Flash (AF-360) for Dummies

deludel · 07-11-2009, 03:31 PM

I have a K10 and an AF-360fgz flash. I don't know why I am having such a difficult time with flash! I am *not* a "book-learner", so no matter how many times I read a manual, it's all greek to me. Therefore, online articles have similar issues. I'm a visual learner, so lots of pictures and video are terrific.

That being said .. I'm trying to get a handle on this thing. So far, this is what I know about it:

I can turn it on - yeah!
I know how to bump the exposure (flash) up/down stops
That's it!

It often makes a terrible "grinding" noise and I have no idea what is going on! It seems to happen when the "mm" field (24mm, 55mm, etc) gets up too high.

Anyway, who knows of good resources for learning? I did find this one video link in one of these threads: Bar/Nightclub Lighting and it was somewhat helpful .. made me want to get one of those TTL cables and stofen-thingys. For now, however, I need to understand how to use my basic flash unit.

Thanks in advance!

*Driver3* · 07-11-2009, 05:30 PM

If you follow this link, there is a button for a video demo that will help you immensely understand the flash.
PENTAX AF360FGZ Flash - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site
Just click "Watch Demo"
The grinding noise is the flash autozooming.

glasbak · 07-12-2009, 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by Driver3

there is a button for a video demo that will help you immensely understand the flash.

Nice video, did not know they made these.
Now they should do something about the af360 battery door locking, also in this video it is obvious that it shifts open too easy.
And of course, American people have the reputation of being fat, and to keep this reputation they adjusted the aspect ratio.

George

deludel · 07-13-2009, 10:53 AM

Great video, but it seemed to only talk about wireless flash .. I'll get there EVENTUALLY ... but anyone have anything on how to use the base flash while on the camera?