Standard Flash

Grumpo51 · 06-25-2014, 05:19 PM

Hi,

I am new to the DSLR space, but used a Konica T3 film camera for years with a Vivitar 283 external flash. Do I need to buy a flash that is Pentax specific or can I buy the Vivitar equivalent ? If so, can you provide some product names?

Thanks

**jatrax** · 06-25-2014, 05:32 PM

In order to work in P-TTL mode you need to buy a Pentax specific flash. Models from Pentax of course and Metz makes ones that work as well as some others I cannot remember right off.

Non-brand specific flashes will usually work but in manual mode only.

Older flashes from the film era MAY work, but be cautious as some have trigger voltages that far exceed the safe operating parameters of DSLRs. You can fry your camera with some of them. You can check to see if your flash is listed here: Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages or test with a volt meter.

If you are OK with all manual flash note that there are several brands available (Cactus and Yongnuo come to mind) that have more features than your older flash, are probably more powerful and are very inexpensive.

Grumpo51 · 06-25-2014, 05:42 PM

Thanks, I was warned about the older flashes. I see that the makers have gone more proprietary, so I guess I would rather buy Pentax. I had hoped it would be more generic like in the old days <G>

Adam · 06-25-2014, 05:56 PM

I'm not sure if you're planning to get a K-3, but if you are, when you bundle a Pentax AF 540 flash you can get it for just $100 (regular price for the flash is $426, the camera is $1196):
Pentax K-3 DSLR Camera Body with Flash and Battery Grip Kit B&H

This is a really hot deal right now.

The AF 540 flash is powerful and offers both tilt/swivel support. Other P-TTL Pentax flashes include the AF 200 (a basic flash), AF 360 (old mid-range flash, no swivel), AF 360 II (weather sealed, swivel, current), and AF 540 II (weather sealed, swivel, current).

If you're on a budget (and don't plan on getting the K-3 kit above), Metz flashes are definitely worth looking at.

More info on the various Pentax flashes can be found here:
Flashes (Genuine Pentax) - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

Hope this helps!

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:

MPrince · 06-25-2014, 06:18 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

Non-brand specific flashes will usually work but in manual mode only.

This is not correct. I use Nikon flashes ( SB-25s & SB-26s) on camera in auto mode all the time with excellent results.

Grumpo51 · 06-25-2014, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I'm not sure if you're planning to get a K-3, but if you are, when you bundle a Pentax AF 540 flash you can get it for just $100 (regular price for the flash is $426, the camera is $1196):
Pentax K-3 DSLR Camera Body with Flash and Battery Grip Kit B&H

This is a really hot deal right now.

The AF 540 flash is powerful and offers both tilt/swivel support. Other P-TTL Pentax flashes include the AF 200 (a basic flash), AF 360 (old mid-range flash, no swivel), AF 360 II (weather sealed, swivel, current), and AF 540 II (weather sealed, swivel, current).

If you're on a budget (and don't plan on getting the K-3 kit above), Metz flashes are definitely worth looking at.

More info on the various Pentax flashes can be found here:
Flashes (Genuine Pentax) - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

Hope this helps!

Yes been drooling, but do they ship to Canada?

Grumpo51 · 06-25-2014, 06:41 PM

Originally posted by MPrince

This is not correct. I use Nikon flashes ( SB-25s & SB-26s) on camera in auto mode all the time with excellent results.

Thanks, will look at them.

Adam · 06-25-2014, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by Grumpo51

Yes been drooling, but do they ship to Canada?

Yes, as it's actually quite cheap if you choose purolator ground.

**jatrax** · 06-25-2014, 07:19 PM

Actually it is true. The auto mode on the sb-26 is reading the scene and cutting off the flash for proper exposure all in the flash. There is no communication with the camera except the fire command. I use an sb-26 all the time, excellent flash but it is not p-ttl.

Bob from Aus · 06-25-2014, 10:00 PM - **1 Like**

If you are old school like me you might find you prefer to use manual flash. You get way more bang for your buck. This is a recent pentax forum writeup on a manual flash system.

