flashgun virgin
Posted 14/11/2005 - 22:21
Link
P-TTL is a preflash TTL. The camera+flash fire a short burst to evaluate the metering before actually taking the shot. It helps avoid problems when you have strongly reflective items and the like.
The AF360 is a very nice flash. I have had one from the beginning (on a Z1, MZ5, and now *ist-D). In fact, I wouldn't mind two However, one of the real wonders of the flash - wireless operation - isn't possible with the *ist-DS/DL, without owning two AF360s
You can get the Pentax 5-pin extension lead and extend the AF360 (even putting it on a swivelling flash handle). You can often get these second hand at fairly reasonable prices (but still £40-ish).
I haven't had any experience at all with the Sigma. The only thing they are notorious for is trying to reverse engineer the protocols (they do this with lenses, and presumably with flashes), avoiding the licensing fees from the companies - or so I've read. This often leads to "odd" compatibility issues when you change cameras. (Most of the problems have been with Canon bodies that I've read about. Whether there are any issues with Pentax I don't know.)
The beauty of the Pentax system is you can use any of the older flash guns So, you may find that another, older, flash would suit you better. There's a great guide to (nearly) all things Pentax: http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/
Several of the older flashes do TTL. And in fact, to some P-TTL is a mixed blessing (because you can't use dumb slaves off them, because you can miss the action because of the small time delay involved, or because people blink on the preflash and you get eyes closed for the real one)
Matt
The AF360 is a very nice flash. I have had one from the beginning (on a Z1, MZ5, and now *ist-D). In fact, I wouldn't mind two However, one of the real wonders of the flash - wireless operation - isn't possible with the *ist-DS/DL, without owning two AF360s
You can get the Pentax 5-pin extension lead and extend the AF360 (even putting it on a swivelling flash handle). You can often get these second hand at fairly reasonable prices (but still £40-ish).
I haven't had any experience at all with the Sigma. The only thing they are notorious for is trying to reverse engineer the protocols (they do this with lenses, and presumably with flashes), avoiding the licensing fees from the companies - or so I've read. This often leads to "odd" compatibility issues when you change cameras. (Most of the problems have been with Canon bodies that I've read about. Whether there are any issues with Pentax I don't know.)
The beauty of the Pentax system is you can use any of the older flash guns So, you may find that another, older, flash would suit you better. There's a great guide to (nearly) all things Pentax: http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/
Several of the older flashes do TTL. And in fact, to some P-TTL is a mixed blessing (because you can't use dumb slaves off them, because you can miss the action because of the small time delay involved, or because people blink on the preflash and you get eyes closed for the real one)
Matt
Posted 18/11/2005 - 23:49
Link
I have ordered a Pentax AF360FGZ flashgun. If I get to the top of my learning curve on that then I can move on from there in the future.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Add Comment
To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.
71 posts
21 years
Durham
I note that this head doesn't swivel so if you wish to orient the camera to portrait, then the flash won't move to bounce off the ceiling??
There seems to be a Sigma equivalent, Pentax dedicated, that will do this, swivel and tilt... the EF 500 DG Super. Would this be the one for me?
Any comments or advice welcome please. I have a lot to learn.