Using multiple AF-360FGZ flashguns

I've studied the manual for this gun and the configuration I am considering is not listed.

I have mentioned in another thread my wish to make a dual flash macro rig and high powered guns seem to be recommended.

Can anybody tell me if 2 AF-360FGZ's can be used off-camera in wireless mode, using the camera's built-in flash as the commander.

The only method to use 2 off-camera flashes described in the manual requires loads of adapters and cords. I want to avoid having to use the cords if it is at all possible.

If it is possible to use 2 x 360FGZ's as I have described, the macro flash rig can be completely free-standing enabling the camera to be positioned further from the subject and/or be a lot less cumbersome. That might seem an odd requirement since 'macro' implies working close to the subject but, I have a Sigma 75-300mm macro (macro only at the 300mm end) which allows me to stand back a bit.

The kind of rig I'm thinking of will be a large'ish semi-circular'ish hoop with the guns mounted on miniature ball heads to facilitate any flash angle somewhere around the hoop with numerous optional positions. The 2 ends of the hoop could be fixed to miniature table top tripods or similar for ground or table-top working. Alternatively for high level working, the mini tripods can be exchanged for a joining bar having a mounting plate for a full height tripod.

Any thoughts ?

If you have a *ist D, the RTF will control one or more 360s. If you have any other Pentax DSLR, you will have to mount a 360 on the camera, or use cables.

G

George,

Thanks for that. I do have the istD. Do you (or anybody else) happen to know if the MZ-S will operate the 2 X 360FGZ's in wireless mode in the same way that you say the istD can ? These are the only 2 cameras I am likely to use this rig with . . . if it ever gets produced that is . . .

Mounting one of the guns on the camera for close macro work with other Pentax DSLR's probably wouldn't work too well unless the light was bounced off a reflector I guess.

Pete.

I don't have an MZ-S, but I think the two cameras work pretty much the same way with the 360.

G

As I understand it, three Pentax bodies offer 'true' wireless flash - the MZ-S, thr MZ6 and the *ist D. All of these will control the AF360FGZ via the 'pop up' flash on the camera. So all should be able to work with two off camera AF360FGZ flashguns. The *istDS and (I think) *ist DL need to have an AF360FGZ on the hotshoe to operate wirelessly with other AF360FGZs.

I have a DL and a 360FGZ I tested it yesterday. 360FGZ off camera and pop-up. Works fine. I am comtemplating getting 1 more 360FGZ.

Yep, works fine in auto, you just don't get P-TTL with the DL, which you do with the D and K10D (IIRC).

Cheers

Liam

Thanks Liam,

I thought it was operating not in p-ttl, but just auto. Maybe I should use Manual, it seems an easy flashgun to use in several ways.

Presumably then with two flash guns and the pop-up, it would still operate in automatic? Naturally it should work in manual mode as well?

Hi,

yes, two guns or as many as you want, and they'll all work in auto mode. Stick a 360 on the hotshoe, and you'll get full p-ttl for all other guns as well.

Cheers

Liam

Thanks Liam,

That is interesting p-ttl works with a 360 on the hotshoe. I will try it out with a small Metz I have hidden somewhere .......

It'll only work with two AF360 or AF540.
The Metz does TTL, not P-TTL. There is a complete protocol that goes between the camera and flash (or flash-to-flash in this case).

The only thing you can do with a Metz is put the Metz on the body, and set the AF360 to "Slave 2" (dumb mode) and use M or A on the flash.
Matt

Thanks Matt, appreciate the clarification.