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PENTAX AF 400T

Reviews Views Date of last review
8 24,620 Tue September 19, 2023
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
100% of reviewers $106.40 8.75
PENTAX AF 400T

PENTAX AF 400T
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PENTAX AF 400T
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PENTAX AF 400T
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Description:
The AF400T is a bracket mounted flash which provides TTL automation, two-level auto flash (using the sensor in the flash), and two levels of manual output.

TTL automation works with cameras which has a built-in TTL flash sensor like the Super Program/Super A, LX, 645 film series, 67II, many autofocus bodies, and the *istD, DS and DS2 DSLR cameras. On non-TTL cameras the auto flash and manual modes can be used.

Three dedicated brackets exist to fit the 67II, the 645 series, and the "35mm" form factor SLRs/DSLRs. The bracket attaches to the tripod mount of the camera.

The flash light can be bounced off a ceiling or wall since the flash head swivels and turns. The flash head can also be turned downwards for close-up photography.

The flash can be connected to the camera in several ways:
4P synch cord A: This cable connects the 4 pin contact on the flash with the TTL capable X synch contact on a Pentax LX camera.
4P synch cord B: This cable connects the 4 pin contact on the flash with a hot shoe.
4P synch cord C: This cable connects the 4 pin contact on the flash with a standard X synch contact. TTL function not possible.
Standard PC synch cord: Connects the PC contact on the flash with an X-synch contact on the camera.

The first photo shows the flash with the 6xAA battery back (below the connector for the bracket) and the 4P Synch Cord B.

Optional accessories:
AFW2 Wide-angle Adapter: A flash head attachment which broadens the angle of coverage,
AFT2 Telephoto Adapter: A flash head attachment, which extends the range,
TR Power Pack,
510V battery pack,
AC adapter,
4P synch cord A
4P synch cord C,
Bracket for 645 series camera,
Bracket for 6x7 series camera.


Flash nameGuide Number (meters ISO 100)Flash controlFlash exposure comp.Flash range
PENTAX AF 400T40TTL auto
Auto (three settings)
Manual (four power levels)
NoTTL auto: 0.25 to 28m
with f/1.4 lens at ISO 100,
Auto: 0.45 to 10m
Flash light angleFlash coverage (24x36)Flash coverage (APS-C)Rotating flash headFlash duration
45 degrees vertical,
60 degress horizontal
35mm lens,
24mm with wide-angle
attachment
24mm lens,
16mm with wide-angle
attachment
Yes, tilt and swivel1/30,000s to 1/1,500
Modeling lightAutofocus spotbeamSensor angleConnectionsBatteries
NoNo20 degrees4P flash cord,
PC flash synch cord,
external power
6 x AA
Dimensions (W x H x D)WeightAccessories includedIn production
86 x 260 x 92mm770g (without battery)Bracket for 35mm camera,
4P sync cord B,
Battery pack for 6 AA
batteries
No



Dedicated camera functionsActual availability depends on the camera, exposure mode and flash settings
Set synch speed when flash is chargedYes - MV, ME Super and later
Flash ready signal in view finderYes - MV, ME Super and later
Flash confirmation in viewfinderYes - LX, Super Program/Super A etc. with TTL flash support
Price History:



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New Member

Registered: July, 2013
Posts: 2
Review Date: September 19, 2023 Recommended | Price: $29.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Power output, price, appearance
Cons: Massive, power consumption

The AF400T was too expensive during the film era for me to justify acquiring one, so my occasional flash requirements were adequately handled with an AF280T. I recently came across not one, but TWO AF400T units on ebay, in excellent condition, for less than $30 each. Just the flash units - no camera bracket or cords. KEH had two 4P B sync cords in stock, so I ordered the whole lot. Everything arrived this past weekend. One of the units came with the wide angle diffuser (bonus), both were in excellent to like new condition. The battery holder is a bit tricky to close but gets easier with repetition. It was worth buying them just to have them, but they will get used, hooked up to radio triggers for some nighttime outdoor work. Not going to bother with searching for the 35 camera brackets, as I can't see ever using them that way when I have more modern flashes that weigh a fraction and have enhanced features like HSS.

Tickled I could get these examples of Pentax pro equipment for a pittance.

Update: I acquired the AC adapter for these units, may come in handy someday.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: April, 2013
Location: Southeastern Connecticut
Posts: 39
Review Date: December 18, 2014 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Powerful, works with several cameras
Cons: Heavy, intimidating

I purchased the flash new for use with my Pentax 67, along with the mounting bracket and the connecting cord. It works well, but of course makes for a heavy combo with the P67, and can stimulate some deer-in-the-headlights reactions from people in its range. It works even better on my Pentax 645 N II allowing as it does TTL exposure. Still, though, it is a big monster.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: October, 2008
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 8,085
Review Date: December 6, 2013 Recommended | Price: $98.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: The best flash for a Pentax 6x7 or 67 camera. TTL support on the LX.
Cons: A bit heavy.

