Using K10D with external strobes

Dnabors · 12-12-2007, 10:15 AM

I am having trouble using my external strobes (Alien Bees B800) with my K10, due to the lack of a PC terminal on the camera. I first bought the least expensive hot shoe adapter I could find (don't remember the name) and it wouldn't even fit on my camera's hotshoe! Next, I went to the local camera dealer and spent waaay too much on a Wein Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe Safe Sync, and it fit and worked for about half a shoot, and then failed to fire with the camera, and I know it's not a cord issue, bc the flash unit still fired when I pressed the test button on the Wein. Then, I borrowed another, more basic adapter from a friend and it did the same as the Wein - worked for about half a shoot then quit, but unlike the Wein it will still occasionally work, but I really need something more reliable.
I have most recently been using my on camera flash as a trigger, but that is not always possible with the lighting set up I want, and sometimes I would like to use the B800 by itself. The only hotshoe adapters I can find on the internet that claim compatibility with the K10 are for using the Pentax flashes and work with 5 pin cords, not pc cords. I was able to find a Pentax Hotshoe Adapter 2P, which is stated to work with SF, PZ and ZX series cameras. Does anyone know if that will work with the K10? I have been considering a radio slave hot shoe sync adapter, but before I sink any more money into this issue, I would like to hear from anyone who has successfully figured this out. I know I can't be the only one with this problem, and any help would be much appreciated!

ramzey · 12-12-2007, 06:13 PM

After same issue with cheap hot shoe adapter and cord i decided to get this cheap ebay radio triggers. Weak part they have limited range 10-15 ft and work for sync speed 1/125s and slower. Best part they are cheap and cost for pair less then 1 pentax adapter.

Best solution would be get some pocket wizards, they are expensive but worth it.

-spam- · 12-12-2007, 06:42 PM

Your best bet would be some sort of wireless trigger system. In my opinion, you have 3 choices.

The Gadget Infinity 16 Channel Studio Strobe Triggers

Elincrhom Skyports

And of course, Pocket Wizards

Ive also listed them from least to most expensive.

Edit: and some interesting reading perhaps. poocs.net — Elinchrom Skyport vs. PocketWizard

Matt Miller · 12-13-2007, 05:13 AM

I had the same problem. I purchased the Alien Bees radio flash trigger transmitter & receiver and couldn't be happier. It works perfectly.

AlienBees: Remote Controls, Wired and Wireless Remotes for your Flash Units

MRRiley · 12-13-2007, 07:50 AM

All of my studio and off camera flash experience is decades out of date. I assume the Gadget Infinity units have to be used in X or M mode of the K10D since there is only one pin on the transmitter's shoe. Is that correct?

roscot · 12-13-2007, 09:27 AM

Hi Mike,
As far as I know, all the radio triggers are non TTL, and only have the center firing contact.

roscot · 12-13-2007, 09:34 AM

If you can find some place that actually has this in stock you might try it.
Pentax | Hot Shoe Adapter 2P | 31014 | B&H Photo Video

Radio triggers are much more convenient though. I use PWs, after being totally frustrated with cheaper units. Be aware though, that even with high quality triggers, you might not be able to sync at the full 1/180th shutter speed. I can go to 1/125 with my PWs, but at least they are consistant.

ramzey · 12-13-2007, 10:28 AM

PW does not have problem with sync at 1/180, 1/200, 1/250
thats why im getting them today

roscot · 12-13-2007, 05:34 PM

Not trying to start an argument with you or anything, but have you tried them yet? The best I've been able to do with my Bowens units is 1/125. Please let me know if you can sync faster with your Alien Bees. I may have a problem with the camera or my flash units.

Just out of curiosity, how do you intend to sync at 1/200 or 1/250 when the camera's top sync speed is 1/180.

ramzey · 12-13-2007, 06:31 PM

Originally posted by roscot

Not trying to start an argument with you or anything, but have you tried them yet? The best I've been able to do with my Bowens units is 1/125. Please let me know if you can sync faster with your Alien Bees. I may have a problem with the camera or my flash units.

