Pentax ring flash,100 macro lens and K10

Hello forum users,
relatively new boy to the hobby.
Can anybody advise- is the Pentax ring flash fully compatable with the 100mm Pentax macro lens when used on the Pentax K10. I intend this set up for professional use and need to get it right first time!!
My current understanding is that there may be some conflicts.
Is there a new ringflash due out this year?

thanks
Neil

Neil,

Welcome to the forum.

You don't mention which of the two Pentax ring flashes you propose to use. In my opinion (I've used both) the AF140C is a far better ring flash solution than the AF080C.

To answer your question, any Pentax flash can be used with any Pentax camera in manual flash mode (where you do the calculations). Whilst both of these (and other flashes) have TTL capability, this is not an option when used with the K10D. Only the *istD and DS (I think) Pentax digitals can accomodate TLL flash (where a sensor in the mirror box determines the flash duration). This system was always a bit hit and miss on digitals because the reflectance of the filter fitted in front of the CCD sensor is nowhere near as consistent as film.

I believe Pentax will release a P-TTL ring flash during 2007. P-TTL (Pre-flash TTL) and manual flash, or a flashes auto mode, are the only modes supported by the K10D I think.

Both Pentax ring flashes currently available are compatible with, and can be fitted to a SMC 100mm macro lens of any vintage (A, F, FA, DA).

thanks for that.
Yes, I was referring to the AF 140C.
In summary, am I therefore correct witht the following conclusions:
1. Can only use manual ringflash settings with the K10
2. Even with a new p-ttl type ringflash , I will still only be able to use it manualy with the K10 therefore there is no point in waiting for it.
3. No new macro lens due for imminent release.

Neil

Yes, I was referring to the AF 140C.
In summary, am I therefore correct witht the following conclusions:
1. Can only use manual ringflash settings with the K10

Yes, as far as existing Pentax ringflashes are concerned.

2. Even with a new p-ttl type ringflash , I will still only be able to use it manualy with the K10 therefore there is no point in waiting for it.

There is no new Pentax P-TTL ringflash. But a properly Pentax-compatible P-TTL ringflash (if there is one) should work in P-TTL mode. If not, it's not properly compatible.

3. No new macro lens due for imminent release.

True, but two new Pentax macro lenses have been introduced in the past year or so.

G

1: Correct - but only until the P-TTL ring flash is released.
2: Incorrect - The new P-TTL ring flash will be fully compatible with the K10D and the camera does the calculation of flash duration to achieve correct exposure. That's what the P in P-TTL is all about and I'm sure it'll be worth waiting for.
3: Correct (as far as I know) - Pentax have already released digitally optimised (D-FA) versions of their 50 & 100mm Macro lenses.

I have the SMC-FA 100mm Macro lens & the AF140C ring flash. I'm just waiting for the K10D to arrive, hopefully this coming week, then I can test it all together. This combination of lens and flash certainly produces stunning results on my *istD.

See the full lineup of lenses, and the future development 'roadmap' here

Cheers,

thanks Peter for your reply- I'll wait for your report after you get the K10 and try out the macro and flash.
As for the caustic comment from George about being a "gear freak", I have only this to say- I possess no real camera gear, this being the only Pentax I have bought and I intend to get it right first time. Camera equipment is small fry compared to the equipment I use on a daily basis and this camera is to be a working tool. So please keep your quips to yourself wise guy.

Neil,

I think you misunderstood Georges signature to be levelled at you. It isn't. It's Georges commentary of himself and as a signature, it appears at the bottom of all his posts.

George may have been accused of 'caustic' comments in the past but that's not the case on this occasion. I think a retraction is in order before you find out what George is really capable of

I'll certainly let you know my findings and I'll try to find the bit I read about a new P-TTL ring flash. I could have dreamed it of course. Shiny new Pentax gear plays havoc with the mind.

Cheers,

Very misleading George!!!
I apologise.
Neil

The Sigma EM140 DG ring flash is supposed to support P-TTL. That would apear to be the only option for automated ring flash on the K10D. I have the cheap Vivitar ring flash which will only work in manual with the K10D. But with a couple of tests shots and a glance at the histogram there is no real problem with this.

Signatures are common on most message boards, including this one. So I don't think your "very misleading" statement is at all appropriate.

An apology which suggests it is the other person's fault is no apology at all.

However, the matter is ended as far as I am concerned.

G

another apology.
I thought that your signature was misleading and directed at me.
Again, I apologise for the misunderstanding

Ok. Apology accepted. Matter closed.

Returning to topic, I agree with Peter that the 140 is the better gun, but with macro there is often time to experiment and do things the old-fashioned way - manually. And, of course, digital cameras are wonderful for trial and error shooting.

For this reason, I would suggest not worrying too much about P-TTL capability.

G

For my needs (dental photography), a qick predictable automatic set-up is essential to overcome lens fogging.
This is why I think that the P-TTL flash may be better. The problem is what I do until it cecomes available. I may buy the 100mm macro lens now and I have a DOI (20+yrs old) ring flash which John Riley has kindly offered to check for me. Has anyone heard of it??
The photography promises to be more exciting than the teeth!!!

I am not sure that you can assume that P-TTL will be better. The simple fact is that digital cameras are often confused by P-TTL systems.

It sounds to me as though you will be operating indoors in subdued lighting. You can therefore ignore the ambient lighting, and simply use a standard manual flash set-up which will always be correct provided your subject is always roughly the same distance from the camera.

Of course, without knowing more, it is impossible to give precise advice.

G

A manual set up may work very well in this instance. It is, however, rather important to be sure the DOI flash will not fry the K10D circuitry.