Hello David, Couple of points. Yes the AF360FGZ does work in Auto and Manual modes on the *istD - You need to be in manual mode on the camera for these to work.
No, when the AF360FGZ is in Auto or manual mode, the auto zoom function does not work - you would need to zoom manually or pick a setting and leave it there. Your thinking on how auto works seems a bit clouded. Basically, you choose an fstop on the flash that the flash sensor will meter along with iso speed. You set the camera to flash synch and the same f-stop. After that, there is no real camera metering needed. As long as the light levels are lower (you need the flash) than your settings indicate, the flash will provide the needed illumination. As Canon and Nikon with multiple generations of DSLR's are still struggling with P-TTL working reliably, it is very doubtful that Minolta's first DSLR is going to set the world on fire concerning their P-TTL equivalent. It is interesting to note that the new D-70 from Nikon has a new flash system called I-TTL - not really sure just what it is and if it solves the problems. I know that it requires a new flash unit however. One angle to consider is that flash units are generally much cheaper than lenses. What I do is use the AF360FGZ in daylight for flash fill (works pretty well there) and then an older analog TTL flash unit (AF400T) in TTL with some compensation for regular flash work. You could easily buy an AF280T analog flash unit for less than US$100 to complement you AF360FGZ rather than replacing all your Pentax glass. Just a thought. -- Best regards, Bruce Monday, April 19, 2004, 8:25:30 AM, you wrote: DM> Ok now I'm getting a bit confused. Could someone clarify a few points for DM> me please. I currently use the AF360FGZ on the PZ-1p and PZ-1 as well as DM> with some older cameras. I liked the fact that it is supposed to be DM> completely backward compatible with all Pentax cameras. I am aware that DM> this flash uses only standard TTL with these units and automatically DM> switches to P-TTL with the newer ones. However I was under the impression DM> that standard auto flash and manual were still available with all the DM> cameras that were supposed to support this function including the *istD. Is DM> this right? I bought the AF360FGZ with the idea that it would be more DM> compatible with future Pentax cameras that might come my way plus it has DM> slave, wireless, and high speed sync with the appropriate cameras. I DM> realize that the AF360FGZ is not the most powerful flash on the market, but DM> thought it should be sufficient for my needs going by the guide number. DM> When using the auto and manual functions does the auto zoom head function DM> properly on autofocus cameras? Also what types of camera metering function DM> with which flash functions? I have normally shot multisegment metering with DM> flash in the past and have had really good results thus far. However I DM> haven't used my Pentax gear that much with flash. I have usually been using DM> my Minolta gear for this need. I did have to use my PZ-1 as a backup camera DM> one time at a wedding reception as my Minolta with the lens I was using was DM> having some major focus problems with the lighting conditions. A bit of DM> experimentation later proved it was a lens problem and not the body. DM> However using the PZ-1 that night impressed me greatly on how well it was DM> locking on focus quickly without a great deal of searching. I didn't even DM> have a external flash with me and had to use the on camera popup unit. I DM> still got some great shots that were properly exposed with this handicap. I DM> wish I would have had an external flash with to compare the results. DM> Since I have a much better lens line up in Pentax, I have been strongly DM> considering dumping the Minolta equipment to buy a *istD. However this DM> thread is making me really wonder about the wisdom of this decision. DM> Minolta is supposed to also be releasing a DSLR based on their "7" model. DM> One of it's strong points is image stabilization, but I'm not feeling I need DM> that function all that badly. I strongly suspect this will be out of my DM> price tag zone and hate to give up my Pentax equipment to finance such a DM> move. The questions surrounding P-TTL flash and this coming camera are DM> being highly debated in their camp as well. The general consensus is that DM> no one wants to have to use it and give up standard TTL flash which is DM> highly accurate in their cameras, but fear that P-TTL will be required for DM> digital flash. Right now the P-TTL can be controlled with either not by not DM> using the "D" series lenses. They are also afraid that the "D" series lens DM> will be required for flash use. Some of the Minolta camp is jumping ship to DM> Canon to avoid the P-TTL, but I thought Canon used it too? Anyone know what DM> the status of Nikon is with P-TTL? DM> I feel that using multi segment metering or at the very least center DM> weighted metering is very important to me for candid type shots. When DM> setting up a formal posed situation all the manual ideas are great and nice DM> to be able to work towards whatever idea you have in mind. However when DM> doing candid shots such at a wedding reception things are happening very DM> fast. I just don't see myself having the time to consider all the valid DM> points of lighting existing in the situation and making the corresponding DM> manual adjustments. I really need the camera computers to figure this out DM> for me so I can get the shot and not still be there trying to figure it all DM> out after the moment has passed. Maybe this is a so called Point and DM> Shooter viewpoint, but I would rather get the shot and debate the "should DM> haves" afterwards. I am aware the *istD will default to P-TTL, but will DM> auto flash be available with the AF360FGZ, or will I have to use an older fl DM> ash to get this function? DM> Confused again! DM> Dave DM> ---------------------- DM> My Metz 60 CT-2 has measured to within � 1/10 of a stop, at ranges DM> from 6 feet or so right out to around 25 feet with it's built in DM> sensor. DM> This is an amply accurate range for wedding/ general photography. When DM> running it in TTL with the LX, the exposures were within a stop most DM> of the time, but sometimes about 15 stops under because of the DM> ongoing meter fault that all three of my LX have. DM> The istD has just about the worst TTL flash control I have seen, I DM> doubt if it is within � 1 stop. DM> It is certainly not accurate enough for the recording medium. DM> On the nice side, the istD has a PC socket, so auto flash is easily DM> done. DM> William Robb
