Pentax AF201FG Flash Announced

An affordable entry-level flash

By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on Feb 9, 2015

Today, the Pentax AF201FG joins the Pentax lineup as the third weather-sealed flash. This is an affordable entry-level flash that is slated to replace the very basic Pentax AF200FG.

The AF201FG builds on its predecessor by incorporating a tilting head, improved build quality, and support for trailing curtain sync.

It will retail for $149 in the US and is expected to start shipping in March. Read on for full specifications and product photos.

Uses interested in a more powerful flash with both tilt and swivel capabilitiy may wish to consider the Pentax AF360FGZ II.

Specifications

Type	Clip-on, P-TTL auto flash unit with series control
Guide No.	20 (ISO 100/m)
Guide No.	In manual mode, two-step adjustment to full or 1/4 power.
Recycling time/Total number of flashes	7s / 80 flashes (AAA alkaline batteries) 4s / 100 flashes (AAA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries)
Flash Coverage Angle	APS-C: 16mm (13mm) Full-frame: 24mm (20mm) Q: 4mm (3mm) 645 digital: 30mm (25mm) Vertical coverage: 53° (85° ) Horizontal coverage: 70° (98° ) *with wide-angle panel deployed
Color temperature	Daylight
Effective flash range	Approx. 0.7 m - 8.0 m (Guide No. 20, ISO 100, F/2.0)
ISO range compatibility	ISO 25 - 1600
Flash modes	P-TTL auto (Leading curtain sync, Trailing curtain sync), Manual (FULL, 1/4)
Flash output compensation	Operation from the camera body
Flash output setting	Manual flash: (1/1, 1/4)
Flash sync modes	Leading curtain sync, Trailing curtain sync
Bounce flash	Vertical bounce possible, click stops provided, need to release the bounce lock for -10°
	Upward: 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°
	Downward: 0°, -10°
Power saving	Automatic power-off: After approx. 3 min. of non-operation with the power on
Power saving	Quick power on: By pressing the camera’s shutter release button halfway
Red-eye reduction	Operates with autofocus cameras equipped with red-eye reduction feature
Wide-angle panel	Pull out manually
Power source	Two AAA batteries, (Alkaline (LR03) or Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH))
Dimensions and weight	65 mm (W) × 72.5 mm (H) × 31 mm (T) (2.6'' × 2.9'' × 1.2'')
Dimensions and weight	Approx. 141 g (5.0 oz.) without batteries
Supplied accessories	Case O-AC149

Product Photos

Click on any thumbnail to enlarge.

Press Release

[Show Press Release]

Februrary 10, 2015

RICOH IMAGING is pleased to announce the launch of the AF201FG auto flash unit, designed for use with PENTAX lens-interchangeable digital cameras. This compact, portable unit has a maximum guide number of 20 at ISO 100/m, and features a dustproof, weather-resistant construction to provide solid, dependable operation even under harsh outdoor conditions including rain and mist.

Main Features

1. Compact body, with dependable dustproof, weather-resistant design for outdoor shooting
This auto flash unit has a compact, well-balanced body ideal for use with PENTAX K-series digital SLR cameras and the smaller, lighter Q-series lens-interchangeable models. Thanks to 18 seals applied in crucial parts of the body including the hotshoe, it features a highly dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction. When paired with a dustproof, weather-resistant camera body and lens, it assures solid performance, even in harsh outdoor conditions such as rain and dust.

2. Bounce flash function up to a 135-degree tilt angle
The flash head can be adjusted vertically to 10 different angles (-10, 0, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 and 135 degrees) for bounce flash operation. By bouncing the flash discharge off the ceiling or wall during indoor shooting, the user can soften the subject’s shadow to create more natural, true-to-life portraiture.

3. Simplified, dial-access operation
This flash unit features a simplified operating system that lets the user start flash photography instantly by turning the discharge mode dial, which double-functions as the ON/OFF switch. In addition to the OFF position, this dial provides a choice of four discharge modes: P-TTL auto flash with leading-curtain synchronization and P-TTL auto flash with trailing-curtain synchronization, in both of which the flash’s preliminary emission is detected by the camera’s light sensor to accurately control the main discharge level for proper exposure; and manual flash with full discharge and manual flash with 1/4-level discharge.

4. Other features
Built-in wide-angle panel that slides out to cover 20mm angle of view (in 35mm format)

Share your thoughts on this new flash in the comments below!

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