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11-28-2010, 10:28 AM   #1
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Wireless Flash Triggers for Pentax K20D & 540FGZ Flash?

Dear B&H Expert Sir/Madam:

I'm researching wireless flash triggers for location portraiture using the Pentax AF-540 FGZ flash & K20D. I have far too many misfires using the pop-up as a controller & 540 as slave, and I also often exceed the 13-feet maximum distance between camera and flash, so I must upgrade. Researching wireless trigger systems is tedious, but I'm not finding the specific answers I seek. Have you any insights as to which manufacturer’s/model's receiver/transmitter systems are compatible and reliable with the K20d/540 combo? I'd prefer a system that is not brand-specific so can use it with other setups in the event I switch camera systems. Is a trigger basically just a trigger? Or is there the threat of "frying" the flash and/or camera using an incompatible system? I'm not opposed to spending the right amount of money for the ideal setup, but I don't want to pay for more features than I really need. E.g., a few channels would be nice, but I don't need to trigger my flash from the next state over. So far, I've looked at less expensive models/kits from Photoflex, Lastolite and Flashpoint that, according to their product descriptions, seem to be adequate, but they're always using/demo-ing their products with Nikon or Canon flashes - and some boast being designed specifically for Speedlights. Please share your wisdom and help me demystify this decision making process. Thanks!

11-28-2010, 01:16 PM   #2
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Hello,

Since I do not see a TTL option for Pentax, this set up is excellent.

With the Elinchrom Skyport Universal SPEED Set, you'll be able to use one the world's smallest remote control systems (Elinchrom Skyport) to control just about any commercial flash unit--the included Universal SPEED Receiver is compatible with older Elinchrom units and any other flash brand, using the included sync cables and adapters to connect to any flash with a 3.5mm socket.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611247-REG/Elinchrom_EL_Skyport_Univer...5981/


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11-29-2010, 04:07 PM   #3
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Chuck - thank you so much. Pentax Support was not helpful in my research so I appreciate your feedback. They told me the PC socket uses a standard PC cord, but the manual calls it a "5P sync socket." Admittedly, I do not know if those are a match. And when inquiring about operational voltage to avoid frying my flash, they simply told me, "There is no specification available for operational voltage. Pentax doesn't release specifications for matching non-Pentax accessories with the cameras."

I don't expect to use TTL in the wireless set up anyway because I'll keep my flash(es) in manual mode (whether with Pentax or a new camera system) so the lack of TTL options is not an issue.

Out of curiosity, have you insights on the following systems for the K20D cam and 540 flash? If I can get reliable results with any of these, I'd rather not drop that amount of money on the Elinchrom
Lastolite RF flash trigger system #2450 & 2451
Flash Triggers - Lastolite Limited
It's described as, “Battery operated wireless trigger system for battery operated flash guns and studio flash. Simply attach the transmitter to the hotshoe on your camera, and then attach your receiver unit to the flash gun which can be mounted onto a stand or other similar support brackets. The trigger.” The system has a range of 10 meters. The trigger operates at 433 MHZ. $77.83 and additional receiver units are $46.69 each. The only thing is I can’t find anyone that sells them in the states.
Hahnel Combi TF Remote Control & Flash Trigger for Canon, Pentax & Samsung DSLRs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=723410&is=REG&si=rev#anchorToReadReviews
Price: $89.95
Flashpoint RC1, 3-in-1 Remote Control-Camera/Flash Trigger for Pentax
$59.95
Photoflex FlashFire, Battery Powered Wireless Trigger & Receiver Radio Slave Kit, 2.4GHz 16-Channel for StarFlash/ShoeMount Type Flashes
$89.99
Thank you again!

Last edited by veezchick; 11-29-2010 at 04:25 PM.
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