which flash gun to choose?

Compatibility with future Pentax bodies?

G

I'm an occasional flash user, and I'm finding that I'm using wireless more and more as the default.

I wouldn't be without it now.

True, but have been thinking being able to use it off the camera wd be cool for subtle lighting for interior shots, might kick myself for not spending the extra! What is HSS please?

High Speed Sync.

When the exposure is shorter than the sync speed, the flash unit emits a burst of flashes during the exposure, so that as the narrowed gap between the shutter curtains travels down, each part of the frame gets lit.

This has practical use when you're using fill-in flash, and with the aperture you want, you need a shorter exposure for the ambient light than the camera's sync speed.

Not sure how "practical" HSS is, at least for me, it is only effective up to perhaps a meter at full power. So it's use is still quite limited.
I would not loose sleep over not having it.

Wireless on the other hand... priceless.

as with all things you pays your money and takes your choice. But since Lilly is already intending to buy the Sigma 500DG, it seems reasonable to assume that the newer 530 will have at least as good forward compatibility.

Furthermore, Pentax themselves don't have a particularly good recent record with backward compatibility to their own flashguns.

It seems to me the only brand you can go for with reasonable certainty of compatibility with future bodies is Metz, since the AF48 and AF54 both have USB upgradable firmware.

Pentax have changed their flash system once in the past twenty years (P-TTL in 2001); and like previous major changes, this required a change to the functionality of the camera body. When there is a fundamental change to the technology, some incompatibility is inevitable.

The problem with Sigma guns is that they sometimes don't work with later cameras using existing technology.

It is unlikely that any third-party guns, however upgradeable, would have been able to cope with the 2001 change in technology. They may however be able to improve functionality within an existing technology. So although Metz is a better bet than Sigma, if Pentax makes another big change, Metz will be sunk too.

G

I never realised life could be so complicated trying to choose a flash gun! I am getting more and more indecisive.....

Then bite the bullet and buy a Pentax AF360FGZ. It's good value for money, works without any compatibility problems, gives a wide range of features (probably more than you'll ever need) and unless you're looking to light up the Albert Hall has plenty enough power.

There may be cheaper units out there, and better featured units out there, but as a good all-round workhorse to cover 99% of all situations then the 360 can't be beaten.

My most used flashgun is the one with the best manual control - the AF-500FTZ.

But for parties, the AF-360FGZ comes into its own. Grab a second-hand one, and never look back.

G

Here you are:

link

RIGHT, I have decided!!! I am going to go for the Pentax AF-360FGZ, just returned from local dog show and was asked to take pic of best in show with mayor and judge etc.. ! so wish I had had flash for fillin, so, biting the bullet this pm and ordering from Amazon, they seem to be cheaper than SRS, but not sure, will do more hunting!

Lilly

Just to muddy the waters for you once more, I notice that Amazon have sorted out their pricing on the Samsung equivalent of the AF540. The only drawback is that there does seem to be a bit of a wait for it.

It's only a little more than the Pentax AF360, and includes more power, and swivel. I've had one for a few months now, and now that I've got the hang of it, I'm very pleased.

HELP please! Well my AF-360FGZ arrived today and I am up at 1am very unhappy! I dont know what I am doing wrong but I cant seem to get the flash gun to fire when it is on my K10D. The test button works OK when charged, what settings should the K10D be on to use flash?

I dont understand, I took it off and started again and it has fired! Is there an issue with bad connection on hot shoe?
Can you also tell me about the OFF & ON button on flash gun, when swirtching it on does one go half way to the right or all the way over to right, I dont understand why there is a middle setting between OFF & ON?