Hi!
You need to check out the source code for dcRAW - the "definitive" guide to camera RAW formats. The *ist-D is included

Link: http://www.cybercom.net/~dcoffin/dcraw/

Hope that helps
Matt

Someone on ePhotozine very kindly pointed me to this (free ) tool:

http://www.pixmantec.com

It's not as good as C1LE (IMHO), but is very much better than the supplied Pentax convertor (C1LE has automatic hot pixel removal which is a boon.)

Hope this helps!

Matt

Brian,
Yes, it's pesky
Have my 3702, and the Metz 50-23 (LumiQuest) bounce card. Hmmm, very nice
Some minor things I have noticed that are different to the AF360:

• o No High Speed sync (HS)
  o No exposure compensation (but then there's always full manual)
  o Exposure is usually spot on
  o The power reduction feature allows mind blowing macro lighting!
  o The wireless features are incompatible (as far as I can work out)
  

May add to this list, and when I get a chance I will do a full test with all flashes and modes (I'd like to chivvy Pentax along to get the exposure issues resolved )

Matt

Brian,
Have been scouring the newsgroups. It seems the 3702 is compatible with the newer flashes (70, 54 etc), whereas the 3701 is not.
Worth mentioning is this link:
http://groups.google.co.uk/groups?q=sca+3702+3701&hl=en&lr=&selm=9n0...

Seems you have to remove a small piece of plastic to fit the 3702 in the 50MZ-5...?

Matt

Thanks Brian,
Do let me know what you find
(By the way, Brian, I've sent you a private message too.)
Matt

Brian,
Can you let us know what the difference in features between the two Pentax SCA feet is?
The SCA3701 is more readily available, and the SCA3702M more expensive. I have found it tricky to work out what the differences are from Metz's literature!
Thanks
Matt

Thanks McBrian
That's very helpful, and confirms what I thought all along - that P-TTL is somewhat sketchy. Perhaps if the 360 could do plain'ol TTL things might be a whole lot better (as they were on my Z1 with the 360).
To be honest I've not used flash for a long time because of the inconsistent results (it's taught me a lot more about shooting in available light though ).
I'll probably keep a lookout for a decent priced 50MZ5. In the meantime, I'll try and experiment a little more with what I've got to see if I can make sense of it all in anything other than fully manual mode
Thanks again
Matt

Brian,
That's interesting... I was evaluating the 50MZ-5 and wondering if it was worth while
Just one question though - with your adapter, does it work in P-TTL mode with the Metz? I have found the AF360 more reliable when on the grip in A mode (as I mentioned, especially when sync-ing to the eFlash).
Additionally (ok, so that's more than one question ) - can you select the other modes with the Metz, or are you stuck with just P-TTL as on the AF360?

Having said that, I do like the build and size of the AF360, plus the wireless flash. But, yes, I would say that there appears to be a few issues/bugs in the way the *ist-D deals with the AF360. My Z1 that I had worked wonderfully in TTL mode with the AF360 and I had consistently lovely results. Shame it fell apart in the P-TTL mode

Matt

I thought this might be interesting to some of you Pentax users here...

Just bought a second hand Pentax flash grip that has the 4P cable (ie three connectors on the flash hotshoe). What is interesting is that putting the AF360FGZ on it prevents it from being recognised as an AF flash, which allows a little more flexibility in setting the modes.

The modes that become available are P-TTL, A, M, and SB (oddly). I have had some exposure issues with P-TTL mode, but that may be down to an intermittent connection problem or an incompatibility.

I have already asked that the *ist-D be given an extra custom setting to allow the choice of TTL mode (rather than P-TTL) so that studio units can slave correctly... hopefully it may become possible, otherwise I'll have to invest in an older Pentax flash

I have also bought an Interfit eFlash which is an interesting piece of kit, albeit fully manual with no exposure adjustment at all. It just fires and that's it! However, I've had a go with the AF360 in A mode, with the eFlash slaving and I got some very nice results indeed... makes me curious of the cyberFlash studio units. If you check my ePhotozine submission for today (user MattMatic), you will see a shot taken with just the eFlash.

No doubt I'll add to this post as I experiment with these options...
Matt

I'm sure that's not correct.

I use the *ist-D with the AF360FGZ in wireless mode. The pop-up flash signals to the AF360FGZ and fires it remotely. Works a treat

You can use two AF360FGZ's - one on the camera and one off. I think the manual is just pointing out the creative possibilities if you have the funds

(While on the flash subject, I have just ordered an Interfit eFlash which looks really nice. I'm really after it's big brothers the cyberFlash units. Very very slim units that don't need softbox or umbrella.... I'll let you all know how it performs when I get it)

Matt