Uwe Rau,

Have you tried this excellent Pentax site?
http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/index.html

It contains a host of information about all K-mount Pentax cameras. Well worth a look

Matt

Since the link has disappeared, others have been asking about MJPEG support for the Pentax.

Here are the findings:

• For playback only install Apple QuickTime - www.quicktime.com
  For authoring, or choices about playback quality - www.mainconcept.com (look for "Motion JPEG Codec software video compression")
  For a cheaper authoring code at $9.95 - http://www.leadtools.com/Utilities/Video-Codecs/video-codec_buy.htm
  

(By "authoring" I mean being able to produce, edit, and output to MJPEG - Motion JPEG - format on the PC)

Hope that helps

Matt

Jack,

The file format "AVI" only dictates the file structure, and not the encoding. Within an AVI file there can be any number of encodings

You need to obtain the correct codec (the software that performs the appropriate decoding) for the file. You need to install the "M-JPEG" codec. Apart from installing the support files for your Optio, you can download various versions of the MJPEG codec:

Here's one link: http://modular.fas.harvard.edu/MOM/

FYI, most digicams use the MJPEG encoding for their internal video format.

Hope that helps,
Matt

Chambet,

You'll find the error codes listed here:
https://www.pentaxuser.com/faq/pentaxerrorcodes.html

Doesn't look good for your camera though

Matt

Treve,

The flash compensation function on the AF360FGZ is only available in P-TTL mode. This "preflash" TTL metering mode is available with the newer cameras (MZ-S, *ist, *istD).

However, the AF360FGZ does straight "legacy" TTL too, so you can use the body's feature, if it has it (my Z1 does not , you should be ok with the Z1p ).

Additionally, you can use manual mode on the AF360FGZ, and even use the built in slave "eye" to trigger off the pop-up flash of the camera. Indeed, I used this with a pocket digicam to great effect.

All in all, a beautiful flash gun, and worth its weight in gold, as they say.

Matt

Hi again ShotGun,

Yes, it's a nice cosy forum here (And a very good signal-to-noise ratio - I like it)

Roland Mabo was on http://www.algonet.se/~rolamo but that seems a dead link now.
However, I found a mailing list: http://www.pdml.net/ (which had Roland's name from 2001)
Plus a gallery: http://pug.komkon.org
However, I found Roland on the www.fotosidan.se forum from earlier this year, with his (Swedish) details as follows: http://www.fotosidan.se/member/view.htm?ID=15698

So there you go... a little trip around the 'net, but still no Roland

When you hold the AF360 you'll see what a substantial beast it is - I doubt there was any room to fit in a swivel Oh yes, works wonderfully with NiMH 2000mA batteries - it just goes on, and on, and on, and on...

Regards,
Matt[/i]

Hi ShotGun,

Thanks for the message... I just take the flash off-camera. Either I hold it by hand, mount on a tripod, or use a "generic" flash bracket that has a swivel feature on the bracket

You need Hotshoe Adaptor F (which plugs into the camera's hotshoe), or Fg (depending on the camera model), and extension cord 5P or F5P (1m or 3m), and off camera adaptor F which goes on the flash.

The bad news is the set costs nearly half as much as the AF360! Check out the Pentax User "Price List".

The good news is you can often find them second hand (places like www.mxv.co.uk and www.ffordes.co.uk and www.parkcameras.com occassionally get them). There are other UK based second hand dealers. Try Jessops too.

They're well worth it and increase the creative possibilities if you haven't got wireless flash facilities.

Hope that helps,
Matt

Just my observations...

I have found the AF360 to be a superb gun. Built in diffuser to 20mm, built in catch light reflector, built in 'trigger-eye' (so it works even with my little Canon S30 digicam).

It seems more substantial and better built than a lot of the guns I've seen, has a nice backlit LCD display, and well... just works

As for swivel etc, I rootled around and found a set of Pentax flash leads which solves my problem with the Z1 and MZ5. Just looking forward to wireless flash facilities with the *istD

Matt

I would suggest you give Asahi Photo a call.
www.asahiphoto.net

Asahi Photo Ltd
Office No.2
11 Main Drive
East Lane Business Park
Wembley HA9 7NA

Phone: 0208 908 2931
Fax: 0208 908 3988

They've been very helpful to me, and to others on the board. It's worth a try

Matt

Lurach,

I've posted a few images using the flash gun.
http://www.pbase.com/image/17369597
http://www.pbase.com/image/17369598
http://www.pbase.com/image/17369599

There's another roll being developed that should have some more interesting shots. The three above I took to test out my new Tokina AF242, 24-200mm brute of a lens along with some 72mm Kood closeup filters. (So far, I'm pretty pleased with the results. )

Let me know your comments (good or bad ), everyone!
Thanks
Matt