Originally Posted by Eaglerapids
This whole flash thing is giving me a headache.
I'm gonna try to summarize what I think I know to date.
Even if I wanted to spend the big bucks on the 540, I've read about far to many problems with it, from it sticking to the camera to underexposure, to ...................
Maybe the Sigma but you lose HSS, which I think I would like to have. Also it seems like you have to worry if it has the new chip etc etc.
The Metz but I can't find one for Pentax, yet....and it's really expensive, too.
The Vivitar 285HV which I'm sure I could live with. Affordable and I don't mind shooting in manual BUT I'm gonna want to use it off camera. Of course the K10 doesn't have a PC sync socket so now I'm faced with some sort of wireless, i think. Those pocket wizards aren't cheap. Or spending more for the hot shoe adapter thingys (one for the camera, one for the flash) and a cord than I will for the flash! And I haven't even got some sort of bracket yet. All I want to do is take a picture of a frigging bug with my Vivitar 105!
Sorry but it irks me when I have to spend $15000 to move the flash 10" to the left and 4" up.
Just pick up a Promaster cord ($50ish)and ANY cheap bracket...Then add flash of choice...
Pentax's own 5p cords are not overly expensive (a tad hard to find though) but increase w/ all the little "parts" needed as you seem to know..
Promaster
GOLDCREST SHOE MOUNT FLASH CAMERA BRACKET FIT VIVITAR, - (eBay item 320136625178 end time Jan-06-08 13:55:27 PST)
Promaster Flash Extension Cord Off-Camera TTL Pentax - (eBay item 260193281866 end time Jan-11-08 09:34:58 PST)
Off-Camera Flash Setups
If you have a photo store w/ used stuff the brackets probably can be had for a song,,,,,,,
Vivitar Flash Bracket f773f - (eBay item 120197759021 end time Jan-11-08 20:49:32 PST)
BOTTOM line $100 plus flash of your choice (p-TTL to full manual). May not get the full 10" to the left though...