[aoeu]

I would particularly like an online link to such a thing. I bought one recently and am baffled by how to use it with a flash. Perhaps I should use it with a TTL flash on my *ist-D rather than my K-5?

[stevebrot]

It may work with an analog TTL flash on the *ist-D, but I suspect your AF280T or AF540FGZ in auto mode may be your best option on the K-5. Either that or use full manual technique. The lens manual will likely be of little help.


Steve

[aoeu]

I was hoping to understand how to use the onboard flash rather than an external flash. My goal is unstaged portraits so full manual is a problem. I'm struggling with focusing on eyes at the time of shutter press.

[stevebrot]

I was hoping to understand how to use the onboard flash rather than an external flash. My goal is unstaged portraits so full manual is a problem. I'm struggling with focusing on eyes at the time of shutter press.

Thinking about this further, your use case is difficult regardless of flash used.

• The lens is not easy for fine focus
• The aperture is partially manual and is used mostly for effect
• As a result neither P-TTL or auto flash will generally work
• On-board manual flash will also not work
• Small speedlight with many power settings might work, though not on the fly
• Analog/digital TTL may work

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Last edited by stevebrot; 05-29-2016 at 12:54 PM.

[Not a Number]

May not mean anything:
K-7 and PENTAX Soft Focus Lenses | Ricoh Imaging Support

K-7 and PENTAX Soft Focus Lenses

Q: Can PENTAX soft focus lenses be used with the K-7?

A: Yes. The PENTAX 85mm f/2.8 FA or F series and 28mm f/2.8 FA series Soft Focus lenses can be used automatically, or with manual aperture control. If using automatically, Aperture value (Av) will be automatically selected in the following modes: P Sv Tv Av TAv If setting the aperture manually, then "Using Aperture Ring" must be set to "PERMITTED" in Custom Settings .

The 2002 SMC Pentax FA interchangeable lens operating manual in the built-in flash compatibility table (checking vignetting) lists the 28mm and 85mm soft focus lenses as compatible on the Z/PZ, MZ and MZ-S series film cameras. I believe these bodies had analog TTL for flash so at least that should work with these lenses.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&ved=0ahUKEw...5EsUDg&cad=rja

[Adam]

TTL is needed if you want full automation with the on-board flash, so that would pretty much limit you to the *ist D. On newer cameras you might also be able to get away with using the manual flash power setting.

But auto flash with the external flashes mentioned may be a viable option. Assuming your lighting is constant, it shouldn't be too much of an inconvenience.

[Lowell Goudge]

Since it is an FA lens it should work with all your bodies, but perhaps because it is soft, the P-TTL gets confused. If that is the de, use the *istD and take the lens out of A which forces TTL over P-TTL