Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
- Original Message - From: Nick Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2002 11:36 PM Subject: Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n My second TTL flash is the AF330FTZ. Also a great flash. Prolly the smallest of the Pentax BIG flashes (ie-greater than GN30/m), someone correct me if I'm wrong. No bounce or swivel but it does have a zoom head. Doesn't eat batteries like the 500. I shot football with it all last season got great pix at 1600iso. You are not wrong, I used to have the AF330FTZ, and found it quite useful on my MZ-5n. The AF360FGZ will be my fourth TTL flash. Even though it does not have a swivel head (it does have bounce), I am still going to get it. Two main reasons. 1, I intend to get an MZ-S sometime and will want to be able to use the advanced flash functions available with that body. And 2, I like to use the older bodies as well (ie- K1000) and this flash will be able to be used effortlessly on them because it also has an AUTO mode. I must say I *love* the AF360FGZ, especially since I own the MZ-S. Some complain about this more advanced flash not having the power of the 500, but I've found for my uses anyway, the gn of 36 is fine. Of course we all dream of a 150gn in metres or does Nikon already have one? :) As far as stealth is concerned the 330ftz would prolly be the best bet, as far as flashes are concerned. But I tend to agree with Debra if it's imparative that you be unnoticed spend your money on fast glass and go available light. I don't understand the stealth part? Is it invisible on radar? Perhaps Bruce can use it with his military spec. DSLR :) (Sorry Bruce, just a little ribbing, couldn't help it when I saw stealth :) Brad Dobo
RE: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n (Now it's long)
Mishka wrote: Sunpak 433 (i think) is ttl Hi Mishka, Pat, et al., Actually, the Sunpak 433D will ~not~ support TTL on the MZ/ZX bodies -- like Pat's ZX-5n. (I don't believe it will support TTL on any earlier bodies either.) However, the Sunpak 444D ~will~ support TTL on these bodies. I actually have both a 433D and a 444D. The 433D has two contacts on the foot -- a center one that fires the flash, and an offset one that signals the body when the flash is ready. The 444D has three contacts on the foot -- a center one to fire the flash, one offset one that sends a flash ready signal to the body, and a second offset one that receives a flash quench signal from the body. This quench contact is the one that allows for TTL capability. The 433D and 444D are both great flashes for the money, IMHO. Guide number 120 (in feet), bounce and swivel, three auto modes, five variable power output settings in manual mode (full power, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/16) -- plus TTL mode on the 444D. You can purchase different dedicated modules for the 444D to support operation on different brands of camera bodies. Sunpak accessories for off-camera flash are considerably cheaper than the corresponding Pentax accessories for, e.g., the 280T. Finally, the 444D is in current production, whereas the Pentax AF280T is not. Hope this helps. Bill Peifer Rochester, NY
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
The only thing that I will miss with the 360fgz is having a swivel head. But then again, with wireless TTL this is fairly easy to overcome. Nick Wright wrightfoto.com --- Brad Dobo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I must say I *love* the AF360FGZ, especially since I own the MZ-S. Some complain about this more advanced flash not having the power of the 500, but I've found for my uses anyway, the gn of 36 is fine. Of course we all dream of a 150gn in metres or does Nikon already have one? :) __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
The Sunpack 444D is a good third party alternative value. Tilt and swivel head, femovable diffuser that's good out to 135mm. TTL, auto and manual with manual adjustment for fill flash. Plenty of power. DG At 05:04 PM 9/28/02 -0400, you 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 - Original Message - From: Pat [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, September 28, 2002 3:26 PM Subject: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n Hi all- Was looking for suggestions on a hot shoe flash for the Zx-5n. Open to Pentax 3rd party suggestions. Thanks, Pat in SF __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
