new k-5 and issue with 360fgz

docablas · 11-09-2010, 07:46 PM

finally got the k-5 (thanks newegg) and mounted the da40 and my 360fgz flash. taking indoor pcitures i noticed that most shots were over-exposed when using the 360 fgz set at ttl and bouncing light of the ceiling. with my k20d, using same flash and ttl settings, pictures were about 1/3 stop under-exposed (my k20d shot with or without flash, indoors or outdoors a little under-exposed).

switching the 360fgz to auto mode seems to fix the problem. i would have thought that ttl would have given more accurate metering and flash intensity. would like to solicit any thoughts or see if any k-5 owners have had the same issue.

thanks.

Parallax · 11-09-2010, 07:54 PM

My experience with TTL and P-TTL with external flash is that the technology is in serious need of refinement. I use mine in Auto mode so I know what to expect.
The strange thing is that the built in flash gives very consistent and predictable results, but my 360 is all over the place for exposure.

Cannikin · 11-09-2010, 08:03 PM

A couple others, including me, have observed this same behavior with the K-5 and P-TTL bounce flash. Direct flash seems to work ok. See these threads for more discussion about this:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/119630-my-2-days-old-k5-faulty.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/119808-k-5-flash.html

This is now clearly more than an isolated incident with several people independently reporting the same problem. I'm personally waiting for the upcoming firmware update to see if it fixes the bug.

Adam · 11-09-2010, 08:51 PM

All would be fixed if the newer DSLRs implemented TTL technology. I still wish Pentax would go back to including that.

Adam
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**jpzk** · 11-09-2010, 09:04 PM

There seems to be an escalation of the K5 flash "issue".
This being the third thread (at least) on the subject.

Sure comes at a handy time when I am trying to learn flash photography and hoping the K5 would be the ideal camera for that. Luckily enough, I still have my K7 which does not have such issue.

Does anyone have any answer from Pentax yet?

If this is a firmware fix, well, please Pentax do it soon.
If this is harware related .... I am postponing my acquisition of the K5 until it is fixed. It was ordered last week but I am not obliged to buy it.

Why not start a specific thread and send all of the "complaints" to Pentax? ... just a suggestion.

JP

blockamon · 11-09-2010, 09:21 PM

What mode are you shooting in? I have only played with the flash a little on the K-5, but it seems like it tends to overexpose on TAv mode (picked a really high ISO based on ambient light). In Manual, with a more normal ISO, it exposed fine. Note, however, that this was with direct flash through a diffuser and small softbox.

**jpzk** · 11-09-2010, 09:36 PM

Originally posted by blockamon

What mode are you shooting in? I have only played with the flash a little on the K-5, but it seems like it tends to overexpose on TAv mode (picked a really high ISO based on ambient light). In Manual, with a more normal ISO, it exposed fine. Note, however, that this was with direct flash through a diffuser and small softbox.

I tried Av, which is the mode I prefer for controlling the aperture, Bokeh, OOF areas, etc ...
Quite a bit of overexposure at wide open and getting increasingly darker as I stop down with the same settings.
I suppose I have to adjust accordingly?

JP

OOps! I thought this was meant for me ... sorry to the OP.

kittykat46 · 11-09-2010, 10:41 PM

I'm nervously awaiting the firmware update for this as well.....
It shouldn't be a hardware issue - there's no reason they can't get P-TTL as good as the K-7, which had accurate flash, both direct and bounced.

simico · 11-10-2010, 05:43 AM

I have no issues at all with K-5 & Metz 48 in P-TTL, bouncing off the walls and ceiling.

Frederick · 11-10-2010, 06:01 AM

Has anyone contacted Pentax regarding this issue.Will others with K5 and the 360 run some test.These bugs are normal in early runs of new models,and bet will be fixed with other yet to be discovered bugs.

Naim Khan · 11-10-2010, 06:27 AM

Hi,
I have just posted an update in this thread:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/119808-k-5-flash-2.html

Cheers

dlacouture · 11-10-2010, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by simico

I have no issues at all with K-5 & Metz 48 in P-TTL, bouncing off the walls and ceiling.

