Confused about flashes... (not flashers!)

Damian.T · 12-05-2011, 09:25 AM

Hi all, I've got an headache now... after reading through a whole lot of threads I'm more confused than ever on what flash will suit me 'n' my K20.

I wanted the Pentax 540 as it should be straight forward to use, but with comments like 'flimsy' I don't think it'll cope... plus it's very expensive!

I want a reliable, uncomplicated flash that can tilt and swivel that I can use outside in miserable weather with my K20 whilst taking pictures of 4x4's and animals playing in the mud!

Is there such a thing of a water-proof flash?

Thanks...

Damian

Adam · 12-05-2011, 12:25 PM

A little rain should be a problem for these things, but I would also take a look at the Metz 58 as it's arguably a bit more sturdy

Metz mecablitz 58 AF-2 TTL Shoe Mount Flash MZ 58327PS B&H Photo

Metz 58 AF-1 Flash - Review

axl · 12-05-2011, 02:49 PM

Adam pointed you to some nice flashes,
I'll just add, I had 540 for a while but sold it. For me the build was OK but the colour of light just wasn't it. I far prefer AF500FTZ, although I have to work it manually

bdery · 12-06-2011, 06:19 AM

The Sigma 610 (or 530) Super, the Pentax 540, and the various Metz units will all get the job done. I own the Sigma (not super) and it's great, but a bit large. I believe the 540 is about as large. Metz's flashes are smaller, which is nice. Apart from that they should all work well and even though some people complain about flimsy feelings, I have yet to hear about someone breaking a flash without doing something dramatic (like dropping it on concrete).

Damian.T · 12-07-2011, 09:33 AM

Thanks for your replies, very helpful. The Metz 58 does indeed look like a great flash, and speaking to others they agree. So, I think I'll put one on my list for xmas... the cjheapest I've found is £285 which is a lot cheaper than the Pentax 540!

Thanks again.

12-05-2011, 09:25 AM	#1
Damian.T Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bolton, next to a large park Posts: 131	Confused about flashes... (not flashers!) Hi all, I've got an headache now... after reading through a whole lot of threads I'm more confused than ever on what flash will suit me 'n' my K20. I wanted the Pentax 540 as it should be straight forward to use, but with comments like 'flimsy' I don't think it'll cope... plus it's very expensive! I want a reliable, uncomplicated flash that can tilt and swivel that I can use outside in miserable weather with my K20 whilst taking pictures of 4x4's and animals playing in the mud! Is there such a thing of a water-proof flash? Thanks... Damian

12-05-2011, 12:25 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	A little rain should be a problem for these things, but I would also take a look at the Metz 58 as it's arguably a bit more sturdy Metz mecablitz 58 AF-2 TTL Shoe Mount Flash MZ 58327PS B&H Photo Metz 58 AF-1 Flash - Review 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:

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12-05-2011, 02:49 PM	#3
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Adam pointed you to some nice flashes, I'll just add, I had 540 for a while but sold it. For me the build was OK but the colour of light just wasn't it. I far prefer AF500FTZ, although I have to work it manually

12-06-2011, 06:19 AM	#4
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	The Sigma 610 (or 530) Super, the Pentax 540, and the various Metz units will all get the job done. I own the Sigma (not super) and it's great, but a bit large. I believe the 540 is about as large. Metz's flashes are smaller, which is nice. Apart from that they should all work well and even though some people complain about flimsy feelings, I have yet to hear about someone breaking a flash without doing something dramatic (like dropping it on concrete).

12-07-2011, 09:33 AM	#5
Damian.T Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bolton, next to a large park Posts: 131 Original Poster	Thanks for your replies, very helpful. The Metz 58 does indeed look like a great flash, and speaking to others they agree. So, I think I'll put one on my list for xmas... the cjheapest I've found is £285 which is a lot cheaper than the Pentax 540! Thanks again.

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