[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> ThanX for the replies so far.
>
> I do have a Vivitar 283 but it's a "Made In Japan" model (higher voltage).
> I had a Sunpak 133 and I'm looking for something around that size and
> weight. Someone mentioned the 280T but that's out of my size/weight/price
> range.
>
> In my post I made a mistake when I said the AS201SA shows a sensor eye in
> the online image. I mixed it up with a Sunpak unit. I don't see a sensor
> on the 201.
>
> I did some more digging and found at pentax.com a section of instruction
> manuals for some of their flashes. No manual for the 201 but I did find
> one for the 220T. Once again the explanatory text ain't the best. From
> what I gather the 220T (and maybe the 201) doesn't use a sensor eye on the
> flash body. Instead the lens has to be set to "A" (automatic) and the camera
> with the flash chooses a pre-set aperture. The other option using the 220T
> with a non-TTL camera body is to manually set the aperture for a full power
> burst, the setting dependent upon the distance to the subject.
>
> I'm kinda disappointed with what I've learned so far. Most of my lenses are
> > plain K -- not KA -- and so I would have to use the flash at full power,
> adjusting for the distance. So much for "auto" flash. I hate blinding people
> with full flash power when it isn't needed.
I have a Pentax AF 160 flash that I like. Realize, this is information
only. I am not telling you this is the one for your camera, but...read on.
Yes, it is auto flash sync. My camera (MG) manual tells me what Pentax
flash is recommended for use with it. Do not the later manuals also
have those suggestions?
Anyhow, the manual suggests AF 200S or AF 160, OR any Pentax dedicated
units with hot shoe and set at 1/100 sec. or less.
The 160 is recommended for use with Pentax MV, MV-1, ME Super and MG,
which are TTL and feature open aperture metering.
The 160 has a flash sensor 'eye' and two selectable levels of light
output. Guide number 96 with ASA 400 film.
It might work for you, if you can find one... I got mine on eBay, very
reasonable price and it's like brand new.
I'll even copy my manual for you, if you get one without a manual,
howz that?
The manual is pretty clear for me...but then I'm not very complicated
myself! ;^)
> Why doesn't Pentax make a small flash like the Sunpak 144 with a sensor eye?
I think that's what you'd call the Pentax AF 160, no?
> I'm thinking about getting the 144 (or the 144D) but once again it gets into
> the flash trigger voltage problem, i.e. the non-Pentax flash might fry my PZ-10
> and ZX-M.
>
> It's mentioned in the description for the 201 that it's a good flash to use with the
>ZX-M. If what I've found out is correct, it's a good flash IF your lenses are KA.
>If not, then it's check the flash range and set the aperture.
>
> I'm disappointed with Pentax. I've spent too much time trying to find basic info
>online. Their flash model designations are confusing (e.g., AF means auto-flash, not
>auto-focus)
Huh? Auto Focus is for cameras, Auto Flash is for flash units. Why is
that confusing?
>...and their instruction manuals and product descriptions are next to useless.
>
> I like my Pentax cameras up to a point. I'm reaching that point and instead of
>changing all of my lenses over to KA to take advantage of a low-priced flash, I think
>it's time to sink money into the Canon EOS system. At least info on EOS isn't as
>obscure as what Pentax semi-translates from Japanese. And there doesn't seem to be
>any great confusion in regards to EOS flashes and their compatibilities with various
>EOS cameras.
>
> Best,
>
> Ray
You're seriously thinking of switching platforms, lenses etc., just so
you can use a low-priced flash unit with it? Somehow that just doesn't compute!
Ah well, enjoy, my friend. I hope you like your Canon better.
keith whaley
