Macro flash options

heatherslightbox · 05-03-2008, 09:14 AM

I just got a new (to me) Vivitar S1 105/2.5 macro lens. Along with came a ring flash, but after trying to use it, I've pretty much decided that ring flashes are a pain in the butt. I used the lens with my Sunpak 383 and it worked OK, but I still need something that's geared more towards macros, but isn't a ring flash. I've been looking at the Sunpak FP-38 flash as a possible solution (MCEFKIT Sunpak FP-38 E-Flash, On-camera Flat-Light Kit with Mounting Bracket and Built in Slave, Guide Number 38 at ISO 100 Feet). Has anybody tried this flash? Does anybody have any other ideas I should consider? I don't want to spend an arm and a leg.

Thanks!
Heather

Steinback · 05-03-2008, 11:44 AM

Which ring flash do you have?

As for other options, I'm not familiar with the flash that you linked to, but have you tried using an off camera flash cable or wireless trigger on your 383? Using a cable/remote trigger to move the flash closer to your subject or so that it is on an angle to the camera's point of view can be helpful with macro lighting.

ricosuave · 05-03-2008, 01:08 PM

congrats on acquiring the vs1 macro.

heatherslightbox · 05-03-2008, 08:16 PM

Originally posted by Steinback

Which ring flash do you have?

As for other options, I'm not familiar with the flash that you linked to, but have you tried using an off camera flash cable or wireless trigger on your 383? Using a cable/remote trigger to move the flash closer to your subject or so that it is on an angle to the camera's point of view can be helpful with macro lighting.

I have a Cobra Macroflash. If I can't figure out how to make it work properly, then I may put it up for sale.

No, I haven't tried using an off-camera flash or the wireless option. I haven't gotten that far yet in my photgraphy skills.

I do have a remote control for the shutter, so if I can get a cable to go with the 383 (I bought it used, so it didn't come with one), that would be a good possibility, with the camera mounted on a tripod.

Heather

philmorley · 05-04-2008, 02:05 AM

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-accessories/26217-macro-flash-update.html

Derridale · 05-04-2008, 10:15 PM

...and:

Sigma EM-140DG Macro Ring Flash for Pentax A-PTTL - Canoga Camera

Derridale · 05-10-2008, 11:48 PM

Another possible option:

ExpoImaging > Products

I've emailed them to find if any of their products will work with the K10D or K20D and my current Sigma EF-500 flash. Also the Pentax 540 flash unit.

I'd expect to hear back in the next few days.

Review of the unit here:

Strobist: Full Review: Ray Flash Ring Flash Adapter

Strobist, by the way, is a great site for anyone interested in lighting.

Last edited by Derridale; 05-11-2008 at 04:21 PM.

heatherslightbox · 05-11-2008, 02:56 PM

Hmmm...very interesting...

The only way I would spend $300 on something like that is if they made one specifically to work with a Pentax-compatible flash. I like the idea though.

Heather

05-03-2008, 09:14 AM	#1
heatherslightbox Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,599	Macro flash options I just got a new (to me) Vivitar S1 105/2.5 macro lens. Along with came a ring flash, but after trying to use it, I've pretty much decided that ring flashes are a pain in the butt. I used the lens with my Sunpak 383 and it worked OK, but I still need something that's geared more towards macros, but isn't a ring flash. I've been looking at the Sunpak FP-38 flash as a possible solution (MCEFKIT Sunpak FP-38 E-Flash, On-camera Flat-Light Kit with Mounting Bracket and Built in Slave, Guide Number 38 at ISO 100 Feet). Has anybody tried this flash? Does anybody have any other ideas I should consider? I don't want to spend an arm and a leg. Thanks! Heather

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05-03-2008, 11:44 AM	#2
Steinback Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: GTA, ON, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,673	Which ring flash do you have? As for other options, I'm not familiar with the flash that you linked to, but have you tried using an off camera flash cable or wireless trigger on your 383? Using a cable/remote trigger to move the flash closer to your subject or so that it is on an angle to the camera's point of view can be helpful with macro lighting.

05-03-2008, 01:08 PM	#3
ricosuave Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 298	congrats on acquiring the vs1 macro.

05-03-2008, 08:16 PM	#4
heatherslightbox Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,599 Original Poster	Originally posted by Steinback Which ring flash do you have? As for other options, I'm not familiar with the flash that you linked to, but have you tried using an off camera flash cable or wireless trigger on your 383? Using a cable/remote trigger to move the flash closer to your subject or so that it is on an angle to the camera's point of view can be helpful with macro lighting. I have a Cobra Macroflash. If I can't figure out how to make it work properly, then I may put it up for sale. No, I haven't tried using an off-camera flash or the wireless option. I haven't gotten that far yet in my photgraphy skills. I do have a remote control for the shutter, so if I can get a cable to go with the 383 (I bought it used, so it didn't come with one), that would be a good possibility, with the camera mounted on a tripod. Heather

05-04-2008, 02:05 AM	#5
philmorley Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: in a house in Armidale, Australia Posts: 472	https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-accessories/26217-macro-flash-update.html

05-04-2008, 10:15 PM	#6
Derridale Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 412	...and: Sigma EM-140DG Macro Ring Flash for Pentax A-PTTL - Canoga Camera

05-10-2008, 11:48 PM	#7
Derridale Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 412	Another possible option: ExpoImaging > Products I've emailed them to find if any of their products will work with the K10D or K20D and my current Sigma EF-500 flash. Also the Pentax 540 flash unit. I'd expect to hear back in the next few days. Review of the unit here: Strobist: Full Review: Ray Flash Ring Flash Adapter Strobist, by the way, is a great site for anyone interested in lighting. Last edited by Derridale; 05-11-2008 at 04:21 PM.

05-11-2008, 02:56 PM	#8
heatherslightbox Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,599 Original Poster	Hmmm...very interesting... The only way I would spend $300 on something like that is if they made one specifically to work with a Pentax-compatible flash. I like the idea though. Heather