[ronald_durst]

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Has anyone ever looked into this flash. I found it on ebay and was just wondering about its performance.


Heres the link. Thanks


DIGITAL PTTL Bounce LCD Power Zoom Flash for PENTAX SLR - (eBay item 300149993788 end time Sep-16-07 18:12:43 PDT)

[Mike Cash]

The ability to manually control the zoom is appealing. Lack of that feature is one of my biggest gripes about the Sigma 500.

40 X 1.5V AA Size Alkaline Batteries

I hope he meant "4" batteries. Otherwise that thing is going to be a tad bit heavy.

I would inquire about the trigger voltage before making the decision to purchase one.

[Fantocci]

Soligor DG-420 Z, PRAKTICA EXAKTA DPZ 38AF, Digital Concepts 952AF etc...

I think they are all the same. They are PTTL but dont have HSS nor wireless mode, otherwise they may be OK.

I would rather buy Sigma DG500Super though, for a little more money gives you much more and it has been tested many times.

[Arpe]

Fantocci - HSS, what is that please?

[Toshi]

Fantocci - HSS, what is that please?

I think he means High Speed Sync.

[FotoPete]

I think he means High Speed Sync.

Pentax cameras can sync up to 1/180th. How can you push the flash faster?

Anyways, there's always trusty manual/auto thyristors for under $100.


Shot using a Helios 58mm lens at f5.6 with a Vivitar Series 1 600N* thyristor. No PP.

Just got a used Vivitar 285 cuz the click stop teeth on my Sunpak flash broke. I tested the trigger voltage to be 8.4V although its not the new HV version. (285HV is safe for digital but the older 285 should be tested first.)

*Its a Nikon Dedicated, I know. It was in good condition and it had the M, A1, A2, TTL(nikon only). All you need is the central sync.

[Toshi]

Pentax cameras can sync up to 1/180th. How can you push the flash faster?

I do not know about flash, I am merely suggesting what the poster may have been referring to.

[Mike Cash]

Pentax cameras can sync up to 1/180th. How can you push the flash faster?

A couple of ways:

1. Use leaf shutters instead of curtain shutters. I have several old film cameras that synch up to their maximum shutter speed up 1/500.

2. Monkey with the flash timing so that it shoots multiple small bursts to evenly illuminate the sensor/film even though there is no instant when the whole thing isn't covered by the shutter.

Anyways, there's always trusty manual/auto thyristors for under $100.

I'm with you, cousin.

My mother just sent me my old Vivitar 2500, my very first flash unit, bought in 1982 and in storage for about 20 years (with batteries left in, of course).

And I just picked up for eight bucks a similar but more powerful and versatile National PE-3057. Probably of a similar vintage.

And both of them are easier to use and more reliable than the Sigma 500 I bought just for the K100D. Worthless piece of crap unless a fellow shoots all modern lenses.

[roy]

A couple of ways:

And both of them are easier to use and more reliable than the Sigma 500 I bought just for the K100D. Worthless piece of crap unless a fellow shoots all modern lenses.

i shoot with the 500 super sigma ALL the time with my 30+ year old lenses and have nothing but praise for it. it's a great performer. just my 2¢

[Mike Cash]

The Super Sigma may be a super Sigma, but the budget version of the 500 leaves a lot to be desired. I was remiss in not being clear about which model I have.

The zoom head relies on the lens/camera to supply focal length information, providing no method for adjusting it manually. (Other than to pull out the diffuser panel, which drops it down to 28, where it will remain).

I have found it provides excellent results with my "A" lenses and works marginally (at best) with the 18-55 kit lens. May be the lens....may be the flash....I don't know.

With Takumar lenses (which is the vast bulk of my shooting), it is aggravating and the old auto-thyristor flashes are much more convenient.

[Class A]

My mother just sent me my old Vivitar 2500, my very first flash unit, bought in 1982 and in storage for about 20 years (with batteries left in, of course).

Bravo to the batteries not killing it.

Have you used this Vivitar 2500 on the K100D without any ill-effect? I have just bought such a unit, measured it to have 11.24V trigger voltage, but didn't dare to put it on the K100D yet.

Your input would be greatly appreciated. You may want participate in this poll about the maximum safe trigger voltage, I have just created.