(Crossed in the ether...)

Actually, for red-eye reduction there are three flashes! One red-eye, big pause, pre-flash, tiny pause, main flash.

Interestingly, the EXIF information (in the RAW at least) contains full information for the ambient, preflash, and main flash meterings! Check out the free PhotoME to see it

Matt

Well the K20D doesn't support anything but P-TTL - so it must be working

The preflash is almost so close to the main flash that you can't see it. One indicator is that when looking through the viewfinder you can just get a sense of the flash before the mirror blacks out.

I find it easier to press the shutter while looking at the scene - like a double blink effect.

Note: some people blink when using flash - and they blink on the pre flash and thus have their eyes closed for the main shot. Grrrrr.

Matt

Chris,
That's understandable then
Matt

Likewise. Specifically the D300. However, costing is around 50% higher than equivalent K20D kit.... hmmmm.
Matt

I'm unsure of the Orton... personally I prefer the untouched one
This may be of interest:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLQfva4kWbY
"3 layer Orton effect"

I quite like the Orton effect with "gritty" portraits though...
Matt

Peter,
John did at least mention this:
(I also hyphenized Nathans hysterical laughter so cram it into the screen )
Matt

Could be an LBA-feeding frenzy coming up...

If your ring flash has adjustable power output then you should be just fine using "M" mode on the camera too! I'm not 100% sure that you'd get better results just because it's P-TTL...

If you're not sure, show me an example and I'll try and help you find the problem
Matt

I thought that too!

Great example Don
Very dreamy - I like this much more than the LensBaby look.
Matt

The genuine Pentax Auto Extension tubes have exactly the same - aperture levers, but no metering contacts.

I have some "Triplus" tubes that do have the contacts. Very helpful (but not AF - which they don't need to be).

So there are some out there...
Matt