Godox Ving V850 System Review - Introduction - PF Reviews

johnyates · 06-26-2014, 10:35 AM

The vivitar 283 is a great flash, but they often have a trigger voltage in excess of what is safe for your digital camera.

But the auto thyristor technology it uses is still quite suitable. I actually prefer it to the more modern P-TTL technology. There's no annoying pre-flash delay. I get an exposure exactly when I hit the shutter, not after the TTL has done it's measuring. It's also easier to use optical slaves to fire additional flash units.

I suggest you measure the trigger voltage of your 283, and if it's safe, use it. If not, go for something like the Vivitar 285HV--they're quite reliable and inexpensive.

Originally posted by Grumpo51

I had hoped it would be more generic like in the old days

Generic still works.

bdery · 06-26-2014, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by MPrince

This is not correct. I use Nikon flashes ( SB-25s & SB-26s) on camera in auto mode all the time with excellent results.

Yes, auto thyristor flashes will work in auto. In that case the camera will simply trigger the flash. You still need to use the camera in manual mode, or at least to control how it sets the exposure relative to the flash.

jake14mw · 06-27-2014, 05:20 AM

Agree with what was said just above. If you don't mind spending the money, then you can buy a Pentax flash that will support PPTL flash automation which is the latest and greatest in flash support. Other third party flash makers like Metz and Sigma have flashes that support PTTL.

If you want a flash that will give you automatic exposure, but you are not willing to spend the money for a PTTL flash, then get an Auto Thyrister flash. These are mostly older units that can be bought on the used market, and work perfectly well. The old Nikon units suggested above are great. There are also many Sunpak Auto Thyrister flashes that can be found from $20-$50, that will work great, and give you results that rival the PTTL system.

Only buy a manual flash without Auto-Thyrister if you are willing to adjust the output yourself manually. At events, that can be very difficult.

MPrince · 06-29-2014, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by jatrax

Actually it is true. The auto mode on the sb-26 is reading the scene and cutting off the flash for proper exposure all in the flash. There is no communication with the camera except the fire command. I use an sb-26 all the time, excellent flash but it is not p-ttl.

I never said anything about p-ttl. Nor did I say anything about flash-camera communication. I said the Nikon flashes work in auto mode, and they do. You said off brand flashes can only work in manual mode, and that is not true. Any auto-thyristor flash will work just fine on a Pentax camera, regardless of brand name, and the results will be as consistent as, if not more consistent, than p-ttl, at a much lower cost.

---------- Post added 06-29-14 at 02:46 PM ----------

Originally posted by bdery

Yes, auto thyristor flashes will work in auto. In that case the camera will simply trigger the flash. You still need to use the camera in manual mode, or at least to control how it sets the exposure relative to the flash.

It will work just fine in x-sync mode and aperture priority mode. All you have to do is make sure the aperture and ISO settings on the flash match the camera settings.

awaldram · 06-30-2014, 04:49 AM

Originally posted by MPrince

It will work just fine in x-sync mode and aperture priority mode. All you have to do is make sure the aperture and ISO settings on the flash match the camera settings.

That is a very loose definition of just fine

Flash automation on Pentax really fits into 5 categories

1 Full P-ttl inc wireless (very flexible for multi flash shooting)
2 partial P-ttl some cheap off brands and low spec units features missing usuall wireless , master etc (limited multi flash use)
3 Pentax fit Auto flashes , these range from metz sca 372 through to Pentax 500 these flashes will set x-synx, aperture and iso from the flash to the body (easy multi flash but not flexible)
4 Sinlge pin 'Auto' inc other manafacturers fit flashes, no automation but will allow correct exposure providing body as manualy 'set' to match flash (easy multi flash but not flexible)
5 Manual flashes here you control everything and is not really any mor complex than 4 above once your comfortable with your flahses your'll generally get it right first time everytime for simple flash solutions (very flecible for multi flash shooting)

For serious flash shooting 1 and 5 are you best bets, but you can mix 3,4 and 5 to give a set base level with fine tuning from the manual flashes.

Choices should be made based on 'system' setup which will normally revolve round triggering.

