flash for k5

kace · 12-26-2012, 06:46 PM

Tomorrow I will be a K5 owner - I would like to add an external flash as this is one capability that I lacked on my K-x
and often felt that I would benefit from.

What would be a good choice of flash? I was thinking between the Metz 50, Sigma EF610-dg-st and the Pentax AF-360. I really want to keep it sub $250-ish.

Can someone please point me in the right direction?

Obviously, I am neither a pro, nor an experienced photographer so be kind!

Ponosby Britt · 12-26-2012, 07:03 PM

Find a used Pentax 540 for about $250and you'll have a bunch of choices later as you learn to use flash, including HSS when you need it. If not, Chinese Yongnou 560 II for $45 or $50 and shoot manual. Covering events, I shoot manual on camera with flash on P-TTL, typically -.5 to -1.5V with the black foamy thing to flag and bounce. Portraits, I have off camera, all manual with wireless triggers ( $20 Cowboy Studio NPT-04 work fine). 540 has more oomph, Yongnou is okay. Keep it simple. Its just light, close enough is good enough.

Docrwm · 12-26-2012, 07:32 PM

Tumax makes a capable and inexpensive flash.
Bell & Howell (TUMAX) Z680AF-P reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

Trapezoid645 · 12-26-2012, 07:55 PM

Use your K-5 for intended projects before you decide on how much flash power you want. K-5 may surprise you how far you can push it with available light (including indoor games with DA*50-135 or other similarly great glass). Little fill from AF360-FGZ was all I ever needed. Pentax (360&540) vs Metz (50&58) is smaller&lighter (no swivel on 360), but a bit more fragile as well.

Shanti · 12-26-2012, 08:20 PM

Hi can I use Olympus E flashes or Nikon on the K5II? or can it short circuit something..thanks

**Wingincamera** · 12-27-2012, 08:10 PM

I use the Mecablitz 50 AF-1 flash with a K5-II and no complaints. I purchased it from B&H for $230

peos99 · 12-28-2012, 12:17 AM

I would go for the Metz 50. Or maybe even Metx 44 if you want a simple to use flash.

I was in your situation and was going to buy the Metz 44 when i got a really good deal on a PENTAX AF 540FGZ.
The problem is that the AF 540 GFZ is far too advanced for me. There are too many buttons and settings so i end up using it on Auto setting all the time, and even then i get different results from time to time. Most of the time the pictures get overexposed.

So if you just are going to use the flash indoor for family pictures and such, go for a simple but powerful one. Because the learning process is pretty big for an advanced flash.

This is my experience and i am also not a pro nor a very experienced photographer.

Ray Pulley · 12-28-2012, 09:07 AM

Originally posted by Shanti

Hi can I use Olympus E flashes or Nikon on the K5II? or can it short circuit something..thanks

I cannot speak for Olympus, but I use film-era Nikon SBs (ala strobist) flashes on my Pentax bodies in auto mode with no problems. While the older Nikon SBs are plentiful, the strobist site has made them so popular that they have become stupidly expensive.

Most do not worry about the extra pins that do not align properly, but I removed the foot and de-soldered the extra pins, leaving only the center pin.

I find that, in many cases, auto works better than P-TTL, but HSS and some other P-TTL features will not work, and they can be useful at times.

I think that you should be able to make almost any strobe with an auto/manual mode work on your Pentax body.

Ray

Docrwm · 12-28-2012, 09:09 AM

Originally posted by Ray Pulley

I cannot speak for Olympus, but I use film-era Nikon SBs (ala strobist) flashes on my Pentax bodies in auto mode with no problems. While the older Nikon SBs are plentiful, the strobist site has made them so popular that they have become stupidly expensive.

Most do not worry about the extra pins that do not align properly, but I removed the foot and de-soldered the extra pins, leaving only the center pin.

I find that, in many cases, auto works better than P-TTL, but HSS and some other P-TTL features will not work, and they can be useful at times.

I think that you should be able to make almost any strobe with an auto/manual mode work on your Pentax body.

Ray

Ray,

Those older flashes don't have dangerous voltage issues when used on modern dSLRs?

Ray Pulley · 12-28-2012, 10:33 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Ray,

Those older flashes don't have dangerous voltage issues when used on modern dSLRs?

Good point, and this should be checked before slipping one into the shoe. With the flash powered up and ready to fire, just use a DC voltmeter between the center pin and the ground connections (usually metal tabs on the sides of the flash shoe). I seem to recall a statement from Pentax that up to 30 volts DC is ok. Most newer auto flashes are less than that, but not all, as some flashes switch the actual strobe tube high voltage directly. The Nikon SB-25s I have measure 4.55V DC.

You can use a safe sync if you have a flash that measures high voltage, but why bother? One good and fairly cheap alternative is the Pentax AF280T if you want a simple auto flash with bounce/swivel. It also has the benefit of also having what has come to be known as "smart auto", where the camera will communicate some things like flash ready, and f stop. Lots of threads here on that flash.

