has said it works fine on his K5II. Do you know where I can get the latest firmware for the camera and how I go about updating it? Thanks.
_________________________
Pentax K3
Vivitar 28-200mm f3.5-5.3 A Macro
Tamron 90mm f2.8 SP DI Macro 1:1
Pentax smc DA 55-300mm f4.0-5.8 ED
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC
Pentax 18-135mm WR
StarScr33m
Posted 20/06/2014 - 14:56 Link
I've got my flash now, I updated my firmware to the latest version v107. The problem I have is that once the flash goes off I have to press the pilot button once and then the flash works again. If I don't press the pilot button in between using the flash each time then the flash doesn't work at all. I suppose it's better than other peoples problems where they have to turn everything on and off to get it to work. Does anyone have a solution?
_________________________
Pentax K3
Vivitar 28-200mm f3.5-5.3 A Macro
Tamron 90mm f2.8 SP DI Macro 1:1
Pentax smc DA 55-300mm f4.0-5.8 ED
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC
Pentax 18-135mm WR

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