Quote-------------
Date: Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:14:45 -0400
From: Glen Tortorella <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Good Under-$100 Flash?
To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List <[email protected]>
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Hi all,
I am thinking of getting a flash for my ZX-M. It
would be for
general indoor use and perhaps for some fill use.
The Pentax AF280T
looks like a good choice. Any other
recommendations?
Thanks,
Glen
END QUOTE------------
Funny you should ask. I asked the almost exact same
question a long time ago and thanks to the great folks
on PDML I compiled quite a bit of info. Enough to
answer someone else asking about a flash for the ZX-5n
body. And I saved my response! Here it is...
--- Brad Dobo <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Geez, there are all sorts of Pentax ones and 3rd
> party ones. Guess it
> depends on your needs. I'd prefer a flash with
> decent power, that has IR
> AF-assist, among many other things. I picked up the
> AF360FGZ when I got my
> MS-S. I used to own the AF330, when I owned the
> MZ-5n. Hopefully someone
> will add a little more than my thin knowledge of
> flashs. :)
>
> Brad Dobo
A while back I asked a similar question and got some
good responses. It's been almost a year now and I
still haven't bought a flash. Turns out I prefer
ambient light and fast glass, so I haven't missed not
having a flash. Still, maybe someday...
A TTL (through-the-lens metering) flash would be a
good choice for the -5n. Pentax flashes include the
AF280T, AF360FTZ, AF500FTZ, AFyadaFTZ, etc. The
AF200T is smaller and doesn't have a swivel head, but
it's definately low profile. The Vivitar 283, 285 or
285HV, and Sunpak 383 are similar in features and have
been recommended by several PDMLers. Of course,
seeing as how I still haven't acquired a flash, I
can't vouch for any of this. :)
Here's a post from Alan Chan on flashes for use on
non-autofocus bodies like the Super Program.
----------
Basically TTL flashes designed for Pentax AF bodies do
not work on Pentax non-AF bodies, other than full
manual. However, TTL flashes designed for Pentax
manual focus bodies do work on Pentax AF bodies. For
this reason, older Pentax TTL flashes like AF200T,
AF280T & AF400T work on ALL Pentax bodies and support
TTL flash.
An alternative is Metz flashes which you can switch
the shoe. For instance, Metz 40MZ3i with SCA372 shoe
can do TTL flashes on any Pentax bodies which can do
TTL flash. However, since SCA372 shoe was designed for
manual focus bodies (just like AF200T etc), features
like AF asist beam, auto zoom etc won't be usable on
AF bodies. For these advance features, you need the
digital shoe SCA3702 which was specially designed for
Pentax AF bodies (just like AF500FTZ). There might be
flashes from other brand can switch the shoe too, I am
not sure. But mind you that flash like 40MZ3i is quite
front heavy on small bodies like Super A/Program
(without winder attached), while it balances perfectly
on Z-1p.
----------
This was posted by Michele Pozzi in March about Metz
flashes off-camera. The tips will probably work with
a 5n.
----------
Below are some questions and answer I asked Metz
technical support. Seems that their accessory (around
50$) makes more sense than getting Pentax shoes and
cables.
They also do not know when HSS and Wireless will be
available.
anyway, its for your reference
Michele
Dear Michele,
when using the SCA3007A cable all flash features as
TTL etc will remain.
With best regards
M E T Z - W E R K E
Technical support
Mr. Goeschel
>>
Thank you...this does support ttl functions on my
Pentax bodies correct?
Michele
>>
Dear Mr. Pozzi,
for off camera operation with your Metz 40MZ-3 we
recommend to use the cable SCA3007A.
The HSS and wireless is still not in planning, but, it
is conceivable that these flash features will come
anytime in the future.
With best regards
M E T Z - W E R K E
Technical support
Mr. Goeschel
-----------
For what it's worth, I have a Vivitar 2500 thyristor
flash for the ZX-5n and it would probably work on the
ZX-M, too. Don't remember where I got it, but I know
it was used and waaaay less than $100.
Hope it helps,
Deb in TX
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