Make a comparison to this downloadable one from Pentax User at https://www.pentaxuser.com/Media_pdf/modelrelease.pdf

My first observation is that you have asked the model to confirm their age as over 18, but you have Parent/Guardian signature if under 18.

Using pre-A series lenses has a number of known limitations and flash operation seems to be one of them. It's full power or nothing. Used with pre-A series lenses, the 2 guns probably behave in a similar way with the Metz having the edge due to its pan 'n tilt head. I don't know the Metz gun but the Pentax AF360FGZ would come into it's own with A series or later lenses due to its P-TTL capability. If the Metz gun has a similar P-TTL feature that works with Pentax digitals, from a usability point of view, I would prefer to use a gun with pan 'n tilt head. That's why I use my AF500FTZ but I tend to use all manual settings on gun and camera for control and consistency.

Page 153 of the manual states that the AF360FGZ works in P-TTL mode with 'A' series and newer lenses. This will almost certainly be with the lens set to 'A' rather than an f-stop. Of course, Pentax manuals have been known to make inaccurate statements.

I'd like to be able to verify this for you by testing it out but whilst I have my DS to hand, my AF360 is in Spain. Maybe someone else on this forum has this combination and can give you a definitive answer.

The most versatile solution for the *ist-DS is the combination of one or more FA360FGZ's (and maybe the AF540FGZ when it becomes available)and an F series or newer lens. Read pages 151-153 & 177-178 of your manual for more detailed info. about lens/flash compatibilty/limitations with your camera.

There is a note amongst those pages which suggests that the flash discharges at full power if an A series (or older) lens is used.

For digital cameras, Pre-Flash TTL (P_TTL) is the way forward. TTL on digital seems to produce varying results. I use a AF500FTZ on my *ist-D and consistently have to over-expose by 1.5 - 2 stops with everything set to auto. I prefer to have some control and set everything to manual nowadays.

Point 'n Shoot flash is OK for impromptu opportunities. For consistent and repeatable flash results you might consider buying a flash meter and setting flash and camera to manual. I use a Sekonic L-358 Flash Master and can thoroughly recommend it as an excellent light/flash meter.

A correction to my previous post.

Actually, all you need to do is set the flash to P-TTL Mode, move the synch switch to HS, then you can select any shutter speed. The method I described previously is for Wireless HS Synch.

Remember that HS Synch does not work in all exposure modes. It doesn't work in 'Green' programmed AE or 'B'ulb modes. Also, the shutter speed must be set to > 1/150th. Check your istD manual page 95 for instructions on how to use the AF360FGZ and the *istD in HS Synch mode.

You need to set HS mode on the camera by pressing the same button (lightning bolt symbol to the side, redeye symbol on top) that sets it into Wireless mode. Just press it one more time then you can set whatever shutter speed you desire. The AF360FGZ will HS Synch up to 1/6000th of a second, way faster than the D.

Brian,

for me, somewhere between your 2nd pic and this last one would suit my taste. In the last shot you have retained the detail in the front portion of the brighter beam that runs from the front towards the middle of the boat. That detail is lost in your second pic.

One guess should be enough but you seem a nice guy, you can have two guesses.

I didn't really want the 10-17mm anyway . . . yet.

I got the AF080C in yesterday, it's back on Ebay today. I call it damage limitation

I might be putting the AF400T back on soon that I got in yesterday too. I hadn't figured before but with my AF500FTZ connected directly to camera hotshoe via 5P cable and with it sitting on top of my hotshoe grip, I already had perhaps a better setup. The AF400T is certainly a very nice gun, purposefully heavy and loads of light output.

Mix them up with a sprinkle of Mrs Mannesty and you have a recipe for World War III . . . and no survivors

I can just imagine the phrase "Boyz 'n their toyz' echoing many times over . . . and over . . . and over,

or

"What on earth do you want another <ENTER YOUR DESIRE HERE> for, you've got <ENTER YOUR NUMBER HERE> already?",

and best of all,

"You don't use it, sell it!"

Why don't they understand the phrase "It's an investment dear!" ? ? ?

I have to agree with Ammonyte, the highlights are a bit blown out in the second one but I appreciate its difficult. The second one looks a bit 'clinical', the first one imparts a certain mood that I think makes it the better of the two.

I wish I had seen your ring flash, I had a AF080C ringflash delivered today but would have preferred the AF140C.

Maybe a flash might have eeked out a bit more contrast, but then the subject might not have been evenly lit.

You think you're in trouble . . .