This is very interesting:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pentax-LX-Demo-Modell_W0QQitemZ7589340440QQcategoryZ3334QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Anyone know of anywhere that still processes half-frame?

I've just got hold of a bargain AF280T flash from Ebay for my LX. Already posessing extension tubes/reversing rings, I wondered if anyone had any experience of using this flash for close-up work? Presumably, with the flash connected to the camera, but held close to the subject, the TTL IDM gubbins will do their stuff and give perfcect results? Or will they?

Your thoughts please...

I've also posted this query in the "Flash" forum; apologies for the duplication.

Looking for a TTL compatable flash for my LX. Like the look of the AF400T, but all the used equipment sites seem to list the AF400FTZ. What, pray tell, is the difference?
???

Thanks John.

Just retrieved the batteries from the bottom of my suitcase and they were indeed Duracell Ultra M3s. Don't still have the packaging, but the use by date on the battery is Mar 2009, so they'll probably be working longer than I will!

The winder had been used quite regularly up until then, which is why I thought new batteries would be a good idea. As far as I know, all contacts were clean and working.

The plot thickens!

Not really a problem as such, but having to make an unscheduled trip to Spain, the first thing I grabbed was my trusty LX. I knew that the batteries had been in the winder for some time, so picked up some new ones at Luton Airport. They were 4 x AA Duracell Super-Dooper "High Power" types. I can´t remember the exact name that Duracell gives them. Anyway, put them in the winder and when my first photo-opportunity came up, turned everything on. As soon as it was switched on, the winder emitted a whining noise and refused to operate at all. I paniced at first, as I assumed that having put new batteries in, the problem must be with the winder. Tried turning it off and on again but same problem, same whining noise and same unco-operative approach.

So, I bought some cheapo Spanish AA batteries from the local Supermarket. Guess what? They worked perfectly!

I was just thinking, were these super high power Duracell batteries simply too powerful for the winder? Surely a 1.5v battery can only give out 1.5v? Or did I just get unlucky and buy a faulty/old pack of batteries?

I´d love to hear anyone else´s experiences with these...

Thanks for that, Graham. I take it this means that the AF400FTZ isn't dedicated to the TTL function on my LX? Why such a similar model number to the AF400T? Is it just a 400T with added auto-focusness?

Sorry, more questions!?!

Thanks again Graham. I took a walk down to my local Jessops where they had an AF400FTZ in the window and can confirm that it looks nothing like the AF400T. I think I'll pursue the AF280T route; saw plenty of them 2nd hand on the Net.

Thanks for the advice.

Help/advice/explanation required!

Having recently become the proud owner of a mint-condition, second-hand LX (to replace my broken ME Super), I am keen to use all of its' many features. In particular the TTL flash function. I've identified the AF400T as my "dream" flashgun and have started trawling the Net to find a used example. The words "hens" and "teeth" spring to mind. More readily available, it seems, is the AF400FTZ. Can anyone tell me if this model is similar/improved to the AF400T? Is it still TTL compatible with my beloved LX?

I would greatly appreciate some info on this.

Thanks for that info, Matt. I've recently shot a whole film of my neices' 1st Birthday party with the 240Z set on "P", when I now know it should have been on "A"! The reccommended f-stops were not wildly different, so it should come out OK; I hope so, for the sake of my reputation as family photographer, especially as I was extolling the virtues of my brilliant LX to anyone who would listen! We shall see.

Thanks again.

Barry

I have recently purchased a 2nd-hand flash for my LX. It's an AF240Z, not fully TTL compatible as I had hoped, but a decent gun all the same. Trouble is, it came sans manual and I just need a little clarification about the settings. On the back there are three settings; "P", "A" and "M". Selecting "M" (which, I'm guessing, stands for Manual) gives a full range of F stops for any given distance. "P" and "A" both give one specific F stop for a particular range of distances, but each setting gives a different F stop. All I need to know is the difference between "P" and "A" and which setting is the best to use. I've been using the gun on "A" with good results, but wouldn't mind knowing my options.

Any advice would be appreciated.