Gary, The quick answer is disable the "auto" flash mode and shoot away. Flash will always fully expose the subject while camera exposes for the background. You may be satisfied with the results.
The real answer is that true fill-in is not that easily achieved, at least not on the ZX series cameras. Reduced power settings on the 500FTZ won't work but in manual flash mode. In any other mode, flash discharge is controlled only by the camera's TTL flash sensor. In order to compensate the flash burst but still keep the TTL automation, you have to set the camera on (metered) manual mode, adjust the exposure for ambient light, then adjust the exposure compensation (-1 to -1.5 EV works best for fill-in in subdued light). BTW, don't go to the manual over this. It's only documented on pdml. ;o) Servus, Alin Gary wrote: GM> I have a Pentax ZX-7 with a AF500ftz flash. I want to take GM> pictures ouside and use fill flash. I would like to use the camera GM> in portrait mode and set the flash to one of the reduced powers GM> settings. I tried it and it didn't work, at least the flash didn't GM> fire. Do I have to be in shutter priority to do this? Do I have to GM> be in complete manual mode to do this. I was using 100 speed film. GM> I assume that the flash didn't fire because the camera said that GM> there was enough light without a flash. Any help would be greatly GM> appreciated.--Gary - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
