Pentax ring flash - Page 2

*séamuis* · 09-24-2008, 09:33 AM

here are a couple of photos of the kit from Ned Bunells blog if anyones interested. US price (MSRP) is expected to start at $499.
NED BUNNELL: AF160FC Macro Flash Kit

chirpy · 09-24-2008, 09:44 AM

Apparently the new Pentax ringflash comes with a special adapter for the D-FA macro's which presumably attaches to the hood mount instead of the front of the lens. This is very good as putting anything on the end of the DF-A macro lenses causes both focusing and weight distribution problems. For other lenses it uses the standard filter thread attachments and stepping rings.

I've used the Starblitz ringflash with step-down rings on my Sigma Macro (72mm thread) and not had problems.

I now have the AF160FC on pre-order

vizjerei · 09-24-2008, 02:03 PM

Christmas present for myself~

*creampuff* · 09-24-2008, 09:08 PM

Some info on the AF160FC ring flash (rough Japanese translation):

Pentax, macro for close-up flash photography "AF160FC" to be released soon. The opening price. Over-the-counter price of 40,000 yen forecast said.

The company's digital single-lens reflex camera flash for macros. Shine a light on subjects evenly, and to reduce shadows. Suitable for use in areas such as close-up and medical care. Guide number 16 (ISO100 m). Dimming system P-TTL, TTL, Manual control. 60-degree angle left and right side of irradiation. Two of the switch to light-emitting or light intensity can be adjusted in proportion.

Dial tone on the light switch on the back of compensation, including auto-1EV increments of 0.5EV of 0.5EV the scope of the regulation in three phases.

Four AA batteries power the unit, and suitable with alkaline batteries, lithium batteries and nickel-hydrogen battery.

The body size is 68 × 115 × 83mm (width × height × depth), excluding batteries weighs approximately 405g. Special case and "D FA MACRO" lens and a dedicated adapter, 49mm, 52mm, 58mm, 67mm included adapter rings.

*roentarre* · 09-24-2008, 09:52 PM

Another must buy item. I got a new project coming up doing a series of still life objects.

Thanks Dennis for the post

Serpiente · 09-25-2008, 12:19 PM

Cant wait for reviews!

*séamuis* · 09-25-2008, 01:14 PM

yea , this is excellent. Id really love to have this.

manuletterbox2 · 09-27-2008, 05:49 PM

I'm happy we now have three options for ring/macro flash, and to think a month ago there were zero (not talking about old/used or improvisations). I wil buy either the Metz or the Pentax one - much depending on the price.
And now to throw in an amateur/silly question - can a ring flash replace a classic flash like Pentax 540 or Metz 58? Since I imagine I will use the flash 90% of the time for macro and portraits, theoretically the answer is yes. But will it be powerful enough for let's say - group portraits or poorly illuminated indoors, or will i have to buy a classic flash to use as slave/secondary?

*walter* · 09-27-2008, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by manuletterbox2

I'm happy we now have three options for ring/macro flash, and to think a month ago there were zero (not talking about old/used or improvisations). I wil buy either the Metz or the Pentax one - much depending on the price.
And now to throw in an amateur/silly question - can a ring flash replace a classic flash like Pentax 540 or Metz 58? Since I imagine I will use the flash 90% of the time for macro and portraits, theoretically the answer is yes. But will it be powerful enough for let's say - group portraits or poorly illuminated indoors, or will i have to buy a classic flash to use as slave/secondary?

Here's the guide numbers (flash power output)
K20D built in flash - 13
Pentax Ringflash - 16
Pentax 540 - 54

I would think you will still want a Pentax 540 so you can bounce the flash.