Pre-flash Question.......

Does anyone know if the pre-flash can be turned off on either the Sigma EF 530 Super and the Metz 48AF-1.
I realise this will probably mean manual flash settings.

I don't think there is a pre flash on the Sigma unit when you use it in manual mode. Why would they waste energy with a pre-flash that is not needed. I think it is used only P-TTL. But the manufactures instructions don't make mention of the pre flash in manual mode

There isn't a pre-flash in Manual or vanilla TTL mode on the Metz 48 AF-1 either. (TTL mode won't work on Pentax DSLRs, apart from the *ist D.)

I'm guessing you don't want the preflash in P-TTL mode because either your subjects are blinking, or you're trying to control a very basic slave unit.

The Metz is a brilliant flash - get one!

Thanks to you both.
Yes I want to use some old flashguns off camera but as you know the cameras built in preflash sets them off prematurely. That was why I was hoping the Sigma or Metz could be set not to give a preflash.

SilverJON
You obviously have the Metz flash and rate it highly. Did you consider the Sigma or not? If so what made you choose the Metz? At the moment I keep swinging between the two. I'm having difficulty making my mind up. Will the Metz do everything the Sigma will, and vice-versa?
Many thanks.

I also have the Metz AF 48 (alright, my Dad has, but I pinch it ). We considered all options right up to the Pentax 540 and Metz 58 (which we rulled out for being too expensive although both are lovely units).

The Metz 48 won out because it's more powerful and has swivel vs the Pentax 360

Against the Sigma, the latter is more powerful but Sigma have a poor record for making things forward compatible with later models, and are largely known for lenses (and not always lenses of the highest quality at that). Metz are a flash company through and through, and the Metz 48 is USB upgradable so if it turns out to be incompatible with a later Pentax body, a simple firmware upgrade should solve the problem.