Which flash for MX?

Which is the recommended flash for the Pentax MX camera?

Any manual flash, i.e. one that has a sensor to measure the light refected by the subject. The MX is a fully manual camera with no means of communicating with the flashgun so many modern ones won't work. You'll find ebay awash with suitable bargain examples.

If you see something, there are loads of knowledgable people around here who will advise.

I picked up an AF-400T in excellent condition on Ebay last week for £26.00. Great for when you want to look "professional"!

Also excellent (and rather more discreet) is the AF-280T.

Both can be used in full manual mode, or with auto-exposure, and they will also work well on any later camera you might get.

The AF-500T is my favourite Pentax flash, but doesn't offer an auto mode (except with a compatible body offering TTL).

Those are the best, and the first two are often available at under £50.00 on Ebay.

See here for details of Pentax flashguns (and everything to do with the K-mount):

http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/flashes/index.html

The picture on the linked page shows the AF-400T, but with the TR Power Pack instead of its normal battery grip.

G

I have an AF 280T for sale, only because it doesn't get used since I have the AF400t as well. You can PM me if you are interested.

By the way, Boz's site (the one I linked to), whilst generally excellent, and the bible for all Pentax buyers, is not infallible. In particular, the information on the Auto-Focus flash page is misleading.

Any flashgun on that page should work in manual mode with an older body like the MX, despite statements to the contrary. Furthermore, the "slave mode" on the AF-500FTZ will work with any flashgun as master, but the P-TTL guns only work with other P-TTL guns, and while mounted on a P-TTL body, and this is not clear.

G

Go for it, Kempster. It's a much more convenient size than the 400T.

G

By the way, the flash that Pentax would have recommended at the time would have been something like the AF-200S. But later flashes are considerably better.

G

Just wondering why somebody would pose a question then not bother to read the answer, so checked when Kempster last logged in.

Answer: 18 July 2009.

Either he remained logged in from 18 July until 26 October (he's not logged in now), or there has been a glitch in the system.

G

Hi.
Have only JUST joined the forum having stumbled over it whilst looking for info on Pentax flashguns. I have the basic K100D and thought that the AF280T might be a good match for it. I can't stand using the built in flash any longer !!!
I am of course unable to pm you, being a newbie to the forum so would ask if you could let me know how much you would sell the flashgun for and perhaps indicate if it would include the user guide.

Hi Mick,

The AF280t is a TTL flashgun and I'm pretty sure the K100d only supports P-TTL. You could, of course, use it in auto mode where the flash's sensor controls light output but it wouldn't be my choice. Unfortunately the two modern Pentax 'guns are quite pricey but I've noted that some people are using Metz and Sigma ones which are significantly cheaper

Mick

Ken is correct. The K100D only supports P-TTL, not TTL, so the AF280T would only work in auto or manual (full discharge every time).

MANY many thanks Gartmore (and to Steve F too..)
For someone selling a flashgun, I praise your honesty gartmore. I will take your advice and NOT buy it. I'm looking at buying from SRS who I believe is a member on here. He has a Metz 36AF-4 together with diffuser & enloop (latest technology) batteries for £90.
It's my birthday on 10th and my wife has just offered to buy it for me !!!!! Ta Daaaa !.... result..........success......

Cheers peeps.
I'll be around to keep up to speed with the forum in the future (IF I can understand all the jargon and abbreviations)
bye for now.
Mick.
oh, bye the way, the WR1 bit refers to my Subaru Impreza spec edition.

Hi,

I've used a Vivitar 283 flash with my MX for many years, both on the camera and off it via a slave flash unit.

Don't know if you can still get these but I found it to be a great flasgun.

phil

I had the flash contacts burn out on a MX some years ago-- I used Metz 45CT1 for local press photography and a Bowens 750W Special studio flash -- the ONLY time I've had flash contact trouble.

The Olympus T20 I like using on mine, I think because its low it handles well. For me anyway