The explanation is simple. Stand further away from your subject, or use a smaller aperture.

You are too close to your subject for that flash to stand any chance of working correctly at f1.4, which is what you have set in Av mode. In auto picture mode, the camera has chosen f4.

I think the AF360FGZ has a scale on the bottom of the display. When the flash head is set to the same plane as the lens, it appears. It will give you the min and max distance you can use for that flash at your chosen focal length and aperture.

I am almost certain that you are much closer than the minimum distance indicated by that scale.

To get a better exposure in this scenario, bounce the flash off of the ceiling (not literally, tilt the head vertically) to increase the distance between flash and subject, and diffuse the light, or use a smaller aperture.

If I'm right, its user error and your gear is working as expected. User 0 - 1 Pentax Kit.

hefty1 has already mentioned that Pentax DSLR/Flash combinations usually tend towards underexposure, just like your Autopic image. It's slightly underexposed.

You need to learn to use this combo within its design constraints.

Whilst the 35mm SLR format was chosen as a parallel to cinema film, I'm not sure it would be sensible to do the same again and go widescreen with DSLR's.

I like the square format idea with the flexibility it could bring.

I've never wanted a FF sensor'd DSLR, but I did pose the question a while ago myself, mainly to determine whether a heavy investment in DA lenses would be eventually wasted.

I'd probably buy a 2¼" squaresque sensor'd DSLR eventually if I can retain my DA collection.

Brilliant idea. Well done Pentax, innovative as ever.

I saw an image of a fly once that had this technique applied manually. It was awesome.

Your results are similarly as impressive considering your still mastering it.

For anybody wanting to play with this technique with some free software, google for CombineZM .

It's obviously been a while since you spent any time in UK Mike. Summer 2008 . . . was cancelled.

Yes, and everything else. If you want anything Sigma, buy it now whilst there is still some stock left at the old prices.

Thinking of a Sigma 10-20mm? Get it now before its priced out of reach.

Impressive, well done.

Excellent reason. I thought you might be switching brands as you've had quite a clearout.

I was in SRS today and very nearly bought the AF160FC Ringflash, but didn't

I'll have to make do with my AF140C for now.

Pete Welsh, you have a PM you might be interested in.

£559 from SRS. Get one while you can Mike. My guess is that Sigma will bring out an HSM verion sometime and it'll be a lot more expensive. It makes a terrific almost 200mm normal tele lens too.

The K20D will be around for a while yet, this incredible lens might not be. Your call.