Flash compatibility with istD x series

Can anyone tell me whether this is enough information to tell if this flash would be compatible with the istD x cameras

3 Flash modes: Manual, slave & Bounce.
Test button
Ready light
Color Temperature 5600° K
Flash Duration: approx. 1/1000 sec.
Guide number @100 asa : 24m (79ft)
Zoom settings 35mm / 50mm / 85mm
Power source: 4 AA batteries

So, the obvious question is: Is it?

Thanks

A critical piece of information is missing. That is, is it a Pentax dedicated gun. If not, it may not work with any Pentax camera, not just the istD.

If it is a third party unit (Vivitar, Centon etc), the 'head' remains the same irrespective of whether it is fitted to Minolta, Canon, Nikon, Pentax etc. However, the lower part (the bit that fits to the hot shoe of the camera) is commonly referred to as a 'dedication module' which generally makes it more or less unique to one camera manufacturer. This dedication module will often have a P, C, N, or M to indicate which manufacturers cameras that it will work with.

Peter, thanks for taking time to reply.

The flash is not a dedicated flash made by Pentax or specifically for Pentax. It is a yin yan which is what I can afford right now and since I do not really do much flash work.

What I am concerned with is that many people say the power of the flash units might damage modern electronic dslr. The ebay seller says it will work with the istD x but I don't trust many (not all) ebay sellers. I mean if the damage is done neither he nor ebay will pay for it.

What do you think?

I'm happy to reply, as will others if they disagree with me, or can add anything further That's what this forum is all about.

My personal opinion . . . "DON'T TOUCH IT".

It is entirely possible that the flash might work. I believe that Pentax cameras can tolerate up to 300V trigger voltage (The voltage that is actually at the contacts that the camera has to cope with).

My advice:- Have a look at some of the cheaper Pentax units that will afford you the same functionality. I sold an AF280T (bounce, swivel, TTL) flash unit with a GN of 28 for £30.00. It is an exceptionally fine flash and will give you good results with the D. The AF400FTZ is also a good flash unit which also offers focussing assist (Infrared lightsource) in dimly lit conditions and has a GN of 40. These are all available at reasonable used prices on ebay. The one question you should ALWAYS ask about used flash units:- "Is there any evidence of corrosion in the battery compartment?" It will be up to you then to decide the level of contamination and whether you want to purchase it. You should also ask about cracked or damaged body/battery cover components.

Others will correct me if I'm wrong but I think the 2 flashes above can be used in 'proper' TTL mode on the istD whereas they fire at full power (I think) on the later models. You will only get P-TTL (pre-flash TTL) by using the AF360FGZ or the super new AF540FGZ.

Bottom line is, buy the best you can afford or wait until you can afford the best (something like that anyway). I would certainly not jeapordise my treasured Pentax DSLR's with a 'no-name' flash that has the potential to destroy the camera. I will now only use Pentax made flashes on my 3 X istD's and istDS. I now use 2 X AF360FGZ and 1 X AF500FTZ with excellent results (well I'm happy with them anyway). I've tried Centon & Vivitar but (IMO) the Pentax guns are far superior, even the older ones.

Good luck.

Regarding compatibility:

The *ist-D and *ist-DS will work with all Pentax dedicated flashes - analogue and digital. So... take your pick

The *ist-DL and newer removed support for older analogue flash guns. TTL is not supported, only P-TTL as provided by the AF360 and AF540. However, I suspect you can use a flashgun on the "A" or "M" settings (that's on the flashgun, not the camera), giving non-TTL flash.

To be honest, it's generally not worth going for cheap-and-cheerful units. You're better off finding a second hand Pentax unit - it'll give you no worse than the unit you describe, and depending on the model of your camera it may give you more If you can't find a Pentax, then go for a second hand newer Vivitar, Sunpack, Cobra etc - they are ok, but as Peter says, the Pentax guns are better Metz are worth checking out, but are expensive too!

Matt

Like I said above I have little, make that no flash knowledge. And, I speak of a new not a used unit. The camera I have is the istD not the S.

When you speak of voltage where and how does one take this measurement? I suspect many people have these same not-so-dumb questions but are shy about asking so we won't look bad and green.