Just out of curiosity, how do you intend to sync at 1/200 or 1/250 when the camera's top sync speed is 1/180.

I use PW on ABR , AB800, AB400 and AB Zeus several times. No problem with sync 1/180 on my Pentax. Also with higher speed on other brands cameras, nikon D200 (1/250) and Canons 30D, 20D, 40D. (here sync speed vary depend from model)
I never said pentax can sync flashes on higher speed, i just said PW can.

anomaly · 12-13-2007, 07:18 PM

Alien bees has wireless triggers that work well.

roscot · 12-15-2007, 05:30 AM

Hmm, my units must have a longer response time to the signal. re the sync speed, sorry, I misunderstood you.

MRRiley · 12-18-2007, 10:36 AM

I went to a shoot on Friday the 14th and the studio had both the Gadget Infinity units and 2 different kinds of Pocket Wizards. Both worked flawlessly on my K10D at 1/180sec sync. 1 set used dual Alien Bee B800 and PWs on channel 1. The second set used a single Alien Bee 400WS and the GI control. The third set used 2 Elinchrome flashes (didn't notice the model) and PWs on channel 4. The only problem I had was the fact that since there were sometimes 4-5 photographers working simultaneously with the same model on the each set, we occasionally stomped on each other's shots (blank screen of oblivion). Overall, I shot approx 500 shots switching back and forth between the 3 sets without any problems. Photos will be posted soon...

Dnabors · 12-18-2007, 05:27 PM

Thanks, everybody! That's exactly what I needed to know. I think I'm going to go with the Alien Bees, and I am very happy to be able to do so with confidence.
Thanks again - I'm so happy I found this forum!

12-12-2007, 10:15 AM	#1
Dnabors New Member	Using K10D with external strobes I am having trouble using my external strobes (Alien Bees B800) with my K10, due to the lack of a PC terminal on the camera. I first bought the least expensive hot shoe adapter I could find (don't remember the name) and it wouldn't even fit on my camera's hotshoe! Next, I went to the local camera dealer and spent waaay too much on a Wein Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe Safe Sync, and it fit and worked for about half a shoot, and then failed to fire with the camera, and I know it's not a cord issue, bc the flash unit still fired when I pressed the test button on the Wein. Then, I borrowed another, more basic adapter from a friend and it did the same as the Wein - worked for about half a shoot then quit, but unlike the Wein it will still occasionally work, but I really need something more reliable. I have most recently been using my on camera flash as a trigger, but that is not always possible with the lighting set up I want, and sometimes I would like to use the B800 by itself. The only hotshoe adapters I can find on the internet that claim compatibility with the K10 are for using the Pentax flashes and work with 5 pin cords, not pc cords. I was able to find a Pentax Hotshoe Adapter 2P, which is stated to work with SF, PZ and ZX series cameras. Does anyone know if that will work with the K10? I have been considering a radio slave hot shoe sync adapter, but before I sink any more money into this issue, I would like to hear from anyone who has successfully figured this out. I know I can't be the only one with this problem, and any help would be much appreciated!

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12-12-2007, 06:13 PM	#2
ramzey Forum Member	After same issue with cheap hot shoe adapter and cord i decided to get this cheap ebay radio triggers. Weak part they have limited range 10-15 ft and work for sync speed 1/125s and slower. Best part they are cheap and cost for pair less then 1 pentax adapter. Best solution would be get some pocket wizards, they are expensive but worth it.