I use a PZ1 and currently have the AF330FTZ. It works nicely but with no bounce capability it can be a little limiting. Just today I found a AF500FTZ used (but virtually brand new complete with box for $320 Cdn. Grabbed it quick. I think the extra money for the power and the swivel (as well as the built-in slave unit) is worth the cost. PS. Is anyone using the 500FTZ with an LX. That's my main camera system. I suspect, knowing Pentax, it is completely backward compatible Vic In a message dated 9/30/02 1:48:32 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My second TTL flash is the AF330FTZ. Also a great flash. Prolly the smallest of the Pentax BIG flashes (ie-greater than GN30/m), someone correct me if I'm wrong. No bounce or swivel but it does have a zoom head. Doesn't eat batteries like the 500. I shot football with it all last season got great pix at 1600iso. You are not wrong, I used to have the AF330FTZ, and found it quite useful on my MZ-5n. The AF360FGZ will be my fourth TTL flash. Even though it does not have a swivel head (it does have bounce), I am still going to get it. Two main reasons. 1, I intend to get an MZ-S sometime and will want to be able to use the advanced flash functions available with that body. And 2, I like to use the older bodies as well (ie- K1000) and this flash will be able to be used effortlessly on them because it also has an AUTO mode. I must say I *love* the AF360FGZ, especially since I own the MZ-S. Some complain about this more advanced flash not having the power of the 500, but I've found for my uses anyway, the gn of 36 is fine. Of course we all dream of a 150gn in metres or does Nikon already have one? :) As far as stealth is concerned the 330ftz would prolly be the best bet, as far as flashes are concerned. But I tend to agree with Debra if it's imparative that you be unnoticed spend your money on fast glass and go available light. I don't understand the stealth part? Is it invisible on radar? Perhaps Bruce can use it with his military spec. DSLR :) (Sorry Bruce, just a little ribbing, couldn't help it when I saw stealth :) Brad Dobo
RE: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
PS. Is anyone using the 500FTZ with an LX. That's my main camera system. I suspect, knowing Pentax, it is completely backward compatible No , it´s not. The TTL system is not working with LX , because of digital design of 500FTZ. Regards , raivo
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
In a message dated 9/30/02 10:02:00 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: No , it´s not. The TTL system is not working with LX , because of digital design of 500FTZ. Really that's surprising. I think I've used the 330 with the LX with no problems, Is there a difference?
Re[4]: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
Vic, So how much would you want to trade your 500FTZ for my almost brand new (I bought it new and never use it) AF280T? Bruce Monday, September 30, 2002, 9:56:20 AM, you wrote: Pac Yes Bruce you are right. That is what I was thinking. I knew the flashes were Pac compatible one way or another. This gets me thinking whether I should keep Pac the 500FTZ or get the 280T instead and use it with the PZ1. The 500 does have Pac some nice features though... Pac Any thoughts... Pac Vic Pac In a message dated 9/30/02 10:57:02 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Pac If the discharge and flash recycle times are the same for both tests, Pac then the flash is not working in TTL with that body. By Pentax's own Pac design, the digital units will not work with the analog bodies (LX, Pac SuperProgram). However, the analog flash units will work with the Pac digital bodies. The beauty there is that the AF280T will work with Pac any body made by Pentax. From the K1000 to the MZ-S. Bruce
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
Yes, one can wonder why Pentax comes out with a new flash for it's new camera, then makes it less powerfull, and takes away a popular feature like the swivel head. I still love it, but someone in Pentax needs a beating. :) Brad Dobo - Original Message - From: Nick Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 8:57 AM Subject: Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n The only thing that I will miss with the 360fgz is having a swivel head. But then again, with wireless TTL this is fairly easy to overcome. Nick Wright wrightfoto.com --- Brad Dobo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I must say I *love* the AF360FGZ, especially since I own the MZ-S. Some complain about this more advanced flash not having the power of the 500, but I've found for my uses anyway, the gn of 36 is fine. Of course we all dream of a 150gn in metres or does Nikon already have one? :) __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
RE: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
