> Has anyone successfully used an ordinary Auto Flash with the *ist series / k100 bodies ?
Sunpak 383 and Vivitar 285HV. You might have to set the aperture on your camera a half or full stop darker from the flash to avoid blown whites, depending on the scene. Very different from film where you burn it in a little extra, giving you almost a full stop difference in aperature. The 383 is great for what it is. Easy to read back panel. Three auto ranges and four manual power levels as well, with a distance and aperture scale that slides as you change power levels. Bounce and swivel head. Small and light to fit into the camera bag. Doesn't chirp like the Vivitars ( distracting to people, but on the other hand the chirping makes it easier to tell when the Vivitar needs new batteries... ). The battery door stays connected when open ( one less thing to hold while changing batteries ). Works on all cameras, film or digital, brand of your choice ( even Minoltas w/ an adaptor ), and can be triggered by a radio slave. A perfect first flash, usable for years no matter what brand or latest whiz-bang technology comes out. Less than $100. If you use the PC cable much then you'll find that you want to replace it. Sunpak has a coiled replacement cord which is much more substantial. Get two to experiment with double lighting, rim lighting, back lighting, etc. Great fun. If you use a flash bracket, you'll want a hot shoe to PC adaptor. Better yet would be a Paramount hot shoe to sunpack cable, which avoids the adaptor and the PC connectors. Brian -- Brian Dunn Photographic http://www.bdphotographic.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