12-12-2007, 06:42 PM	#3
-spam- Veteran Member	Your best bet would be some sort of wireless trigger system. In my opinion, you have 3 choices. The Gadget Infinity 16 Channel Studio Strobe Triggers Elincrhom Skyports And of course, Pocket Wizards Ive also listed them from least to most expensive. Edit: and some interesting reading perhaps. poocs.net — Elinchrom Skyport vs. PocketWizard

12-13-2007, 05:13 AM	#4
Matt Miller Veteran Member	I had the same problem. I purchased the Alien Bees radio flash trigger transmitter & receiver and couldn't be happier. It works perfectly. AlienBees: Remote Controls, Wired and Wireless Remotes for your Flash Units

12-13-2007, 07:50 AM	#5
MRRiley Moderator Site Supporter	All of my studio and off camera flash experience is decades out of date. I assume the Gadget Infinity units have to be used in X or M mode of the K10D since there is only one pin on the transmitter's shoe. Is that correct?

12-13-2007, 09:27 AM	#6
roscot Veteran Member	Hi Mike, As far as I know, all the radio triggers are non TTL, and only have the center firing contact.

12-13-2007, 09:34 AM	#7
roscot Veteran Member	If you can find some place that actually has this in stock you might try it. Pentax \| Hot Shoe Adapter 2P \| 31014 \| B&H Photo Video Radio triggers are much more convenient though. I use PWs, after being totally frustrated with cheaper units. Be aware though, that even with high quality triggers, you might not be able to sync at the full 1/180th shutter speed. I can go to 1/125 with my PWs, but at least they are consistant.

12-13-2007, 10:28 AM	#8
ramzey Forum Member	PW does not have problem with sync at 1/180, 1/200, 1/250 thats why im getting them today

12-13-2007, 05:34 PM	#9
roscot Veteran Member	Not trying to start an argument with you or anything, but have you tried them yet? The best I've been able to do with my Bowens units is 1/125. Please let me know if you can sync faster with your Alien Bees. I may have a problem with the camera or my flash units. Just out of curiosity, how do you intend to sync at 1/200 or 1/250 when the camera's top sync speed is 1/180.

12-13-2007, 06:31 PM	#10
ramzey Forum Member	Originally posted by roscot Not trying to start an argument with you or anything, but have you tried them yet? The best I've been able to do with my Bowens units is 1/125. Please let me know if you can sync faster with your Alien Bees. I may have a problem with the camera or my flash units. Just out of curiosity, how do you intend to sync at 1/200 or 1/250 when the camera's top sync speed is 1/180. I use PW on ABR , AB800, AB400 and AB Zeus several times. No problem with sync 1/180 on my Pentax. Also with higher speed on other brands cameras, nikon D200 (1/250) and Canons 30D, 20D, 40D. (here sync speed vary depend from model) I never said pentax can sync flashes on higher speed, i just said PW can.

12-13-2007, 07:18 PM	#11
anomaly Senior Member	Alien bees has wireless triggers that work well.

12-15-2007, 05:30 AM	#12
roscot Veteran Member	Hmm, my units must have a longer response time to the signal. re the sync speed, sorry, I misunderstood you.

12-18-2007, 10:36 AM	#13
MRRiley Moderator Site Supporter	I went to a shoot on Friday the 14th and the studio had both the Gadget Infinity units and 2 different kinds of Pocket Wizards. Both worked flawlessly on my K10D at 1/180sec sync. 1 set used dual Alien Bee B800 and PWs on channel 1. The second set used a single Alien Bee 400WS and the GI control. The third set used 2 Elinchrome flashes (didn't notice the model) and PWs on channel 4. The only problem I had was the fact that since there were sometimes 4-5 photographers working simultaneously with the same model on the each set, we occasionally stomped on each other's shots (blank screen of oblivion). Overall, I shot approx 500 shots switching back and forth between the 3 sets without any problems. Photos will be posted soon...

12-18-2007, 05:27 PM	#14
Dnabors New Member	Thanks, everybody! That's exactly what I needed to know. I think I'm going to go with the Alien Bees, and I am very happy to be able to do so with confidence. Thanks again - I'm so happy I found this forum!