06-25-2014, 05:19 PM	#1
Grumpo51 New Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 6	Standard Flash Hi, I am new to the DSLR space, but used a Konica T3 film camera for years with a Vivitar 283 external flash. Do I need to buy a flash that is Pentax specific or can I buy the Vivitar equivalent ? If so, can you provide some product names? Thanks

06-25-2014, 07:17 PM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Grumpo51 Yes been drooling, but do they ship to Canada? Yes, as it's actually quite cheap if you choose purolator ground. 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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06-25-2014, 05:32 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	In order to work in P-TTL mode you need to buy a Pentax specific flash. Models from Pentax of course and Metz makes ones that work as well as some others I cannot remember right off. Non-brand specific flashes will usually work but in manual mode only. Older flashes from the film era MAY work, but be cautious as some have trigger voltages that far exceed the safe operating parameters of DSLRs. You can fry your camera with some of them. You can check to see if your flash is listed here: Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages or test with a volt meter. If you are OK with all manual flash note that there are several brands available (Cactus and Yongnuo come to mind) that have more features than your older flash, are probably more powerful and are very inexpensive.

06-25-2014, 05:42 PM	#3
Grumpo51 New Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 6 Original Poster	Thanks, I was warned about the older flashes. I see that the makers have gone more proprietary, so I guess I would rather buy Pentax. I had hoped it would be more generic like in the old days <G>

06-25-2014, 05:56 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	I'm not sure if you're planning to get a K-3, but if you are, when you bundle a Pentax AF 540 flash you can get it for just $100 (regular price for the flash is $426, the camera is $1196): Pentax K-3 DSLR Camera Body with Flash and Battery Grip Kit B&H This is a really hot deal right now. The AF 540 flash is powerful and offers both tilt/swivel support. Other P-TTL Pentax flashes include the AF 200 (a basic flash), AF 360 (old mid-range flash, no swivel), AF 360 II (weather sealed, swivel, current), and AF 540 II (weather sealed, swivel, current). If you're on a budget (and don't plan on getting the K-3 kit above), Metz flashes are definitely worth looking at. More info on the various Pentax flashes can be found here: Flashes (Genuine Pentax) - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database Hope this helps! 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:

06-25-2014, 06:18 PM	#5
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	Originally posted by jatrax Non-brand specific flashes will usually work but in manual mode only. This is not correct. I use Nikon flashes ( SB-25s & SB-26s) on camera in auto mode all the time with excellent results.

06-25-2014, 06:40 PM	#6
Grumpo51 New Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam I'm not sure if you're planning to get a K-3, but if you are, when you bundle a Pentax AF 540 flash you can get it for just $100 (regular price for the flash is $426, the camera is $1196): Pentax K-3 DSLR Camera Body with Flash and Battery Grip Kit B&H This is a really hot deal right now. The AF 540 flash is powerful and offers both tilt/swivel support. Other P-TTL Pentax flashes include the AF 200 (a basic flash), AF 360 (old mid-range flash, no swivel), AF 360 II (weather sealed, swivel, current), and AF 540 II (weather sealed, swivel, current). If you're on a budget (and don't plan on getting the K-3 kit above), Metz flashes are definitely worth looking at. More info on the various Pentax flashes can be found here: Flashes (Genuine Pentax) - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database Hope this helps! Yes been drooling, but do they ship to Canada?

06-25-2014, 06:41 PM	#7
Grumpo51 New Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by MPrince This is not correct. I use Nikon flashes ( SB-25s & SB-26s) on camera in auto mode all the time with excellent results. Thanks, will look at them.

06-25-2014, 07:19 PM	#9
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Actually it is true. The auto mode on the sb-26 is reading the scene and cutting off the flash for proper exposure all in the flash. There is no communication with the camera except the fire command. I use an sb-26 all the time, excellent flash but it is not p-ttl.

