Dan, I've been heavily relying on flash in what I photograph: quick dances in a dark room, fill-in flash for my child indoors and outdoors photos, some candid portraits in dynamic settings.
While I have only tried Pentax AF540 with K-7, I didn't like it, and bought Metz 58 (not "2" yet), that I've been happily using ever since, with both K-7 and K-5IIs. IMHO, it works much better (but not universally perfectly, - so you have to use it smartly). I've been using it in two modes: either in "A", where the flash decides when to cut itself off, or in PTTL. In most cases, I find that "A" mode works better, especially when I turn the main flash up, and have the front fill-in sub-flash enabled. I use PTTL often for forward-facing (typically longer-distance) shots. Also, PTTL seems to work somewhat better at the very close range (1-3 feet), maybe because camera's CPU is faster to cut off this powerhouse. I agree, however, that the buttons of Pentax AF540 are more convenient than the menues of Metz 58. Those menues are frustrating. But I choose a better functionality. Also, there were some problems (and I don't remember all the details), that Pentax AF540 didn't not keep its settings upon power-cycling, and it might not allow a manual mode. (Larry might still remember this part, - he complained about that more recently.) It looks like Metz 58-2 might have a better hotshoe mount, which is welcome, as the one in Metz 58 is becoming a bit "loose" after a lot of use, and may require occasional adjustment after insertion. See my earlier response about Metz 58 in this thread: https://www.mail-archive.com/pdml@pdml.net/msg656989.html HTH, Igor Thu Jul 31 16:36:09 EDT 2014 Paul pentax1941 at gmail.com wrote: I have both the Metz 58 and the Pentax AF540 and would pretty much concur with the Amazon review from Darren's link. Both will tilt and swivel, features that I prefer for better lighting. The Pentax is a little quicker to use since you can make most changes via buttons rather than spending time in menus. The secondary flash on the Metz is very useful for a fill light and the Metz is upgradeable via a USB cable. Either one will serve you well. The Pentax *is* pricier by about $50. -p On 7/31/2014 1:19 PM, Darren Addy wrote: > I've never owned a modern Pentax flash. When it came time to get one, > I looked at the power and features and went with the Metz 58 AF-1. I > think that has been supplanted by the AF-2 now, but it still gets very > decent reviews: > http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/744545-REG/Metz_MZ_58327PS_mecablitz_58_AF_2_TTL.html > > If you don't need that much power: > http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Metz+52+AF-1+pentax&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search= > > That being said, the first review on this page is worth reading: > http://www.amazon.com/Metz-mecablitz-Digital-Pentax-Cameras/product-reviews/B004DUMU8I/ref=pd_sxp_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 > > Hope this helps. > > On Thu, Jul 31, 2014 at 1:12 PM, Daniel J. Matyola <danmatyola at gmail.com> > wrote: >> I have been extremely pleased with my new K-5IIs. Recently, however, >> my hotshoe mounted flash has be acting up, and I am thinking of >> replacing it. >> >> Which flash unit would you recommend for use with the K-5IIs? >> >> Thanks in advance for your advice. >> >> Dan Matyola >> http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/danieljmatyola >> -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
