Flash Compatibility

Hi All,

I have a Pentax AF400FTZ I've been using on SFX's for years. In a recent conversation with a local shop I'm being told that it will not function with an *ist DL2, in fact it could apparently cause permanent damage.

Is this true? Do I have to get a new gun? A pity if so because this thing has been awesome for daylight fill in which is pretty much all I've used it for.

Cheers

Jerry

The problem lies with the DL2 only having P-TTL flash compatability..

Your flash will work in manual mode, or auto if the flash has an inbuilt sensor. But you cannot use the TTL capabilities with the DL2.
As far as I know only the D & DS have TTL compatability.

Ok, you got me now, what's 'P-TTL' mean please?

Looks like something else up for sale then!

Thanks foryour help

J

P-TTL = Pre-Flash TTL

Camera fires a pre-flash (seen through the viewfinder)
Camera metering works out correct flash configuration
Camera fires second flash to make the exposure

This is not the same as red-eye reduction.

Never really thought about this but...

if the red eye is on will the flash fire three times in P-TTL mode?

or will the P-TTL use the red eye burst as a measure for the main flash?

If you use P-TTL with red-eye there is just a longer gap between preflash and main flash.

i.e.
No red eye: Preflash, tiny-gap, Main flash
Red eye: Preflash, large-gap, Main flash

HTH!
Matt