Pentax-TTL, how is it with K5 now?

Reportage · 10-17-2010, 10:28 PM

same, better, smarter?

Adam · 10-17-2010, 11:04 PM

Still no TTL, if you're referring to flash. The last body to support that was the *ist DS2

Reportage · 10-18-2010, 04:19 AM

ah well.

jrforman · 10-18-2010, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Still no TTL, if you're referring to flash. The last body to support that was the *ist DS2

Adam, I think he is referencing Pentax-TTL or P-TTL. Isn't that the description of the current flash technology?

And if so, have there been any changes to the flash methods?

quarc · 10-18-2010, 02:06 PM

TTL (Through The Lens) of the traditional kind, measuring reflected light from the film, does not work well in the digital era as the sensor does not reflect light in a good way. Therefore all brands are instead using some kind of P-TTL, P standing for P. Works by having a pre-flash to measure before the mirror if flipped. Therefore, do not expect TTL to ever be supported again.

jrforman · 10-18-2010, 02:18 PM

Has there been any functional changes to the flash technology in the K-5? Of any sort...

There aren't any that I am aware of. Anyone else???

Adam · 10-18-2010, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by jrforman

Adam, I think he is referencing Pentax-TTL or P-TTL. Isn't that the description of the current flash technology?

And if so, have there been any changes to the flash methods?

I thought it stood for Program-TTL, which is basically the cheap calculated version of TTL. It basically equates to crippled lens mounts vs non-crippled lens mount.

Originally posted by jrforman

Has there been any functional changes to the flash technology in the K-5? Of any sort...

There aren't any that I am aware of. Anyone else???

Pentax K-5 & Pentax K-7 - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com

No changes. The only thing that might be coming out is an increased sync speed through a firmware update- there's a thread on why that's possible: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/118349-about-1-250-x-s...ash-rumor.html

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

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jrforman · 10-18-2010, 02:56 PM

so this topic made me put a flash on the K-5 and take the same shots with my K20D. There was a distinct difference.

I never trusted the K20D and mostly shot in manual mode. But I am surprised with the results on the K-5 on consistency (which was always an issue on the K20D). Perhaps this was here on the K-7 and I just didn't know, but its a marked improvement in P-TTL. It could be also related to better metering too. Will try some more latter in the week as time permits.

jrforman · 10-18-2010, 04:10 PM

Question:

Is there a difference between flash output and consistancy in K20D and K-5 in P-TTL?

Set Up:

I set up K20D and K-5 on tripod, using metz 58-AF flash in P-TTL mode, bounced off side wall, flash set exactly the same angle. Shot both in ISO 100, f4.0, 180 sec. Both used same lens, DA* 50-135 at 70 to 90mm (I don't believe difference in zoom effected results - did check this).

Results:

Flash Output inconsistent with K20D. Three examples attached all with same settings but different results. Also all underexposed.

Flash Output consistent with K-5 although slightly overexposed. When flash was at -1 compensation, skin tones appeared good and nothing was blown out. Without compensation, there was slight blow out of skin tones on side of face that was facing flash reflection. Two examples with and without compensation attached. Tested at other ISO and Aperture settings with same results (slight overexposure but consistent).

This was only a test between these two models. I have NO idea how K-7 performs.

SOldBear · 10-18-2010, 04:17 PM

p-TTL consistency was vastly improved in K7, compared to K10D (and K20D I suppose).

I dare NOT to use p-TTL with my K10D and Pentax 540 units (I have 2 K10D bodies and 2 540 units so I know it's not a case of individual equipment failure).

K7's p-TTL is much more consistent and is actually usable. Mine needs +0.7 EC but I can live with that.

10-17-2010, 10:28 PM	#1
Reportage Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 739	Pentax-TTL, how is it with K5 now? same, better, smarter?

10-17-2010, 11:04 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Still no TTL, if you're referring to flash. The last body to support that was the ist DS2 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:

10-18-2010, 02:18 PM	#6
jrforman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 202	O.K., let me rephrase the question... Has there been any functional changes to the flash technology in the K-5? Of any sort... There aren't any that I am aware of. Anyone else???

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10-18-2010, 04:19 AM	#3
Reportage Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 739 Original Poster	ah well.

10-18-2010, 01:43 PM	#4
jrforman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 202	Originally posted by Adam Still no TTL, if you're referring to flash. The last body to support that was the *ist DS2 Adam, I think he is referencing Pentax-TTL or P-TTL. Isn't that the description of the current flash technology? And if so, have there been any changes to the flash methods?

10-18-2010, 02:06 PM	#5
quarc Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 182	TTL (Through The Lens) of the traditional kind, measuring reflected light from the film, does not work well in the digital era as the sensor does not reflect light in a good way. Therefore all brands are instead using some kind of P-TTL, P standing for P. Works by having a pre-flash to measure before the mirror if flipped. Therefore, do not expect TTL to ever be supported again.

10-18-2010, 02:22 PM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by jrforman Adam, I think he is referencing Pentax-TTL or P-TTL. Isn't that the description of the current flash technology? And if so, have there been any changes to the flash methods? I thought it stood for Program-TTL, which is basically the cheap calculated version of TTL. It basically equates to crippled lens mounts vs non-crippled lens mount. Originally posted by jrforman Has there been any functional changes to the flash technology in the K-5? Of any sort... There aren't any that I am aware of. Anyone else??? Pentax K-5 & Pentax K-7 - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com No changes. The only thing that might be coming out is an increased sync speed through a firmware update- there's a thread on why that's possible: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/118349-about-1-250-x-s...ash-rumor.html 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:

10-18-2010, 02:56 PM	#8
jrforman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 202	so this topic made me put a flash on the K-5 and take the same shots with my K20D. There was a distinct difference. I never trusted the K20D and mostly shot in manual mode. But I am surprised with the results on the K-5 on consistency (which was always an issue on the K20D). Perhaps this was here on the K-7 and I just didn't know, but its a marked improvement in P-TTL. It could be also related to better metering too. Will try some more latter in the week as time permits.

10-18-2010, 04:17 PM	#10
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	p-TTL consistency was vastly improved in K7, compared to K10D (and K20D I suppose). I dare NOT to use p-TTL with my K10D and Pentax 540 units (I have 2 K10D bodies and 2 540 units so I know it's not a case of individual equipment failure). K7's p-TTL is much more consistent and is actually usable. Mine needs +0.7 EC but I can live with that.