HELP Flashgun For *IST

Would you say a Jessop's Pentax dedicated flash will work ok for a starter flash? I know the AF360FGZ is the best match but a bit pricey and I don't think I would be able to justify it. Price and My ability!! But I do think it would mean not having any problems with sync and such like. Any comments would be welcome.

Yep, you should be OK as the camera does most of the work regarding controlling flash output - all the flash needs to do is quench the light output upon receipt of a signal.

Also look at sunpak and sigma, there are a few good flashes available cheaply on the second-hand market.

Matt

Despite the lenses being pretty naff, Jessop's Centon range of flashguns perform well for the price and you might like to consider one of those.
Also, they are modular so you can use the same gun on different cameras simply by using the relevent module. You buy the gun of your choice - with regard to the power output, flash head zoom/tilting etc. and then, whatever modules you need.
It's quite a comprehensive system inc. pro-grips etc. and I think well worth a look!

[bought my Centon gun years ago - I hope they still make-em ]

The Pentax AF400FTZ is a good gun, and sells on Ebay for around £50.00. It is not as sophisticated as the 360, but you can't argue with the price.

Some flashes use a high voltage in their trigger circuits and in the infrared strobe trigger (especially the strobe trigger) which can damage the electronics in a camera. I don't know what the maximum allowable voltage is for an *ist, maybe some one else can provide the information.

I use a Centon FH85 with both my Pentax Z1P (dedicted mode) and my Sony digital camera (non dedicated mode) with no problems. The trigger voltage of the flash is 3-4 volts (which is low) according to the following website: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

I quite like the Centon flash because the main flash head is swivel, tilt, and zoom so yo can point it just about anywhere 'reasonably' you want, but also there is a small flash on the main body on the flash so you can get straight flash and bounce flash at the same time..useful when you use it on the off camera bracket.

I cannot find new prices for them, maybe they are sold under a different brand name, but I picked mine up second hand for GBP25 including the off camera bracket earlier this year, after I managed to kick my previous flash under a passing car when I accidentally dropped it , and just wanted a cheap replacement.

Hope this helps,
Gazen