Ray

krebsy75 · 12-28-2012, 10:44 AM

You want a flash with its own auto exposure mode. It's a great workaround for the lousy P-TTL in newer cams. And subjects won't have their eyes half closed from the pre-flashes.

tabl10s · 12-31-2012, 09:56 PM

I have a Metz 58AF-2 that's working out fine. i haven't tried P-TTL yet, but I shouldn't have a problem since i won't/don't do much bounce and if I do, it'll be in "A" mode so I won't have anything to bitch about.

MPrince · 01-01-2013, 07:56 AM

Originally posted by Ray Pulley

I cannot speak for Olympus, but I use film-era Nikon SBs (ala strobist) flashes on my Pentax bodies in auto mode with no problems. While the older Nikon SBs are plentiful, the strobist site has made them so popular that they have become stupidly expensive.

Most do not worry about the extra pins that do not align properly, but I removed the foot and de-soldered the extra pins, leaving only the center pin.

I find that, in many cases, auto works better than P-TTL, but HSS and some other P-TTL features will not work, and they can be useful at times.

I think that you should be able to make almost any strobe with an auto/manual mode work on your Pentax body.

Ray

I use Nikon SB-25s on my K-7 both on camera in auto mode and off camera. I use a hot shoe adapter to ensure only center pin contact when using on camera. I think auto mode is far superior to p-ttl as it is more consistent and there are no pre-flashes.

In manual mode, the SB-25 has 7 power levels, from 1/1 down to 1/64, which for my purposes makes it superior to any Pentax flash (new or used) on the market that I am aware of, dollar for dollar. (I know the Pentax AF540 has 7 power levels, but it's expensive and I don't like p-ttl.)

The Nikon SB-25 is available used generally for $90US or less including shipping.

MPrince · 01-01-2013, 07:57 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Ray,

Those older flashes don't have dangerous voltage issues when used on modern dSLRs?

I own a Nikon SB-20, Nikon SB-24, and two Nikon SB-25s. All have trigger voltages of 6V or less.

Richard Spencer · 01-01-2013, 12:21 PM

I use a Vivitar 285, had it a long time and has earned me money on K100d, K20d and now the K5. works superbly is so easy for dummies like me. So easy to use for fill flash work. Have a look at this link.

You Tube

12-26-2012, 06:46 PM	#1
kace Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: S.F. Bay Area Posts: 30	flash for k5 Tomorrow I will be a K5 owner - I would like to add an external flash as this is one capability that I lacked on my K-x and often felt that I would benefit from. What would be a good choice of flash? I was thinking between the Metz 50, Sigma EF610-dg-st and the Pentax AF-360. I really want to keep it sub $250-ish. Can someone please point me in the right direction? Obviously, I am neither a pro, nor an experienced photographer so be kind!

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12-26-2012, 07:03 PM	#2
Ponosby Britt Closed Account Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 227	Find a used Pentax 540 for about $250and you'll have a bunch of choices later as you learn to use flash, including HSS when you need it. If not, Chinese Yongnou 560 II for $45 or $50 and shoot manual. Covering events, I shoot manual on camera with flash on P-TTL, typically -.5 to -1.5V with the black foamy thing to flag and bounce. Portraits, I have off camera, all manual with wireless triggers ( $20 Cowboy Studio NPT-04 work fine). 540 has more oomph, Yongnou is okay. Keep it simple. Its just light, close enough is good enough.

12-26-2012, 07:32 PM	#3
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Tumax makes a capable and inexpensive flash. Bell & Howell (TUMAX) Z680AF-P reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

12-26-2012, 07:55 PM	#4
Trapezoid645 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Santa Barbara Photos: Albums Posts: 60	Use your K-5 for intended projects before you decide on how much flash power you want. K-5 may surprise you how far you can push it with available light (including indoor games with DA*50-135 or other similarly great glass). Little fill from AF360-FGZ was all I ever needed. Pentax (360&540) vs Metz (50&58) is smaller&lighter (no swivel on 360), but a bit more fragile as well.

12-26-2012, 08:20 PM	#5
Shanti Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Western Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 927	Hi can I use Olympus E flashes or Nikon on the K5II? or can it short circuit something..thanks

12-27-2012, 08:10 PM	#6
Wingincamera Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pine Haven, Wyoming Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,182	I use the Mecablitz 50 AF-1 flash with a K5-II and no complaints. I purchased it from B&H for $230

12-28-2012, 12:17 AM	#7
peos99 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 53	I would go for the Metz 50. Or maybe even Metx 44 if you want a simple to use flash. I was in your situation and was going to buy the Metz 44 when i got a really good deal on a PENTAX AF 540FGZ. The problem is that the AF 540 GFZ is far too advanced for me. There are too many buttons and settings so i end up using it on Auto setting all the time, and even then i get different results from time to time. Most of the time the pictures get overexposed. So if you just are going to use the flash indoor for family pictures and such, go for a simple but powerful one. Because the learning process is pretty big for an advanced flash. This is my experience and i am also not a pro nor a very experienced photographer.