You mentioned analogue and digital; TTL and P-TTL; ????

I do have an old Vivitar 385 or 383 something like that, is this considered a gun and analogue and TTL ???? But I was told to forget using this on the istD.

Thanks
JC (Jaycee)

JC,
It's no problem being a newbie
Forget the flash you mentioned. Period.

Get a dedicated Pentax flash gun and you'll have more functions available. As we hinted, getting a second hand unit is definitely a cost effective way - the local Jessops store here has several Pentax AF400 flash for around £35.

TTL is Through-The-Lens flash metering. It will get you much better exposure compared to the flash gun just dumping light, or the flashgun using a "magic eye" (probably like the one you mentioned).

P-TTL is the Preflash-TTL metering. This gives even better results by firing a small pre-flash before the actual. Your pop-up flash in the *ist-D does this.

The newer flash guns use a digital method of communication - the flashguns have four pins on the bottom (plus the one on the side). The older flashguns have three pins and use an analogue communication. As I said, the *ist-D will handle them all

Take a look at the manual and they list all the Pentax flash guns and their features for the *ist-D. The AF360 and AF540 are probably out of your price range, but any of the older flash guns will work well on the *ist-D and there are plenty of near mint or excellent condition units available for next to nothing.

If you have to go for a non-Pentax gun, then do make sure it is specifically for Pentax. Anything else will generally be a step backwards, and you'll only kick yourself later for trying to save a little bit of money

As to measuring - it's the trigger voltage. Measure between the centre pin and the edge connection.

The *ist-D will also fire studio flashes through the side "PC" connector.

Hope that helps!!

Matt

JC,

Matt has said it all really. If you don't know, ask. If you never ask, you may never know ! ! ! We are a friendly bunch here and most of us welcome the opportunity to help other 'not so knowledgeable' Pentax users to get the best from their equipment.

Personally, I agree with Matt, that you ought maybe to be looking for a good used 'gun' (taken from the term flashgun - as they are sometimes called), Pentax made, probably the AF400FTZ will suit all of your immediate needs.

It might help us make a more qualified suggestion if we knew how much you are able to spend?

In my opinion you will need to spend a minimum of £30 (GBP) to get a decent used Pentax flash unit (AF280T or AF400FTZ). You will spend £200 for the AF360FGZ, £250 - £300 for the AF500FTZ in used condition, and more for a new AF540FGZ.

Have a look at various local camera stores in your area for used Pentax flash units. Then check ebay prices, ask the right questions of the seller, then decide.

But beware, ignore our advice at your peril. Do you really want to buy a no-name flash unit for a few pounds, dollars, euro etc. and potentially destroy a camera worth many times more than the amount you think you might save ? (there is only one sensible answer).

Thanks guys I really appreciate your patience. The following images, stolen from ebay for temp basis only.





Which one of these is the 400 you're referring to? Is the one on the left a gun as opposed to the one on the right? Will either work with the istD.

Now then, I'm in Windsor, Canada and believe you me, if I can I'll either buy from ebay Canada or locally, everything is so expensive when they add on postage and HANDLING. Anyway, I was hoping I wouldn't need to pay more than C$70.00

BTW - the flash I was thinking of, as you suggest, is off my list.

The one on the right will give you zoom linkage with the *ist-D (that's the Z in FTZ).

I do actually stand corrected - it was the AF400 FTZ that were available in the shop here. The AF400T I haven't seen many of.

As far as I know both can work with the *ist-D, but I think the AF400T was designed primarily for the medium format gear, and connects using a 4-pin connector rather than a hotshoe. However, you can get the cables for hot-shoe to 4-pin (I have a spare). There was also a bracket like the AF400T for 35mm - which I've modified for my *ist-D and AF540.

If I were you I'd aim for the AF400FTZ - it'll be a fine match

Matt

The one on the right is the flash I would go for; the AF400FTZ. The one on the left is a professional/semi-professional flash which is heavy, very powerful and primarily designed for Pentax medium format cameras (645 etc). That said, the AF400T will work well with the istD but I think the AF400FTZ is more likely to be more useful to you and will be much cheaper to buy in used condition.

Peter, Matt thanks ever so much for your patience.

Now to hunt for an affordable unit.