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08-11-2011, 05:59 AM   #1
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Tall Guy's Avatar

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AF-540FGZ Pre-flash.

When the flash mode is set to P-TTL, and using a DA lens, I have not noticed a definate "Pre-flash" discharge before the main flash fires. Is the process very fast to notice or is my copy mal-functioning.

Thanks


Last edited by Tall Guy; 08-11-2011 at 04:17 PM.
08-12-2011, 07:08 AM - 1 Like   #2
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Your camera/flash combination is functioning as expected.

The P in P-TTL means Pre-Flash. You will see this pre-flash in the viewfinder (mirror down), when the main flash fires you will not see it because the mirror is up by that time.

The pre-flash is measured by the metering system in the camera to determine how much flash is required for the scene and uses that calculation when the main flash fires.

Hope that helps.

PS: It's actually a lot more complicated than I have described. Suffice it to say that your camera and flash are working OK.
08-12-2011, 04:41 PM - 1 Like   #3
Ash
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If your flashed exposures are coming out well, then you have a good combination working for you.
08-12-2011, 07:00 PM   #4
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Thank you

Thanks to Mannesty & Ash.

Your answers have re-assured me that things are as they should be. And you are right in saying, that if the pics are turning out OK then ..............

Thanks again for your definitions and input.

08-12-2011, 07:23 PM - 1 Like   #5
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Hi Tall Guy,

Nice to know there are Pentax users only an hour's drive away from me. I generally pass through Manilla on my way to visit my Dad just north of Lindsay.
08-13-2011, 04:39 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by mtansley Quote
Hi Tall Guy,

Nice to know there are Pentax users only an hour's drive away from me. I generally pass through Manilla on my way to visit my Dad just north of Lindsay.
Yea, two of us within 1 hour, that puts us over the international "density"
average.
Thanks for getting in touch, and if you are in the neighbourhood ..............

Nice porfolio, by the way!
08-13-2011, 09:37 AM   #7
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Hi
I note that your full time job is carpentry and fine woodworking, something I'm interested in although my standards for woodworking I'm sure are less exacting than yours. If I get a right angle only 5 degrees out I'm happy!!!

Thanks for the compliments on the portfolio and next time I go to visit my Dad I'll let you know ahead of time and there might be time for a couple of Pentax users to swap notes.

08-13-2011, 10:18 AM   #8
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Hi Tall Guy,
You can actually test the pre-flash on P-TTL by putting your camera on 2-second delay drive mode. When you press the shutter the pre-flash will fire; then the actual shot w/flash 2 seconds later. Cheers!
08-14-2011, 02:38 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by mtansley Quote
Hi
I note that your full time job is carpentry and fine woodworking, something I'm interested in although my standards for woodworking I'm sure are less exacting than yours. If I get a right angle only 5 degrees out I'm happy!!!

Thanks for the compliments on the portfolio and next time I go to visit my Dad I'll let you know ahead of time and there might be time for a couple of Pentax users to swap notes.
Mtansley

Thanks for the reply.

Sounds like a plan, just send me a PM and we can set something up.
08-14-2011, 02:41 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by K57XR Quote
Hi Tall Guy,
You can actually test the pre-flash on P-TTL by putting your camera on 2-second delay drive mode. When you press the shutter the pre-flash will fire; then the actual shot w/flash 2 seconds later. Cheers!
K57XR

I performed the test, and the flash functioned as you stated.

Thank you.
08-14-2011, 04:29 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Tall Guy Quote
Mtansley

Thanks for the reply.

Sounds like a plan, just send me a PM and we can set something up.
Will do next time I'm know I'm going to visit my Dad.
08-14-2011, 05:23 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by mtansley Quote
Will do next time I'm know I'm going to visit my Dad.
Mtansley

10/4
08-19-2011, 07:12 AM - 1 Like   #13
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Looking for some flash info and found this post. I'm in Barrie, ON so that makes 3 Pentaxians within an hour of each other, just adding to the international "density"
average. LOL!
08-19-2011, 09:00 AM - 1 Like   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Tall Guy Quote
K57XR

I performed the test, and the flash functioned as you stated.

Thank you.
You can also just point the camera at a mirror and press the shutter when looking through the viewfinder. You will see the pre-flash in the mirror because the camera's mirror is still down at that point. The main flash which makes the exposure can't be seen because the camera's mirror is up when it fires.
08-19-2011, 09:53 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by jtriem Quote
Looking for some flash info and found this post. I'm in Barrie, ON so that makes 3 Pentaxians within an hour of each other, just adding to the international "density"
average. LOL!
One more Pentaxian in the "area". Almost epidemic!

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