Originally posted by PhilRich After getting the 645Z I bought an AF540FGZII Pentax flash unit. On 4 days notice I was asked to take pictures at my son in laws sister's wedding which was today. This was the first significant use for the flash excepting a few shots here and there.
In my opinion this flash should be an embarrassment to Pentax. As far as I know this is their best flash offered. The recharge time is miserably slow.
I also used my canon 5D with their flash. With the canon its - bang, bang, bang - as long as the batteries are relatively fresh their flash is right there with you.
As far as the Z being slow - for what I was doing the buffer is quite adequate - but the flash - grrr.
So much for my rant! I just had to express a little frustration. A magnificent camera needs a comparable flash unit.
Phil
Return your flash immediately it's obviously missing the instruction manual
Page 62 clearly states full recycle time for the flash with alkaline or lithium is 5sec but with NiMH is 3Sec.
This is not Pentax's fault but is because of the the internal resistance of the battery technologies limiting power and will be the same for
ALL manufacturers you can't pull a quart from a pint pot
Recycle time are mainly related to battery delivery Vs GN of the flash.
You may want to return your Canon flash as well (I assume 580EXii)
Page 53 states
• Flash Recycling (with size-AA alkaline batteries)
Recycling time Normal Full flash: 5 sec.
I'd advise you read your camera manuals and get a good book on flash photography especially around GN and aperture as your issue is all about your technique and not related to the equipment your using.