Sigma EM-140 Ring Flash

Does anyone know if this has (Sigma EM-140) been released yet (or an ETA) for the Pentax P-TTL system? I've searched high and low and not found it or something similar. I'm interested in it for macro work.

I should be very wary about using automated flash for macro. It's quite unnecessary, and liable to give you too many bad exposures.

Vivitar do a ring flash, or Pentax have a couple that come up on Ebay from time to time.

If you are on a budget, try this:

http://tinyurl.com/25znph

G

Here's another:

http://tinyurl.com/2tenbb

G

Thanks George. So, basically use any particular flashring, but in manual mode?

Presumably it would be a good idea to use a Wein Safe-Sync to protect a digital camera (GX10) if going that route, from what I've read?

Yes (any flash in manual), and no (Wein).

There is an awful lot of unnecessary worrying about flash voltages, much of which emanates from the copier-cam camp. Those bricks have an Achilles' heel - they can't stand a voltage higher than about 6. Pentaxes have always been much more tolerant of high voltages, and anyway, all new or under, say, fifteen years-old flashguns have very low voltages.

If you are worried, measure the voltage across the contacts of the charged flashgun. It will almost certainly be under 10 volts and perfectly safe.

G

For anyone waiting for the Sigma ring flash to come out.

SORRY !!

I spoke to Sigma UK, they say they have no intention of making a Pentax model, never did.

I know it was on the list but it isn't now.

Hi - first time poster here.
I am wondering what kind of damage I could do if I used a Canon or Nikon-specific flash (such as the Sigma macro unit) on the K10D. Is there any workaround? I don't mind using the flash in manual mode ...

Well... it's possible. BUT whatever you do, don't just connect the hotshoe onto the Pentax!! You're more likely to pop the C or N unit (the pin outs are completely different).

The only common denominator between units is the centre pin.

You need some kind of isolating adapter that you can fit between the body and the flash - I've seen mostly plastic "cubes" that are designed for providing a PC-style flash socket. Some of these maintain the centre pin. But whether you'll actually find one is another thing...

...if the C or N unit doesn't mind being connected to older cameras with just the centre pin then that broadens the choice of adapters (you can use mostly metal ones too).

Hope that makes sense!
Matt

Thanks. Maybe I'll wait and see if Sigma changes its mind about releasing the macro flash for Pentax ...

... and keep an eye on Ebay ...