Vivitar AF6000 Ring Flash & *istD

Hi All

Now that Xmas has come and gone i've still got got a few pounds in my pocket, doew anybody have any experience with the Vivitar AF6000 Macro Ring Flash when used with an *istD/SMC A 50 f2.8.

Thanks in advance

Hi McBrian, I don't have experience of the Vivitar AF6000 but do have experience of the Starblitz Macro-Lite 1000. I found that the Starblitz unit worked ok with my Pentax-A 50mm f2.8 macro but worked even better with a longer focal length macro lens (i.e. my Tamron SP 90mm f2.5). That extra 40mm resulted in more pleasing results.

Regards,
Simon

Hi McBrian,

did you get the 6000AF in the end? If so, does the TTL metering work well for macro shots with the *istD? I currently use a non-TTL ringflash plus a bit of guesswork, and was wondering about going for the vivitar, but I read on another forum that the TTL doesn't work too well at very close distances.

Steve

http://www.siblingmedia.com/
http://www.siblog.co.uk/

Hi Steve

Read up some more on the Vivitar and decided against purchasing. Still undecided as to what macro flash to get, really want an AF-140C but the cost............. Anyway my D is broke at the moment, waiting on a replacement so the pockets a bit empty.
I was toying wth getting an AF-080C which are going for around the £75 mark on eBay, but then again Sigma have announced the EM-140 DG ( http://www.sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes_details.asp?id=3258&navigator=1 which should be avaiable for Pentax near the end the summer at £100 less that the AF-140C. It has dual flash tubes, what looks like the equivelant to P-TTL and TTL wireless with the EF-500 DG SUPER flash.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

Just to add to this:
What about this - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&...
http://www.shutterbug.net/columns/0303sb_atlarge/

(It's continuous flourescent light)


Matt

Thanks guys,

I think I'll probably stick with my cheapo ringflash for the time being, though the samigon looks pretty cool. Continuous light would be very handy for portraiture, but I think wildlife might actually be less likely to be disturbed by flash. Might have to put one on the Christmas list though...

Steve

http://www.siblingmedia.com/
http://www.siblog.co.uk/

Maybe not cheap but I have managed to get a new AF-140C ring flash for £110 less than what's listed on Warehouse Express.

Speaking of Warehouse Express, I ordered a Sigma 80-200 f2.8 EX APO from them over six weeks ago, phoned before I placed the order to make sure they had it in stock (and have phoned since), was assured it was and placed the order. Now six weeks later my CC has been refunded and the lens is listed as discontinued, and to make matters worse Sigma have not released the new DC model for Pentax yet, really P.......................

Hi guys,

This might me old hat but...

I would like to get a Twin or Ring macro flash for a reversed 50mm but I'm a little confused on two things.

1. How would one attach the ring
2. Would one made for other than Pentax work.

Can anyone recommend places to purchase in London Heathrow or maybe, if i get time to go into London.

Thanks

You might be able to fit a K-M42 adaptor to the lens, and then use step-up rings to get to 49mm. However, I am not sure that M42 threads are compatible with filter threads.

A more certain and flexible alternative would to use extension tubes, which convert any lens into a macro. Or just buy a 50mm macro on Ebay.

There used to be a large photo store near Heathrow called Euro-Photo Centre, but I think it has closed down. Your best alternative would probably be to take a Piccadilly tube to Earls Court, and then a taxi to Jessops in High Street Kensington. Alternatively, go to the main Jessops in New Oxford Street. Piccadilly line to Leicester Square, then Northern to Tottenham Court Road.

Any ring-flash will work in manual mode, but Pentax ones will give you TTL metering, as will some of the more expensive independants. Depending on your subject matter, manual may be perfectly adequate.

George

Thanks George, they're now on my ToDo List.

Pentax actually make (or made?) an adapter specifically for attaching a 49mm ring flash to a reversed K-mount lens. It's listed on their Japanese site as a current product, but I've been trying to get one for some months now without success.

Let me know if you manage to get hold of one.

Steve

http://www.siblingmedia.com/
http://www.siblog.co.uk/