AF 400FTZ and K5

2grahamb · 09-09-2011, 12:26 AM

I did a search but couldn't find out if anyone has used the AF 400FTZ flash on a K5. I know the K5 doesn't support TTL but it should still work in M, shouldn't it?

I got some very good results with it on the DS and would like to use it on the K5 instead of having to buy a new flash.

Has anyone measured the trigger voltage and if so would it be safe on the K5? How do you measure trigger voltage by the way?

Thanks in advance.

Graham

L33tGreg · 09-09-2011, 05:26 AM

I used one with my K20d. It works fine, except only has full and 1/4 power options. There are better cheap flashes out there (I happen to like the Vivitar 5600 which you can get for less than $20), but this one does work.

**blackcloudbrew** · 09-09-2011, 06:47 AM

I've used mine on my K5, no problems.

dlacouture · 09-09-2011, 06:49 AM

The *istDS is TTL, so you're bound to get good exposure in all cases...

With a k5, there is a huge problem: when mounted, it will always fire at full strength, even if you set it to Low...
Only way I get it to work in Low strength is by using a RF transmitter...

2grahamb · 09-10-2011, 10:38 PM

Thank you all for your comments and info.

I'll just try it out and see what results I get, I was most worried about trigger voltage and frying my K5 but that doesn't seem to be a problem.

Graham

2grahamb · 09-13-2011, 05:38 AM

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

I've used mine on my K5, no problems.

Could you tell me how you got it to work on your K5?

I just tried it on mine and it didn't flash at all, neither in M mode nor Auto.

The flash works fine when I press Test and also on my DS.

Can you give me any tips, please?

Graham

L33tGreg · 09-13-2011, 05:42 AM

Sounds like you might have a problem with your K5's hot shoe. Do you have any other flashes to try?

dlacouture · 09-13-2011, 07:37 AM

Make sure you are below 1/180, as the hot-shoe is disabled above x-Sync speed...

2grahamb · 09-14-2011, 05:55 AM

Originally posted by dlacouture

Make sure you are below 1/180, as the hot-shoe is disabled above x-Sync speed...

Yes that was the problem I believe.
The flash works now, but overexposes like crazy so I suppose I'm going to have to learn how to use the flash manually. In my ignorance I find the calculations required a bit difficult

Maybe I should just give up and buy a new flash instead.

Thanks for all your help.

Graham

09-09-2011, 12:26 AM	#1
2grahamb Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 39	AF 400FTZ and K5 I did a search but couldn't find out if anyone has used the AF 400FTZ flash on a K5. I know the K5 doesn't support TTL but it should still work in M, shouldn't it? I got some very good results with it on the DS and would like to use it on the K5 instead of having to buy a new flash. Has anyone measured the trigger voltage and if so would it be safe on the K5? How do you measure trigger voltage by the way? Thanks in advance. Graham

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09-09-2011, 05:26 AM	#2
L33tGreg Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charleston, SC Photos: Gallery Posts: 369	I used one with my K20d. It works fine, except only has full and 1/4 power options. There are better cheap flashes out there (I happen to like the Vivitar 5600 which you can get for less than $20), but this one does work.

09-09-2011, 06:47 AM	#3
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,460	I've used mine on my K5, no problems.

09-09-2011, 06:49 AM	#4
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074	The *istDS is TTL, so you're bound to get good exposure in all cases... With a k5, there is a huge problem: when mounted, it will always fire at full strength, even if you set it to Low... Only way I get it to work in Low strength is by using a RF transmitter...

09-10-2011, 10:38 PM	#5
2grahamb Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 39 Original Poster	Thank you all for your comments and info. I'll just try it out and see what results I get, I was most worried about trigger voltage and frying my K5 but that doesn't seem to be a problem. Graham

09-13-2011, 05:38 AM	#6
2grahamb Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 39 Original Poster	Originally posted by blackcloudbrew I've used mine on my K5, no problems. Could you tell me how you got it to work on your K5? I just tried it on mine and it didn't flash at all, neither in M mode nor Auto. The flash works fine when I press Test and also on my DS. Can you give me any tips, please? Graham

09-13-2011, 05:42 AM	#7
L33tGreg Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charleston, SC Photos: Gallery Posts: 369	Sounds like you might have a problem with your K5's hot shoe. Do you have any other flashes to try?

09-13-2011, 07:37 AM	#8
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074	Make sure you are below 1/180, as the hot-shoe is disabled above x-Sync speed...

09-14-2011, 05:55 AM	#9
2grahamb Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 39 Original Poster	Originally posted by dlacouture Make sure you are below 1/180, as the hot-shoe is disabled above x-Sync speed... Yes that was the problem I believe. The flash works now, but overexposes like crazy so I suppose I'm going to have to learn how to use the flash manually. In my ignorance I find the calculations required a bit difficult Maybe I should just give up and buy a new flash instead. Thanks for all your help. Graham