Same here with a Sigma 530 Super...

docablas · 11-10-2010, 06:52 AM

apologies for not finding the other flash issues. i also shoot in aperture control primarily. hoping for a fix in firmware no.2

11-09-2010, 07:46 PM	#1
docablas Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: williamsort, pa Posts: 8	new k-5 and issue with 360fgz finally got the k-5 (thanks newegg) and mounted the da40 and my 360fgz flash. taking indoor pcitures i noticed that most shots were over-exposed when using the 360 fgz set at ttl and bouncing light of the ceiling. with my k20d, using same flash and ttl settings, pictures were about 1/3 stop under-exposed (my k20d shot with or without flash, indoors or outdoors a little under-exposed). switching the 360fgz to auto mode seems to fix the problem. i would have thought that ttl would have given more accurate metering and flash intensity. would like to solicit any thoughts or see if any k-5 owners have had the same issue. thanks.

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11-09-2010, 07:54 PM	#2
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	My experience with TTL and P-TTL with external flash is that the technology is in serious need of refinement. I use mine in Auto mode so I know what to expect. The strange thing is that the built in flash gives very consistent and predictable results, but my 360 is all over the place for exposure.

11-09-2010, 08:03 PM	#3
Cannikin Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SW Washington Posts: 833	A couple others, including me, have observed this same behavior with the K-5 and P-TTL bounce flash. Direct flash seems to work ok. See these threads for more discussion about this: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/119630-my-2-days-old-k5-faulty.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/119808-k-5-flash.html This is now clearly more than an isolated incident with several people independently reporting the same problem. I'm personally waiting for the upcoming firmware update to see if it fixes the bug.

11-09-2010, 08:51 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	All would be fixed if the newer DSLRs implemented TTL technology. I still wish Pentax would go back to including that. 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:

11-09-2010, 09:04 PM	#5
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	There seems to be an escalation of the K5 flash "issue". This being the third thread (at least) on the subject. Sure comes at a handy time when I am trying to learn flash photography and hoping the K5 would be the ideal camera for that. Luckily enough, I still have my K7 which does not have such issue. Does anyone have any answer from Pentax yet? If this is a firmware fix, well, please Pentax do it soon. If this is harware related .... I am postponing my acquisition of the K5 until it is fixed. It was ordered last week but I am not obliged to buy it. Why not start a specific thread and send all of the "complaints" to Pentax? ... just a suggestion. JP

11-09-2010, 09:21 PM	#6
blockamon Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 57	What mode are you shooting in? I have only played with the flash a little on the K-5, but it seems like it tends to overexpose on TAv mode (picked a really high ISO based on ambient light). In Manual, with a more normal ISO, it exposed fine. Note, however, that this was with direct flash through a diffuser and small softbox.

11-09-2010, 09:36 PM	#7
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by blockamon What mode are you shooting in? I have only played with the flash a little on the K-5, but it seems like it tends to overexpose on TAv mode (picked a really high ISO based on ambient light). In Manual, with a more normal ISO, it exposed fine. Note, however, that this was with direct flash through a diffuser and small softbox. I tried Av, which is the mode I prefer for controlling the aperture, Bokeh, OOF areas, etc ... Quite a bit of overexposure at wide open and getting increasingly darker as I stop down with the same settings. I suppose I have to adjust accordingly? JP OOps! I thought this was meant for me ... sorry to the OP.

11-09-2010, 10:41 PM	#8
kittykat46 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 923	I'm nervously awaiting the firmware update for this as well..... It shouldn't be a hardware issue - there's no reason they can't get P-TTL as good as the K-7, which had accurate flash, both direct and bounced.

11-10-2010, 05:43 AM	#9
simico Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Budapest Posts: 821	I have no issues at all with K-5 & Metz 48 in P-TTL, bouncing off the walls and ceiling.

11-10-2010, 06:01 AM	#10
Frederick Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Mandeville Jamaica W.I. Posts: 24	Has anyone contacted Pentax regarding this issue.Will others with K5 and the 360 run some test.These bugs are normal in early runs of new models,and bet will be fixed with other yet to be discovered bugs.

11-10-2010, 06:27 AM	#11
Naim Khan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire Posts: 177	Hi, I have just posted an update in this thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/119808-k-5-flash-2.html Cheers

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11-10-2010, 06:41 AM	#12
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074	Originally posted by simico I have no issues at all with K-5 & Metz 48 in P-TTL, bouncing off the walls and ceiling. Same here with a Sigma 530 Super...

11-10-2010, 06:52 AM	#13
docablas Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: williamsort, pa Posts: 8 Original Poster	apologies for not finding the other flash issues. i also shoot in aperture control primarily. hoping for a fix in firmware no.2