Ringflash: Pentax AF160FC vs. Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Digital

I do some macro work and model/portraiture shots (on location and in a studio) using a K10D or K20D body at the moment. I also use off camera flash using a AF-360 Pentax flash gun and Sigma 500 DG Plus flash gun at the moment using a wired system (both on manual mode). I am looking to use a ring flash instead of one of the flash guns beng mounted on my camera as well as to use the ring flash on locations on P-TTL.

The main two options as Sigma don't have a P-TTL for the Pentax DSLR range is the Metz 15 MS-1 Digital and the Pentax AF160FC. I am awaiting the quotes on both devices from my local supplier at the moment. Both of these look a very similar specification and if anyone has any feedback using either of these ringflashes I would appreciate any pointers particularly from those using the K10D and K20D bodies.

Sigma's EM 140 DG Macro Flash is indeed available for P-TTL now, as is the Metz 15 MS-1. However, the Pentax AF160FC isn't. It keeps getting shuffled in date for release (first November 2008, then December 2008, now January 2009) I don't expect to see it until after PMA 2009 now.

Thanks Jonathon, I'll ask for a quote on the Sigma EM140 DG Macro unit as well (my only concern is that on the Sigma Imaging site it's showing it's only compatible with Sigma, Canon and Nikon bodies). I have been advised the Metz unit is built very well and my Sigma EG 500 DG Plus does work fully with the K20D despite being bought before the K20D release.

My local shop don't usually carry stock of any ringflash units at all so it will be ordered in especially for me.

Hi, The Sigma is now on sale in the USA, so must now be on it's way to the UK, with a bit of luck, 'cos I want one for my macro work.

SRS are showing them as in stock.
Free postage for forum members as well

Free delivery does sound good. I might be able to wait for the Sigma UK to release the pentax version.

This is off topic but that photo doesn't look like a "Steve" to me



Cheers, Kris.

what about a rayflash?

maybe a young "Stevie Nicks"?

Womble, I know it's not quite me but I didn't want to scare you all with my ugly mug

Don, I thought the ray flash adapters were only for Nikon and Canon (it was the last time I looked). I might be wrong there and never seen any supplier for a Pentax version yet. I will have to do more research on the Ray adapters incase there is a pentax one now.

Hi Steve, I tried this route (Ray Flash) and did an enquiry, they dont do one, but was told check to see if the same dimensions as Nikon or Canon camera lens combination!
Personally I think I will go with the Sigma flash, I did have one of these when I had Nikon gear and found it ok.

I do have a Sigma flash and I have to say I am really impressed by it's performance so if the Sigma option becomes available that would be my preferred choice. If the Sigma unit is not an option then my next choice will probably be the Metz unit as my choice.

I have just actually sent an email query off to the contact email on the ray flash website so at least I know their answer in advance.

Hi Steve,
Now SRS have them in stock, I rather think I will say damn the expense and order one, at least I wont have to pay postage from them

I am about to move so I have to be careful with money at the moment so I will see what quotes Swansea Camera Centre give me and ring SRS once I know the quotes from my local shop. If SRS have the Sigma unit I would be a very happy man!

I have to say guys you have all been really helpful and I do appreciate all the comments (inc. about my pic :wink

I got a reply from the ray-flash website (incase it helps anyone else):

"
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your interest in our Ringflash Adapter! We know that a Sigma
EF500 flash will fit the Canon version of the RA for the Canon 580EX MKII.
There are three versions with different heights: RAC160-2, RAC170-2 &
RAC175-2. They all do the same thing and work in the same way, but cater
for different camera heights and to find the best model you need to measure
the difference between the centre of the lens and the centre of the flash
units reflector/diffuser:

Ray Flash Measurements/Specifications

Model Number Ring Outer Diameter (in.) Ring Inner Diameter (in.) Ring
Center to Tube Center (in.) Weight (oz.)
RAN160 6.89 4.06 6.30 16.30
RAN170 6.89 4.06 6.69 16.86
RAC160 6.89 4.06 6.30 16.30
RAC170 6.89 4.06 6.69 16.86
RAC175 6.89 4.06 6.89 17.46
RAC160-2 6.89 4.06 6.30 16.30
RAC170-2 6.89 4.06 6.69 16.86
RAC175-2 6.89 4.06 6.89 17.46




Hope this helps!

Regards
Hardy

Hardy Haase
Flaghead Photographic Limited
P O Box 6143
Poole, Dorset
BH12 9AS
01202 733 123
www.flaghead.co.uk

Company Number 533 8134
VAT Number 854 2303 43
"

I have ordered a Metz unit as well now as it's under £300. Pentax stock seems not to have been released and Simga have not released the Pentax version in the UK (looks like that may be a while yet too)