Which flash?

I am considering getting a flash unit for general use and looking at the offerings at SRS the Pentax models seem a lot more expensive than the Metz and Sigma.

What are the advantages of going for an oem flash unit?

Andy

No real advantage in going for an OEM flash. They are usually much more expensive than equivalent 3rd party flashes. ( They are rarely made by the company name on the flash either!)
The only "advantage" is that the names match, and they will do what it says on the tin.
IMHO Metz are hard to beat.

One of the most important thing is compatibility.
Since Metz, Sigma or any other manufacture has not bought the rights to make Pentax flashes I don't think Pentax will make sure their flashes will work with new bodies. Although how much can there change right.
Metz is clever to give them an USB port so you can just update them with new firmware, Sigma you need to send in just like their lenses most likely, if there is need for it.

On a personal note, I like the controls better on the Pentax flashes but that's something you need to find out for yourself.

huh? It's P-TTL. How much interest has any manufacturer got in ensuring that there is an an eco-system of accessories?

That should answer any and all questions.

It's a flash. A flash has a centre pin which triggers it. Make sure it's flexible enough to vary power and it doesn't matter what happens with P-TTL. I've nearly bought Nikon and Canon fit Sigmas in the past - I use them off cam mostly so who cares what P-TTL does? I certainly don't and I don't like the measurements anyway (they tend to be wrong for me..). Manual FTW.

For me? Overpriced "OEM" kit is not worth it unless it has something very special you wouldn't get otherwise (like the Canon commander capabilities from the 580). That's the only good reason I can think of to buy OEM. And even then - how much are you *really* going to use it?

Bret

Yes Bret I should have said I was talking about P-TTL it use a digital contact that talks to the camera so there might be some problems if pentax decide to do that slightly differently, that's one of the reasons some sigma lenses need to be re-flashed to work properly on some bodies.

I bought a Metz 48 AF-1 when I got my Pentax K-7. I can't fault it, works great off camera as well as on camera. If I had to buy another flash gun, it would probably be the Metz 58 AF-1 as it's a more powerful flash.

I'm not sure you are right, Stefan, to say that Metz haven't purchased the right to use Pentax code to make compatible flashes. It is widely believed that this is true of Sigma, but I haven't heard it said about Metz.

However, I could be wrong.

G

Could be, either way it isn't a problem since you can update at home with just an USB cable if it's needed. At least I wouldn't lay awake whoring about that...

I am not quite sure you got the right word there Stefan

Err - nor did you - shows what the shock did

Stefan I ~think~ you meant worrying

Sighs... it's already late here and that with dyslexia is a killer, sorry guys & girls

Normally your English is very good Stefan - fair play to you. That one was just unfortunate.

Yeah I always have that bad luck, virginity instead of vignetting was such another one

Don't worry though I can laugh about it, was just trying to go too fast.

ps. there is an obvious theme in my mistakes though

Yes Stefan and I do not think it is photography or a Pentax.

The Photomonk

Sorry Photomonk for my sins but hey 22 years young and a student that says enough I think.