12-28-2012, 09:07 AM	#8
Ray Pulley Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fallon Nevada Photos: Albums Posts: 504	Originally posted by Shanti Hi can I use Olympus E flashes or Nikon on the K5II? or can it short circuit something..thanks I cannot speak for Olympus, but I use film-era Nikon SBs (ala strobist) flashes on my Pentax bodies in auto mode with no problems. While the older Nikon SBs are plentiful, the strobist site has made them so popular that they have become stupidly expensive. Most do not worry about the extra pins that do not align properly, but I removed the foot and de-soldered the extra pins, leaving only the center pin. I find that, in many cases, auto works better than P-TTL, but HSS and some other P-TTL features will not work, and they can be useful at times. I think that you should be able to make almost any strobe with an auto/manual mode work on your Pentax body. Ray

12-28-2012, 09:09 AM	#9
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Ray Pulley I cannot speak for Olympus, but I use film-era Nikon SBs (ala strobist) flashes on my Pentax bodies in auto mode with no problems. While the older Nikon SBs are plentiful, the strobist site has made them so popular that they have become stupidly expensive. Most do not worry about the extra pins that do not align properly, but I removed the foot and de-soldered the extra pins, leaving only the center pin. I find that, in many cases, auto works better than P-TTL, but HSS and some other P-TTL features will not work, and they can be useful at times. I think that you should be able to make almost any strobe with an auto/manual mode work on your Pentax body. Ray Ray, Those older flashes don't have dangerous voltage issues when used on modern dSLRs?

12-28-2012, 10:33 AM	#10
Ray Pulley Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fallon Nevada Photos: Albums Posts: 504	Originally posted by Docrwm Ray, Those older flashes don't have dangerous voltage issues when used on modern dSLRs? Good point, and this should be checked before slipping one into the shoe. With the flash powered up and ready to fire, just use a DC voltmeter between the center pin and the ground connections (usually metal tabs on the sides of the flash shoe). I seem to recall a statement from Pentax that up to 30 volts DC is ok. Most newer auto flashes are less than that, but not all, as some flashes switch the actual strobe tube high voltage directly. The Nikon SB-25s I have measure 4.55V DC. You can use a safe sync if you have a flash that measures high voltage, but why bother? One good and fairly cheap alternative is the Pentax AF280T if you want a simple auto flash with bounce/swivel. It also has the benefit of also having what has come to be known as "smart auto", where the camera will communicate some things like flash ready, and f stop. Lots of threads here on that flash. Ray

12-28-2012, 10:44 AM	#11
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804	You want a flash with its own auto exposure mode. It's a great workaround for the lousy P-TTL in newer cams. And subjects won't have their eyes half closed from the pre-flashes.

12-31-2012, 09:56 PM	#12
tabl10s Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sacramento(formerly from B'Ham, England). Posts: 1,424	I have a Metz 58AF-2 that's working out fine. i haven't tried P-TTL yet, but I shouldn't have a problem since i won't/don't do much bounce and if I do, it'll be in "A" mode so I won't have anything to bitch about.

01-01-2013, 07:56 AM	#13
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	Originally posted by Ray Pulley I cannot speak for Olympus, but I use film-era Nikon SBs (ala strobist) flashes on my Pentax bodies in auto mode with no problems. While the older Nikon SBs are plentiful, the strobist site has made them so popular that they have become stupidly expensive. Most do not worry about the extra pins that do not align properly, but I removed the foot and de-soldered the extra pins, leaving only the center pin. I find that, in many cases, auto works better than P-TTL, but HSS and some other P-TTL features will not work, and they can be useful at times. I think that you should be able to make almost any strobe with an auto/manual mode work on your Pentax body. Ray I use Nikon SB-25s on my K-7 both on camera in auto mode and off camera. I use a hot shoe adapter to ensure only center pin contact when using on camera. I think auto mode is far superior to p-ttl as it is more consistent and there are no pre-flashes. In manual mode, the SB-25 has 7 power levels, from 1/1 down to 1/64, which for my purposes makes it superior to any Pentax flash (new or used) on the market that I am aware of, dollar for dollar. (I know the Pentax AF540 has 7 power levels, but it's expensive and I don't like p-ttl.) The Nikon SB-25 is available used generally for $90US or less including shipping.

01-01-2013, 07:57 AM	#14
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	Originally posted by Docrwm Ray, Those older flashes don't have dangerous voltage issues when used on modern dSLRs? I own a Nikon SB-20, Nikon SB-24, and two Nikon SB-25s. All have trigger voltages of 6V or less.