Reply interspersed with some of the questions omitted for lack of
answers on my part.
On 6/24/2013 5:40 PM, Stan Halpin wrote:
I am considering adding the AF540 FGZ. Two things holding me back at this point:
a. IIRC Pentax is coming out sometime soon with a replacement for the
AF540.
I am not aware of that.
b. I have noted discussions here about Metz and other alternatives.
I've Metz 50-AF1 digital which is the last in the mid range (sitting
between 360 and 540 Pentax flashes) that has "regular" button based UI.
The next flash - Metz 52-AF1 has touch screen on the back for flash set
up and control.
So, my questions:
b1. If I go with Metz or other system, do I lose functionality on my
K-5ii? i.e., will I still have the same capability for wireless triggering, the
use of two-flash setups, etc?
IIUC, with K-5 Metz 50-AF1 gives full functionality - P-TTL, wireless,
modeling light, high speed sync, etc. It is possible that theire're
limitations, but if you wish, I will have to look them up specifically.
b2. Other than cost, are there any advantages to the Metz or other
systems?
I can think of several:
1. Flash has standard mini-USB port and its firmware is upgradeable. I
cannot vouch for frequency or quality of the upgrades, but judging from
this page:
http://www.metz.de/en/flash-units/firmware-download-flash-units/mecablitz-50-af-1-digital/pentax.html
it would seem that current firmware version is 4.0, meaning that likely
at least a couple of updates were issued.
LOL, now, I am noticing this:
Firmware V4.0 (released on 18.06.2013)
Improvement: HSS function with Pentax K-30 and K-5 II will be enabled.
So, well, yes, Metz seem to be following up with Pentax cameras and
updating their flashes even if the newer model has been introduced to
market. At least in this specific case. I probably won't upgrade my
flash but only because I'm lazy and I don't have either of these newer
cameras.
2. It seems to be sturdily made and reliable in operation. I had only
brief encounter with Pentax 360 flash and this Metz seems to be at least
as good ergonomically. I cannot compare them from functional point of
view as I never had both at the same time.
Boris
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