I bought my AF400T last year for use on my Pentax 6x7 & 67 film bodies.

I also needed to get a Pentax 6x7 AF400T bracket and the Pentax 4P sync cord “C” to connect the flash. The 6x7 AF400T bracket attaches to the Pentax 6x7/67 like a regular wooden grip. The 4P plug attaches to the flash and the “X” sync connection to the camera body or a leaf shutter lens. (See attached picture.)

Since neither of these Pentax 6x7 bodies or the sync “C” cord support TTL flash I have been only able to use the AF400T in Auto and Manual mode. This has not been an issue and the flash works perfectly. However the flash does add a fair amount of extra weight to an already heavy 6x7 camera!

I also have the Pentax 67II camera that does support TTL flash, but use my AF500FTZ as it's a better option for this newer and last 6x7 body.

Overall this is the flash of choice for the Pentax 6x7 or 67 bodies, along with the 35mm Pentax LX which does support TTL flash. Highly recommended!

   
Giveaway winner!

Registered: December, 2007
Location: beantown
Posts: 944
Review Date: December 7, 2011 Recommended | Price: $55.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Power, Accurate, Flexible
Cons: Rare to find accessories these days

On my LX is superb...of course.
On my 6x7 is handy and nice.
On my K20D is very usable and surprisingly good results.
On my MX... my MX looks more tiny, but the flash works well.

TTL is easy and so far excellent.

I wish I picked this up twenty years ago... oh yeah the $$$. Now it is a major hunt to find accessories.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: November, 2009
Location: Strand
Posts: 1,366
Review Date: March 10, 2011 Recommended | Price: $200.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: powerful
Cons: bulky and heavy

This flash was my favourite during the film era. Never went out without. A truely reliable work horse.

During the years, I have this unit serviced several times: battery grip melt down due to full power shoots 10+ film rolls, new thicker power cable inside, new capacitance, new bulb, new synch cables, and best of all new DIY battery pack dimensioned for rechargable full power use. I have modified my unit so much that it may not look as nice as the original one, but it never fail after the modifies.

It was the best/most powerful I can get in early 80's, still I wish it had better build and better designed for power uses. The design was too weak regarding electric power and cable dimensions.

Recommend? yes if you need power, but be aware of it's weaknesses.

I now leave this unit home and prefer newer units. It serves as a display object along with all my old film bodies.
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: July, 2007
Location: Jonesboro, GA
Posts: 1,970
Review Date: September 29, 2010 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Powerful, reliable
Cons: Used with TTL via the LX, none except that its BIG

I have this flash, along with the auxillary 6 C cell power pack, and the accessory wide angle and tele adaptors. It is excellent for weddings and other shoots where you expect to shoot many exposures, with the C cell pack you're good to go for a long time. The 6 AA cell packs are, as noted by an earlier writer, a pain to reload.

With my LX flash shooting is a joy. Bounce flash is easy because of the 400's high power and the swivelling flash head. Off camera flash is just a button-push away. This is truly a professional unit.

How sad that Pentax changed from TTL to P-TTL. Supposedly this was because of the reflectance characteristics of the digital sensors as compared to film, but didn't the first DSLR from Pentax use TTL? What more rational way to control the flash than from the light falling on the film or sensor!

BTW, I've seen somewhere that the 6 C cell power pack can be adapted to power the current flagship Pentax flash, the 540, by changing out the plug. Why didn't Pentax use the same plug, unless profit trumps loyal customers.

Inquiring minds want to know....
   
Veteran Member

Registered: October, 2008
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 9,830
Review Date: July 14, 2010 Recommended | Price: $150.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Great power and very durable
Cons: Bulky, Battery changing is awkward, lacks advanced modes for DSLR

This is a big, heavy potato-masher flash from the past, but it does the job.

The power is there, and the TTL with my SuperProgram, LX or AF film SLRs works great. The bracket is well balanced for a 645 or even a SpeedGraphic. The power seems more than rated--probably because this is not a zoom flash, and the power rating is without gimmicks. It has great manual modes and the HV AC adapter provides almost instant recycling if you can use it indoors near a plug. Changing out the six AA batts for self-contained use requires a coin and some patience.

Best of all, it takes a licking and keeps on flashing. I've had it fall on to a concrete floor with no visible or operational damage.
   
PEG Moderator

Registered: August, 2008
Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake
Posts: 57,760
Review Date: July 1, 2010 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Plenty of power
Cons: Does not have all the latest auto capabilities

A great piece of kit, very robust and durable as flashguns go, I have several of these all serving me well and now they can be picked up quite cheaply.

Used as a manual flash hard to beat, but lacks some of the more modern auto flash modes.
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