I suspect we'll se a AF500FGZ before too longthe smaller flash is probably a more popular size. -- Thomas Van Veen Photography www.bigdayphoto.com 301-758-3085 -Original Message- From: Brad Dobo [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 2:11 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n Yes, one can wonder why Pentax comes out with a new flash for it's new camera, then makes it less powerfull, and takes away a popular feature like the swivel head. I still love it, but someone in Pentax needs a beating. :) Brad Dobo - Original Message - From: Nick Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 8:57 AM Subject: Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n The only thing that I will miss with the 360fgz is having a swivel head. But then again, with wireless TTL this is fairly easy to overcome. Nick Wright wrightfoto.com --- Brad Dobo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I must say I *love* the AF360FGZ, especially since I own the MZ-S. Some complain about this more advanced flash not having the power of the 500, but I've found for my uses anyway, the gn of 36 is fine. Of course we all dream of a 150gn in metres or does Nikon already have one? :) __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re: Re[4]: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
Good try Bruce. I'm thinking I'll just bring it back tomorrow. No problem I'm sure. I can get the older flash for about $140 less. Think I'll put the extra toward a sweet little SMC 100/f2.8 M lens he has waiting for me.. Vic
RE: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n (Now it's long)
--- Peifer, William [OCDUS] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The [Sunpak] 433D and 444D are both great flashes for the money, IMHO. Guide number 120 (in feet), bounce and swivel, three auto modes, five variable power output settings in manual mode (full power, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/16) -- plus TTL mode on the 444D. (snip) Sunpak accessories for off-camera flash are considerably cheaper than the corresponding Pentax accessories for, e.g., the 280T. Finally, the 444D is in current production, whereas the Pentax AF280T is not. and Dick Graham wrote: The Sunpack 444D is a good third party alternative value. Tilt and swivel head, femovable diffuser that's good out to 135mm. TTL, auto and manual with manual adjustment for fill flash. Plenty of power. I originally went w/ Sunpak for value vs. features; it hasn't let me down w/ the minor exception of size. I will put the 444D on my list to be explored. Thanks, Pat in SF __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n (Now it's long)
On Sun, 29 Sep 2002 19:47:48 -0700, Debra Wilborn wrote: 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... Fast glass sometimes comes w/ the same drawback as a flash, namely by adding more dimension/depth/size to an SLR. And a flash is a slightly more, ah, frugal way to add size to my Zx-5n versus fast glass. :) Pat in SF __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re[2]: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
On Mon, 30 Sep 2002 08:27:02 -0700, Bruce Dayton wrote: However, the analog flash units will work with the digital bodies. The beauty there is that the AF280T will work with any body made by Pentax. From the K1000 to the MZ-S. -- Bruce: Thanks for this tidbit of info. I also have a K1000 sitting to the side. Am glad to know that I could use the AF280T for both the K1000 Zx-5n. Thanks, Pat in SF __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
RE: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n (Now it's long)
Pat wrote: I originally went w/ Sunpak for value vs. features; it hasn't let me down w/ the minor exception of size. I will put the 444D on my list to be explored. Just in case you need any more convincing, I agree that the 444D is a very good choice. I considered selling mine when I picked up a 500FTZ, until I discovered the Pentax flash is incompatible with the LX. (I probably shouldn't have bought the 500, considering how often I actually use a flash) Cheers, - Dave http://www.digistar.com/~dmann/
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
Here are my two cents... My first TTL flash was the AF280T. Great flash. Love the swivel and bounce head. Worked great on the pz1p. My second TTL flash is the AF330FTZ. Also a great flash. Prolly the smallest of the Pentax BIG flashes (ie-greater than GN30/m), someone correct me if I'm wrong. No bounce or swivel but it does have a zoom head. Doesn't eat batteries like the 500. I shot football with it all last season got great pix at 1600iso. My third TTL flash is the AF500FTZ. It's a monster. It'll turn my pz1p upside down (while hanging from my neck), even with the grip strap and a heavier lens (ie- F35-135/3.5-4.5). Mucho power. At 800iso and f2.8 you can get good exposures past 99 feet. Two nice features of this flash are the power input socket, whereby you can plug in a Quantum Turbo or the Pentax PowerPack TR2. And also a socket for the Pentax Off-Camera TTL cord. The TTL cord socket saves you about $25-50us if you decide you like off-camera flash which is very nice, because you don't have to purchase the adapter that fits onto the foot of the flash to take the cord. The AF360FGZ will be my fourth TTL flash. Even though it does not have a swivel head (it does have bounce), I am still going to get it. Two main reasons. 