Flash Choices iST DS

Any advice or comment here would be welcome.

I'm still undecided about a flash for my iST DS.

The 360FGZ would seem like the obvious choice - well priced (at Park Cameras) and tons of features, most of which I would never use.

The Sigmas are more powerfull, EF500 DG ST (or Super) and the ST is even cheaper although it gives up some of the trick features (but still has P-TTL)

The Metz's are solid, if expensive performers but as I understand it, cannot (yet) do P-TTL but presumably an updated SCA module will be available in due course. In principle, I like the Metz system and have had a number of Metz guns in the past.

Generally, I would use standard TTL anyway (as I don't like the delay caused by pre-flash metering where people pics are concened) so P-TTL is not a pre-requisite although I hate limiting my options by buying something which is "less" than full spec for the camera body.

Any thoughts/comments/experiences.

Terry,
Very tough question
I have the AF360FGZ and a Metz 50MZ-5. Both are excellent guns, with different strengths.

Here are some thoughts:
* The AF360 has wireless flash.
* It's difficult to turn off P-TTL on the AF360. Putting the camera in Manual mode will allow TTL only (at least on the *ist-D) Surprisingly good results from this.
* The AF360 has high speed sync, which the Metz doesn't have.
* The AF360 is small, but still powerful enough for most situations, the Metz weighs a ton Consequently, I can choose to shove the AF360 in the gadget bag and not worry if I don't use it. The Metz is another matter!
* The Metz can throttle down the output power (to 1/256) which is amazing for macro work.

In my own experience, there were issues with the AF360 and P-TTL, but since upgrading the *ist-D to the latest firmware I don't seem to have any problems at all, and the AF360 gets most of the use.

Hope that helps, and if you want any more info, feel free to ask
Matt

Interesting - the only control on my Minolta 2600HS (D) was the switch between ADI (with preflash - P-TTL equivalent) and TTL (without preflash)

The AF360 has a dial/enter control which allows you to choose the mode. The flash has five modes: "P-TTL", "TTL", "A", "M", and "SB" (focus assist lamp only).
The modes available depend on the body and the currently set camera mode.
If you use an older 4pin extension cable you lose the autofocus but gain the "TTL" mode in auto camera modes, but other than that you have to use either PTTL or A.
...though I haven't checked how the modes fair in the latest 1.12 firmware, and cannot confirm the modes available are identical in the *ist-DS
Matt

Matt,

Thanks for your prompt responses. I have downloaded the manual and posed this question directly to Pentax but am not holding my breath for a response.

If you press "select" and scroll the wheel through the mode settings, does it just miss or not display TTL when used on a P-TTL camera.

And, if you don't mind a further question, what is the delay like between the pre-flash and the main (exposure) flash.

regards

Terry,
Yes, when on a P-TTL body the scroll wheel just doesn't even show the other options

One thing I forgot - you only get flash exposure compensation in P-TTL mode, not in TTL. Originally I bought the AF360 to work with a Z1 I had at the time, thinking that I'd get exposure compensation. Of course, I couldn't get the P-TTL mode, but only TTL (without compensation). Compensation is -3/+1 stops (I think, from memory).

The delay is very small, but probably in the order of 100ms (0.1s). When taking portraits (i.e regular "snap" mug shots) people blink on the preflash so the real flash captures them with their eyes closed. When you use the Red Eye Reduction flash mode (set on the body) there is about a one second delay between the two.

In fact, the timings are the same as for your pop-up flash. The pop-up is P-TTL only too

Hope that helps
Matt

Matt

Cheers

I think I'll go for it - Jessops have one with my name on it if I slope off work early enough.

Flash exposure compensation is one feature I do use.

Terry,
No problem.
Have fun with your new toy
Matt

Matt,

Thanks for all your advice. Collected my 360FGZ this evening on my way home from work (in that downpour on the Westway on a bike !).

Jessops only had 2 in the whole country but one was loca and they price matched down to Park Cameras' £139 so I'm a happy bunny.

The wonder of digital is the instant gratification - I'm impressed.

A quick run through the modes suggests a bit of + compensation when bounced is useful but I'll need a good long play to really learn it's functions and foibles.