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METZ 36 AF-4 - Or other cheap flash?

JamieT
Posted 07/08/2011 - 14:09 Link
I have seen the above for £55 through SRS' ebay outlet.

I want a cheap flash for my KX as it is unlikely to be used very often as the KX is decent in low light. I use a 16-45 most the time and the onboard flash is pretty useless due to the size of the lens.

Would the Metz flash be suitable or can somebody recommend a better option at this price point?

Thanks
K5, LTD 15 SIG 30, SIG 105.
Steep
Posted 08/08/2011 - 23:41 Link
Looks fine, it has a tilt head so bounce is possible, that and a diffuser would do very well.
bento2
Posted 10/08/2011 - 08:15 Link
I purchased one of these to use with my K20D. Worked fine until I used my Pentax 200mm f2.8 lens with SDM.
Something is incompatible between the SDM and the Metz unit, which resulted in the SDM not functioning correctly (inability to focus) - always needed K20D battery removed to reset.
Since purchased a Pentax flash unit - no problems with the SDM.
If you do not use an SDN lens, it may be fine, but I would still go with a Pentax flash for future compatability.
bretti_kivi
Posted 10/08/2011 - 08:25 Link
I would not use TTL with such a flash, but that's me. Can anyone else corroborate the story of the malfunctioning K20D? Which firmware on the flash and camera?

There are no other options at this price point, this is dirt cheap and I'd expect to pay at least £100 for an external flash and normally closer to £200.

Bret
my pics: link
my kit: K3, K5, K-01, DA 18-55, D-FA50 macro, Siggy 30/1.4, 100-300/f4, 70-200/2.8, Samsung 12-24/f4, Tamron 17-50, and lots of other bits.
Edited by bretti_kivi: 10/08/2011 - 08:25
bento2
Posted 12/08/2011 - 10:28 Link
Bret, I was using the normal p-ttl mode. Why buy this type of flash if you are going to presumably use it only on manual.
Thing is, that this flash unit is marketed as Pentax Compatable - I am saying that is not (in my experience)100% true if you are using SDM.
For the record, the K20D had the latest (and last) firmware upgrade.
If you want 100% guaranteed compatability now and in the near future - stick with a Pentax unit.
selectcase
Posted 19/08/2011 - 08:38 Link
for the price it looks good for a flash with pttl compatibility and srs are and excellent retailer - i use a metz 50af1 with a k7 and 16-45 plus other lenses without problem - the only drawback i can see it that the head does not rotate but then neither does the pentax cheaper unit and the price of the metz is much cheaper so appears to fit your needs.

K7D DA 18-55 mk11WR|50-200 wr|DA16-45|Tamron SP90|lots of manual pentax glass
Edited by selectcase: 19/08/2011 - 08:40

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