First flash, Which one?

Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on the pentax 200fg flash. I've never used and external flash, would this be a good starting point. I'm not wanting to spend a lot just incase its not for me.

Personally I would not want to buy a flash which didn't tilt (or swivel). If you want to keep costs low, I would look at one of the older units (e.g. the AF280T, which I can wholeheartedly recommend) which allow you to bounce the flash off ceilings, and walls, for much more natural looking results. (There's an AF280T for sale in the classifieds).

The older flashes lack the fully automated PTTL mode, but using them in manual is a doddle (just adjust your aperture and ISO!) Pentax flashes will be safe for use on your DSLR, even the older ones.

Thanks Pentaxophile, Ive also been looking at Dorr flash units would this be any better?

http://www.harrisoncameras.co.uk/Cameras/Camera-Accessories/Flash-Units/Dorr-DAF...

http://www.harrisoncameras.co.uk/Cameras/Camera-Accessories/Flash-Units/Dorr-DAF...

Yongnuo YN560's are cheap, fairly powerful (much more than the dorr) and easy to operate as well as having lots of control (of both power and anglege)... I'd say they're the perfect starter flash...

LOL that just reminded me I bought one of theese in a charity shop for £5 only to find out it was a sony fitting, think its still in the cupboard. Do you know any uk companies that sell them?

Ebay is the best place I think. I'd forgotten about the Yongnuos. Excellent idea! (You could use your Sony version as a second flash using the built-in optical trigger).

Aye.. The sony version should work off-camera in slave mode with no worries...

On ebay you can ignore 'for Nikon/Canon' markers on the listing as they work on any system (except sony) - only having one firing pin

Hi,at the time i went for the sigma 610 powerfull flash, never thought i would want to use it off camera and now looking for a replacement flash

Regards Dave