high speed sync

*DanLoc78* · 10-01-2009, 12:56 PM

Is it possible to use high speed sync when the flash is off-camera? I've connected my 540FGZ to the K10 using hot shoe adapters and a PC cord. When i set the flash to HSS and shutter speeds 250 or greater it doesn't fire.

*Ash* · 10-01-2009, 02:42 PM

Doesn't seem to be possible with the K20D.
There's no indication in the manual that it would or would not work, but I did try it just now and could not get the camera to dial up a faster shutter speed than 1/180 in M or Tv modes in wireless mode, despite syncing the 540 flash in HSS mode.

I can't see too many applications of using HSS in wireless mode - most of these instances you'd be shooting a portrait or inanimate object where motion blur wouldn't be too much of an issue. Although if it is, then I guess that's where studio lights come in...

Jim Royal · 10-01-2009, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by Ash

I can't see too many applications of using HSS in wireless mode - most of these instances you'd be shooting a portrait or inanimate object where motion blur wouldn't be too much of an issue.

The key application for HSS is when shooting outdoors in bright daylight, with flash providing fill (or even key) and you need a shallow depth of field. You can't get that when shooting at 1/180th.

*SOldBear* · 10-01-2009, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by DanLoc78

Is it possible to use high speed sync when the flash is off-camera? I've connected my 540FGZ to the K10 using hot shoe adapters and a PC cord.

For high-speed sync, you also need to connect the data pins of the flash. A PC cord with only flash sync signal won't work.

You need something like this:

I see on FleaBay many sync cords that can be used for multiple brands/models. Do a search for "TTL Flash Cord."

Or you can use Pentax flash extension cord + a hot shoe adapter.

To some posters: the OP didn't say anything about "wireless."

*Ash* · 10-01-2009, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by Jim Royal

The key application for HSS is when shooting outdoors in bright daylight, with flash providing fill (or even key) and you need a shallow depth of field. You can't get that when shooting at 1/180th.

I totally get that.
I've done outdoor portraits with a wireless flash setup and managed quite well without HSS, but as mentioned this can be gotten around by hotshoe extension cable...

aleonx3 · 10-01-2009, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by SOldBear

For high-speed sync, you also need to connect the data pins of the flash. A PC cord with only flash sync signal won't work.

I see on FleaBay many sync cords that can be used for multiple brands/models. Do a search for "TTL Flash Cord."

Or you can use Pentax flash extension cord + a hot shoe adapter.

To some posters: the OP didn't say anything about "wireless."

Originally Posted by DanLoc78

Is it possible to use high speed sync when the flash is off-camera? I've connected my 540FGZ to the K10 using hot shoe adapters and a PC cord. When i set the flash to HSS and shutter speeds 250 or greater it doesn't fire.

I don't think the built-in flash supports HSS feature (a reason why I carry the AF-360 flash with me most of the time for fill-flash purposes). Yes, the pentax hot shoe adapter and extension cord would work as well.