06-25-2014, 10:00 PM - 1 Like	#10
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	If you are old school like me you might find you prefer to use manual flash. You get way more bang for your buck. This is a recent pentax forum writeup on a manual flash system. Godox Ving V850 System Review - Introduction - PF Reviews

06-26-2014, 10:35 AM	#11
johnyates Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Saskatoon, SK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,345	The vivitar 283 is a great flash, but they often have a trigger voltage in excess of what is safe for your digital camera. But the auto thyristor technology it uses is still quite suitable. I actually prefer it to the more modern P-TTL technology. There's no annoying pre-flash delay. I get an exposure exactly when I hit the shutter, not after the TTL has done it's measuring. It's also easier to use optical slaves to fire additional flash units. I suggest you measure the trigger voltage of your 283, and if it's safe, use it. If not, go for something like the Vivitar 285HV--they're quite reliable and inexpensive. Originally posted by Grumpo51 I had hoped it would be more generic like in the old days Generic still works.

06-26-2014, 12:14 PM	#12
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	Originally posted by MPrince This is not correct. I use Nikon flashes ( SB-25s & SB-26s) on camera in auto mode all the time with excellent results. Yes, auto thyristor flashes will work in auto. In that case the camera will simply trigger the flash. You still need to use the camera in manual mode, or at least to control how it sets the exposure relative to the flash.

06-27-2014, 05:20 AM	#13
jake14mw Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 977	Agree with what was said just above. If you don't mind spending the money, then you can buy a Pentax flash that will support PPTL flash automation which is the latest and greatest in flash support. Other third party flash makers like Metz and Sigma have flashes that support PTTL. If you want a flash that will give you automatic exposure, but you are not willing to spend the money for a PTTL flash, then get an Auto Thyrister flash. These are mostly older units that can be bought on the used market, and work perfectly well. The old Nikon units suggested above are great. There are also many Sunpak Auto Thyrister flashes that can be found from $20-$50, that will work great, and give you results that rival the PTTL system. Only buy a manual flash without Auto-Thyrister if you are willing to adjust the output yourself manually. At events, that can be very difficult.

06-29-2014, 11:40 AM	#14
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	Originally posted by jatrax Actually it is true. The auto mode on the sb-26 is reading the scene and cutting off the flash for proper exposure all in the flash. There is no communication with the camera except the fire command. I use an sb-26 all the time, excellent flash but it is not p-ttl. I never said anything about p-ttl. Nor did I say anything about flash-camera communication. I said the Nikon flashes work in auto mode, and they do. You said off brand flashes can only work in manual mode, and that is not true. Any auto-thyristor flash will work just fine on a Pentax camera, regardless of brand name, and the results will be as consistent as, if not more consistent, than p-ttl, at a much lower cost. ---------- Post added 06-29-14 at 02:46 PM ---------- Originally posted by bdery Yes, auto thyristor flashes will work in auto. In that case the camera will simply trigger the flash. You still need to use the camera in manual mode, or at least to control how it sets the exposure relative to the flash. It will work just fine in x-sync mode and aperture priority mode. All you have to do is make sure the aperture and ISO settings on the flash match the camera settings.

06-30-2014, 04:49 AM	#15
awaldram Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 732	Originally posted by MPrince It will work just fine in x-sync mode and aperture priority mode. All you have to do is make sure the aperture and ISO settings on the flash match the camera settings. That is a very loose definition of just fine Flash automation on Pentax really fits into 5 categories 1 Full P-ttl inc wireless (very flexible for multi flash shooting) 2 partial P-ttl some cheap off brands and low spec units features missing usuall wireless , master etc (limited multi flash use) 3 Pentax fit Auto flashes , these range from metz sca 372 through to Pentax 500 these flashes will set x-synx, aperture and iso from the flash to the body (easy multi flash but not flexible) 4 Sinlge pin 'Auto' inc other manafacturers fit flashes, no automation but will allow correct exposure providing body as manualy 'set' to match flash (easy multi flash but not flexible) 5 Manual flashes here you control everything and is not really any mor complex than 4 above once your comfortable with your flahses your'll generally get it right first time everytime for simple flash solutions (very flecible for multi flash shooting) For serious flash shooting 1 and 5 are you best bets, but you can mix 3,4 and 5 to give a set base level with fine tuning from the manual flashes. Choices should be made based on 'system' setup which will normally revolve round triggering.