Hi all,
I've just ordered a supply for my *ist-D:
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=8158

(A good idea when doing CCD cleaning etc).
I'll let you know how it fairs when I get it
Matt

I think a lot of the worry over flash guns is down to their trigger voltages. The older Metz guns (45 CT-1, I think, but only older versions) had very high trigger voltages which would pop a modern camera (MZ-5 included).
As far as I am aware, all newer guns have low voltage triggering and so they are fine on new equipment (they would have to in order to conform to CE standards requirements).

Here's the link at Metz: http://www.metz.de/en/photo_electronics/faq/19/148/show.html
(They call it a high-voltage ignition circuit)

Personally, I have used the Pentax AF360FGZ on Z1, MZ5, MZ10, and *ist-D. I've also used a Cobra flash on MZ5. More recently I have an Interfit eFlash which works just fine on the *ist-D.

The Centon range should be just fine. If it worked with the MZ5 (especially in AF and TTL modes), then it should be ok on the *ist-DS. If you want to check, phone up the service dept for Centon and ask them the trigger voltage; or measure it yourself - between the centre pin and the edge of the hot shoe (as in the "old" style trigger pins).

Matt

I too have the AF360FGZ. It's a fine flashgun indeed
With the *ist-D, yes, there are some issues which occur sometimes. I have tried long and hard to discover what the source of the issues is, but cannot quite pin it down.
However, as Jayson rightly says, reflected highlights will cause an image to be underexposed (because it will meter for these highlights). It's the body, not the flash that has the problem.

That said, in general I use the AF360 in P-TTL mode, and it works wonderfully. Really, really useful is the wireless flash mode I would heartily recommend the AF360 - it gives you the best compatibility with the *ist-D.

Matt

Hee hee, just to add to this (when using the *ist-D)... I find the SMC-F 50/1.7 is always a tad over exposed, and setting an underexposure of -0.5 to -1.0 is helpful.

Additionally, I read somewhere that when the M series are used there is no matrix metering (ie the lenses without the electrical contacts). So maybe that explains the problem John is experiencing.

The link is here: http://www.robertstech.com/matrix.htm
(Makes for some interesting technical reading )

Matt

You can download my scan of the manual, which, IMHO, was half decent
I think that the colour version (from my scans) is hosted by user Kim C, on www.pentax-manuals.com.

My download is here:
http://www.photon.me.uk/matt/cameras/pentax/index.htm

Regards,
Matt

Here's the link

http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/primes/wide-angle/M35f1.4.html

Matt

There are three 100mm f2.8 macro lenses:
1. The SMC-F 100mm/2.8
2. The SMC-FA 100mm/2.8
3. The SMC-DA 100mm/2.8

The -F and -FA are optically the same. The FA adds a clamp to slow focus. I have the -F and it works really well with the *ist-D. They're both heavy beasts though
You can pick them up second hand fairly frequently. I saw an FA go on ebay this week for £160 or so. I've seen them as high as £300 second hand.

The new -DA is, as far as I know, still not yet available. This will be specifically for digital, and hence smaller and lighter. If the SMC-DA 16-45 is anything to go by, it will be a cracking good lens! I wouldn't be surprised if this was around £550 new, though (the -FA goes for about £580 new srp).

(I stand to be corrected, though...)

Hope that helps.
Matt

Hello Vishal,
The codes are listed here: https://www.pentaxuser.com/faq/pentaxerrorcodes.html

I am afraid that "H" codes mean there is a shutter fault. I cannot tell you any more than that - maybe someone else knows the details. There are places here in the UK that can help...

Matt

John,
I have an old Sigma 70-300mm, and it's not very brilliant. Cheap and cheerful I think is the term! Lacking in contrast, and generally a bit wishy-washy on the *ist-D.

On the other hand, I picked up a second hand Pentax SMC-F 70-210 off ebay, and that is wonderful. Lovely and crisp, with great contrast. I've used it along with the Pentax SMC-F 1.7x AF convertor and the two work well together.

Hope that helps,
Matt

Just to add to this:
What about this - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&...
http://www.shutterbug.net/columns/0303sb_atlarge/

(It's continuous flourescent light)


Matt