flash

jeghead1 · 05-26-2010, 06:00 PM

hello i just bought a k-x from B&H and i am wondering if i can use my old flash without hurting the camera.
the flash i have is a spectrum 370txp ttl dedication

thanks
Jason

xjx · 05-26-2010, 09:17 PM

Your choice will fall into one or more of the three categories:

(1) A P-TTL flash. It will work with the camera to determine proper flash output;

(2) An "auto" flash. The flash has a built-in meter and can decide the amount of flash output by itself;

(3) A "manual" flash. The flash allow you to manually set the output strength.

Those "dedicated" TTL-only (not P-TTL, without auto or manual setting) flashes won't work.

Chuck-B&H · 05-27-2010, 01:21 PM

We do not carry this brand and I have no experience with it. Sorry.

C h u c k C a p r i o l a
Live Chat and E-Mail Sales Manager B&H Photo-Video

Thank you, we appreciate your business.
*** Peace on Earth ***

AndrewG NY · 05-27-2010, 01:30 PM

In addition to the 'protocol' issues that xjx described, the other possible issue is trigger voltage. Modern digital cameras are sensitive to extra-high trigger voltage. Some older flashes had insanely high trigger voltages, like 300V or more. The cameras will handle 6-12V OK, pretty much all Pentax-made flashes are in this range. Your flash can be tested with a multimeter. If its voltage is high, there are hotshoe adapters like Wein SafeSync to protect your camera.

The fact this is an older flash with 'TTL dedication' suggests it will not provide full P-TTL automation on a Pentax D-SLR, so you'll be stuck with manual and/or auto-flash.

Adam · 05-27-2010, 06:51 PM

You might want to post questions like these in our other forums, since B&H does not carry it. See here: Camera and Studio Accessories - PentaxForums.com

05-26-2010, 06:00 PM	#1
jeghead1 Inactive Account Join Date: May 2010 Location: Renton, Washington Posts: 35	flash hello i just bought a k-x from B&H and i am wondering if i can use my old flash without hurting the camera. the flash i have is a spectrum 370txp ttl dedication thanks Jason

05-26-2010, 09:17 PM	#2
xjx Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Seattle, WA Photos: Albums Posts: 64	Your choice will fall into one or more of the three categories: (1) A P-TTL flash. It will work with the camera to determine proper flash output; (2) An "auto" flash. The flash has a built-in meter and can decide the amount of flash output by itself; (3) A "manual" flash. The flash allow you to manually set the output strength. Those "dedicated" TTL-only (not P-TTL, without auto or manual setting) flashes won't work. Last edited by xjx; 05-26-2010 at 09:32 PM.

05-27-2010, 06:51 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	You might want to post questions like these in our other forums, since B&H does not carry it. See here: Camera and Studio Accessories - PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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05-27-2010, 01:21 PM	#3
Chuck-B&H B&H Photo Specialist Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York Posts: 935	We do not carry this brand and I have no experience with it. Sorry. C h u c k C a p r i o l a Live Chat and E-Mail Sales Manager B&H Photo-Video Thank you, we appreciate your business. * Peace on Earth *

05-27-2010, 01:30 PM	#4
AndrewG NY Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chappaqua, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 688	In addition to the 'protocol' issues that xjx described, the other possible issue is trigger voltage. Modern digital cameras are sensitive to extra-high trigger voltage. Some older flashes had insanely high trigger voltages, like 300V or more. The cameras will handle 6-12V OK, pretty much all Pentax-made flashes are in this range. Your flash can be tested with a multimeter. If its voltage is high, there are hotshoe adapters like Wein SafeSync to protect your camera. The fact this is an older flash with 'TTL dedication' suggests it will not provide full P-TTL automation on a Pentax D-SLR, so you'll be stuck with manual and/or auto-flash.

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