Flash advice 330FTZ
Posted 24/03/2004 - 20:28
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Colin,
To answer your questions:
1. There are four connections between the camera and flash. As long as the flash is on the camera (or tethered using the original Pentax leads) it will track the zoom lens. It's not just the zoom information that goes to the flash, but other mode information too. Works a treat
2. I have the AF360FGZ and bought the StoFen diffuser. Fantastic is all I can say. It stays permanently on the gun now Note that you need to angle the head up for normal shots, and benefits from having a ceiling, though this is not absolutely necessary. If you use it straight, then your flash distance is cut in half. Wonderful product though. If you check out their website, you can get an Omnibounce specifically for the flash gun you get - then you don't need sticky tape or velcro.
3. Your other alternative is the AF360FGZ. The 500FTZ is a monster of a flash gun - useful if you need the power. The 360FGZ is more curvey, has loads of features, and is definitely a better bet if you decide to upgrade the camera to: MZ-S, *ist, or *istD. If you can get the 330FTZ for a good price, it will always work on all the Pentax bodies, and you can even use two flash guns if you want to get complicated later on!
Hope that helps!
Matt
To answer your questions:
1. There are four connections between the camera and flash. As long as the flash is on the camera (or tethered using the original Pentax leads) it will track the zoom lens. It's not just the zoom information that goes to the flash, but other mode information too. Works a treat
2. I have the AF360FGZ and bought the StoFen diffuser. Fantastic is all I can say. It stays permanently on the gun now Note that you need to angle the head up for normal shots, and benefits from having a ceiling, though this is not absolutely necessary. If you use it straight, then your flash distance is cut in half. Wonderful product though. If you check out their website, you can get an Omnibounce specifically for the flash gun you get - then you don't need sticky tape or velcro.
3. Your other alternative is the AF360FGZ. The 500FTZ is a monster of a flash gun - useful if you need the power. The 360FGZ is more curvey, has loads of features, and is definitely a better bet if you decide to upgrade the camera to: MZ-S, *ist, or *istD. If you can get the 330FTZ for a good price, it will always work on all the Pentax bodies, and you can even use two flash guns if you want to get complicated later on!
Hope that helps!
Matt
http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)
(For gallery, tips and links)
Posted 24/03/2004 - 21:47
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I bought the 330 and had it for a day and took it back for a refund... it's very limiting. Mattmatic mentioned the AF360FGZ... I have this "weapon" and would HIGHLY recommend it. It does it all! (except swivel side-to-side) It even has the built in 20mm "diffuser".
But your question about auto zoom... if you are using F or FA lenses there's a fancy little electronic chip in the lens that sends the focal length info to the camera/flash. As you rotate the zoom ring on the lens you will hear the flash head zoom motor kick into action... TRES COOL!
But your question about auto zoom... if you are using F or FA lenses there's a fancy little electronic chip in the lens that sends the focal length info to the camera/flash. As you rotate the zoom ring on the lens you will hear the flash head zoom motor kick into action... TRES COOL!
Posted 25/03/2004 - 08:39
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Matt & Joshua
Many thanks for your comments.
On your advice, I am going to give the 330 a miss and will look out for a secondhand 360 although these are a bit thin on the ground at present, presumably because they are a relatively new unit and highly regarded by their owners.
Incidentally, could you tell me what zoom range the 360 covers.
Regards
Colin
Many thanks for your comments.
On your advice, I am going to give the 330 a miss and will look out for a secondhand 360 although these are a bit thin on the ground at present, presumably because they are a relatively new unit and highly regarded by their owners.
Incidentally, could you tell me what zoom range the 360 covers.
Regards
Colin
Posted 25/03/2004 - 22:35
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The 360 covers 24mm - 85mm with the addition of a built-in flip-down panel that enables it to cover 20mm.
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2277 posts
24 years
1. I understand that the flash has an automatic zoom function but was
wondering how the flash unit knows what setting the lens is zoomed to.
2. The 330 has a fixed head(?) so I was considering buying the Sto-fen
omni universal diffuser (as advertised on this site) to give a softer
light. Has anyone experience of this diffuser and does it do "exactly
what it says on the tin".
3. Would I be better off ignoring the 330 and stretching to a 500FTZ with
its bounce head (and other features).
Many thanks in anticipation of your good advice (again).