Off Camera flash K-1
Forget the small Pentax AF201, or the Metz AF-26 (1or2) ... None of these function as an on-camera P-TTL 'wireless trigger.
For full Pentax 'wireless functioning you need another full featured 'Dedicated System Flash' . Personally I think its well worth it as you gain more overall control and more efficient access to settings, especially with the new Pentax AF-360/540II models.
I can't comment on other third party options for this (eg Sigma /Metz) but I'm sure other members will be able to advise.
Otherwise you go to a radio manual system (eg Cactus / Yongnuo), or a radio P-TTL system (Acon is the one I've heard of, but reports on reliability are mixed I think). The Cactus system allows you to use your Pentax flash manually as well.
I invite you to download my 'Pentax Flash Guide' from the link below my post. ... It has a section near the start discussing many of the considerations and pros/cons of the different system types.
If you tell us something about how you see yourself using off-camera flash then that would help others to give more specific suggestions ..
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251501046141?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=S...
Or these
http://www.crookedimaging.co.uk/lastosyncpen01-lastolite-straight-ttl-sync-flash...
I prefer the straight Lastolite cable myself but not many places seem to stock it.
K3 II works like a charm. The only thing is, this little trigger unit goes through batteries like there is no tomorrow - so ended up investing in a better charger to deal with that issue. Still, considering the price; fantastic.
Stuart..
I am a 'flash nub', however, McGregNi guides have been a fantastic resource and I have been experimenting. This https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007CTHTEC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=U... together with a Metz 52 and
K3 II works like a charm. The only thing is, this little trigger unit goes through batteries like there is no tomorrow - so ended up investing in a better charger to deal with that issue. Still, considering the price; fantastic.
Mag07 - does this thing work with fully automatic flash or do you have to set the flash unit to manual settings? I am not very confident with manully setting up my flash and have always used in the auto mode so will use this only if I can continue to use auto mode.
Thanks.
I am a 'flash nub', however, McGregNi guides have been a fantastic resource and I have been experimenting. This https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007CTHTEC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=U... together with a Metz 52 and
K3 II works like a charm. The only thing is, this little trigger unit goes through batteries like there is no tomorrow - so ended up investing in a better charger to deal with that issue. Still, considering the price; fantastic.
Mag07 - does this thing work with fully automatic flash or do you have to set the flash unit to manual settings? I am not very confident with manully setting up my flash and have always used in the auto mode so will use this only if I can continue to use auto mode.
Thanks.
The consequences of getting bad flash exposures are not nearly as costly as it would have been on film. I agree Alan that a quick mental reckoning to start, a test shot, and a quick bit of chimping, can get it spot on fairly quickly.
I do feel though that there is a place for both manual and automatic flash, even off-camera. It should probably depend on the nature of the situation and its fluidity I feel .... a static and very controllable scene would suit manual well, while a more dynamic situation (eg moving subject, changing lighting, or when you need to be very quick) would suit wireless P-TTL more.
If your ambient lighting is demanding a jump into and out of HSS mode, then thats another case for wireless P-TTL also.
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
When off camera I tend to use a manual flash. A Godox 360. I can make the adjustments to the flash power very quickly via the transmitter sitting in my hotshoe.
However, I do see strong cases for off-camera P-TTL, not the least the HSS situation I mentioned, when ambient light can often be changing (sun in and out from behind clouds for example). The manual disadvantage here is the need to also adjust manual flash power for every distance PLUS shutter speed change .... P-TTL avoids this, and these two variables are often fluid in HSS situations.
Likewise in non-HSS working, P-TTL can hold a flash exposure when you need to move a subject a little, or experiment with bringing a flash closer or further away, or make aperture and ISO adjustments for various reasons. As you say, Horses for Courses.
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
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1973 posts
13 years
Manchester
Stuart..