[mattdm]

So, as I just noted after trying it for a few weeks I've returned my Sigma EF-530 DG Super. I'm not at all disappointed with the pictures I took with it or the light power, but I ended up with a whole list of annoyances and decided I can do better. We can talk about those annoyances in the other thread if you like.

What I'm curious about here is the Metz 48 AF-1, which looks good on (virtual) paper, but then, so did the Sigma. The user interface looks way better (yay German design) and the built-in reflector card seems useful.

How well does this work with Pentax's P-TTL system? Since it says it does, I'm assuming that's the least of my worries.

Can it be controlled with the K10D's built-in flash? Again I assume yes, but want to be sure.

Does high-speed sync work when Auto ISO is enabled? (Doesn't with Sigma; Pentax says their flashes are fine.) This is minor since I like to control ISO when using a flash, but I'm still curious.

Do rear-curtain and high-speed sync modes work? What about off-camera when controlled by the built-in flash?

How smoothly does it mount on the hot-shoe? The Sigma flash felt a bit clumsy, and with official Pentax, there's the stuck-pin issue.

Anything else I should consider? Thanks!

[mattdm]

Oh, and also: does it come with mini flash stand base? The Sigma flash did, and as I understand it Pentax's AF540FGZ does but the AF360FGZ doesn't. Not a big deal, just want to know if I'll need to buy one separately.

[Edvinas]

I've read somewhere that Metz flashes in combination with Pentax cameras expose much better than Pentax own flashes
Need to confirm this though.

[Confused]

Hi again Matt

Re your statement:

I'm also considering the Metz 48 AF-1 TTL

As Andreas said in a previous post:

Just be aware that the Metz 48 AF-1 has no auto-mode, so you are stuck with P-TTL, even if your subjects are prone to the lazy eye effect. I think the Metz 58 AF-1 is much better value. (But at a price!)

Best regards
Richard

[mattdm]

It's interesting to open the Metz 58 AF-1 and 48 AF-1 spec sheets side by side (or flip between them) to compare the differences:

http://www.metzflash.co.uk/pdffiles/Tech48%20AF-1%20digital.pdf
http://www.metzflash.co.uk/pdffiles/Tech58%20AF-1%20digital.pdf

I wonder what "Wide-area AF illuminator" means exactly — sounds like it has a wide-beam flash-assist light so you can use the edge AF sensors instead of just the middle one, I guess?

Oh, hey, that answers one of my questions: no slave stand included with the 48, but it is with the 58.

[mattdm]

So for future reference of anyone who comes across this thread later, I got some good answers to the same question over at dpreview: Re: Q: Metz 48 AF-1 flash and Pentax compatibility: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

[mattdm]

So, I went ahead and ordered one from B&H. We'll see how that works out.