1, I intend to get an MZ-S sometime and will want to be able to use the advanced flash functions available with that body. And 2, I like to use the older bodies as well (ie- K1000) and this flash will be able to be used effortlessly on them because it also has an AUTO mode. One huge advantage to the newer Pentax flashes and cameras is that when you switch to manual flash mode the camera tells the flash the aperature and iso you have set, and the flash will tell you the distance to proper exposure taking into accound head zoom position and discharge level. I personally love this feature. I shoot lots of wrecks and fires at night, and the reflective tape on the firefighter's uniforms really screws up TTL. One night I switched the flash to manual (I almost always shoot the camera on manual), and noticed that it kindly showed me on it's screen the above mentioned information. I now have no problems with night emergency shoots. As far as stealth is concerned the 330ftz would prolly be the best bet, as far as flashes are concerned. But I tend to agree with Debra if it's imparative that you be unnoticed spend your money on fast glass and go available light. Well I'll quit rambling... -- Nick Wright http://www.wrightfoto.com/
Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
Hi all- Was looking for suggestions on a hot shoe flash for the Zx-5n. Open to Pentax 3rd party suggestions. Thanks, Pat in SF __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
can you be more specific? what are your needs? mishka - Original Message - From: Pat [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, September 28, 2002 3:26 PM Subject: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n Hi all- Was looking for suggestions on a hot shoe flash for the Zx-5n. Open to Pentax 3rd party suggestions. Thanks, Pat in SF __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
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 - Original Message - From: Pat [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, September 28, 2002 3:26 PM Subject: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n Hi all- Was looking for suggestions on a hot shoe flash for the Zx-5n. Open to Pentax 3rd party suggestions. Thanks, Pat in SF __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
Hi all- Was looking for suggestions on a hot shoe flash for the Zx-5n. Open to Pentax 3rd party suggestions. Thanks, Pat in SF __ Hi Pat, What lenses do you own? I find my Vivitar 283 works well with my MZ-3, but I think it only covers lenses 28mm and longer. Margo
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
mishka wrote: can you be more specific? what are your needs? - Oh, yeah more details might help. I have the Zx-5n which I use mostly w/ a Sigma AF 28-135mm lens. I also own a Sunpak 266D flash which zooms from 28 to 135, but is also a rather conspicuous add-on to the camera. By using the FG battery pack the camera is already a little longer, adding the Sunpak just makes the camera even taller. As a result, I tend to get a lot of duck run subjects. However, there are times when the on-board camera just isn't bright enough for indoor photography. I think what I am looking for is something that isn't quite as conspicuous, yet has sufficient power. As the Sunpak flash only covers to 28mm, I'm wary of using it w/ my 20-35mm lens as the corners are prone to vignetting. Any suggestions for products that fit these needs? Thanks for the time. Pat in SF __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re[2]: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
Dan, You are right on. The 500FTZ leans forward out over the body and makes the ZX models very front heavy. Either the older AF280T or the new AF360FGZ would balance much better. Bruce Saturday, September 28, 2002, 5:15:59 PM, you wrote: DS On Saturday, September 28, 2002, at 02:26 PM, Pat wrote: Hi all- Was looking for suggestions on a hot shoe flash for the Zx-5n. Open to Pentax 3rd party suggestions. Thanks, Pat in SF DS Hi Pat, DS I picked up an ebay AF500 ftz for use with my ZX-5n awhile back. In my DS opinionits just too damn big and really messes up the center of DS gravity. If you are planning on using your flash handheld quite a bit, DS something smaller might be worth considering. I've heard quite good DS things about Metz's flashes, but don't know any model names. DS Dan Scott
Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n
- Original Message - From: Pat [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: PDML [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, September 28, 2002 10:24 PM Subject: Re: Flash suggestions for Zx-5n I think what I am looking for is something that isn't quite as conspicuous, yet has sufficient power. As the Sunpak flash only covers to 28mm, I'm wary of using it w/ my 20-35mm lens as the corners are prone to vignetting. Any suggestions for products that fit these needs? Thanks for the time. Pat in SF __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com The AF360FGZ has a catchlight and diffuser that is supposed to cover 20mm. I don't own anything that wide so I can't test that. Brad Dobo
