Ricoh needs to lower Pentax flash prices!

JJJPhoto · 09-12-2014, 09:05 AM - **1 Like**

I doubt anyone from Ricoh is going to read this, but the current pricing for the Pentax AF-360FGZ II ($429.95) and AF-540FGZ II ($549.95) is just STUPID.

You can buy the Metz 52-AF1 for $249.99 and it's BETTER than the AF-360FGZ II.

Nikon just announced the new SB-500 for only $249.95 and the trusty SB-700 is $329.95 (still cheaper than the AF-360FGZ II)

The equally trusty Canon 430EX II (similar in specs to the AF-360FGZ II but still probably better because of the Canon speedlite system) is only $299.95 right now.

I love Pentax but Ricoh needs to wake up and pay attention to what similar flash units are selling for right now.

The AF-360FGZ II shouldn't be higher than $299.95 MSRP and the AF-540FGZ II shouldn't be higher than $449.95 at most.

aleonx3 · 09-12-2014, 09:10 AM

I agree that the price should be lower... but none of those flashes you mentioned have LED on the front, which I find to be immensely useful; could that be a patent that no one can use?

Adam · 09-12-2014, 09:13 AM

When MAP is dropped the Pentax flash prices are a lot more reasonable ($279/379 for the 360/540), so they should just drop MAP more often!

Originally posted by aleonx3

but none of those flashes you mentioned have LED on the front

The SB500 does, not sure about the new Metz flashes though.

aleonx3 · 09-12-2014, 09:24 AM

Originally posted by Adam

When MAP is dropped the Pentax flash prices are a lot more reasonable ($279/379 for the 360/540), so they should just drop MAP more often!

The SB500 does, not sure about the new Metz flashes though.

Adam, thanks, you are right about that.... I guess the others are catching up very quickly; Pentax is doomed unless they drop the price of the new flashes...

Last edited by aleonx3; 09-12-2014 at 09:52 AM.

Class A · 09-12-2014, 11:00 AM

Originally posted by JJJPhoto

I love Pentax but Ricoh needs to wake up and pay attention to what similar flash units are selling for right now.

+1

It is not only the case that comparable flashes are cheaper but there is also considerably cheaper competition from manual but remote controllable flashes like the Yongnuo YN560-III, Godox V850, or Cactus RF60.

Pentax P-TTL just isn't valuable enough to command such a premium.

dborked · 09-12-2014, 11:00 AM

Well you also have to remember that both of the new Pentax flashes offer weather resistance which I believe are only offered on the top of the line Canon and Nikon flashes. I suppose they feel like they can charge a bit of a premium for that. I agree that they do need to drop the prices a little though.

Class A · 09-12-2014, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by dborked

Well you also have to remember that both of the new Pentax flashes offer weather resistance which I believe are only offered on the top of the line Canon and Nikon flashes. I suppose they feel like they can charge a bit of a premium for that.

Who is going to make good use of that?

Have you tried to use flash during rain or snow? For the few speciality photos that capitalise on the effect one can come up with make shift flash protection.

I'm not saying WR is completely wasted on a flash but to make customers pay a premium for the two main flash models, seems silly to me.

dborked · 09-12-2014, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by Class A

Who is going to make good use of that?

Have you tried to use flash during rain or snow? For the few speciality photos that capitalise on the effect one can come up with make shift flash protection.

I'm not saying WR is completely wasted on a flash but to make customers pay a premium for the two main flash models, seems silly to me.

I agree completely with you. I'm not saying that they are justified in charging a premium for their flashes, simply that more than likely that is the corporate reasoning behind it. Someone in an office somewhere probably thought the extra few gaskets and marketability of WR were enough to raise the price.

Personally I find my Metz flashes to work quite nicely and I have no intentions of getting a Pentax flash until the prices become more competitive. I'd also hope that they would improve P-TTL so we can at least get some sort of Multi-Group control.

JinDesu · 09-12-2014, 12:56 PM

When they do their sales, the prices reach reasonable levels. It's just that Pentax sales are few and far in between.

imtheguy · 09-12-2014, 01:02 PM

I just checked B&H out of curiosity and the prices are very reasonable currently (IMHO) at $199 and $389 for the non-sealed units. That would be my choice if I was buying.

JJJPhoto · 09-12-2014, 05:21 PM

Originally posted by imtheguy

I just checked B&H out of curiosity and the prices are very reasonable currently (IMHO) at $199 and $389 for the non-sealed units. That would be my choice if I was buying.

If it was just weather sealing then I would be happy with the old flash units, but the new "II" versions also have improved PTTL firmware for better flash exposure consistency. Many of us have run into flash exposure issues with the original 360 and 540 flashes (and let's not forget the plastic foot). I sold my original 360 flash and ended up buying two Metz 52 AF-1 units.

The Metz is more consistent, but it's still not perfect 100 percent of the time (less so with HSS). I don't know if the AF-360FGZ II and 540 II are any more consistent than the Metz, but they are supposed to be more consistent than the original 360 and 540.

jake14mw · 09-17-2014, 02:39 PM

Originally posted by JJJPhoto

I doubt anyone from Ricoh is going to read this, but the current pricing for the Pentax AF-360FGZ II ($429.95) and AF-540FGZ II ($549.95) is just STUPID.

You can buy the Metz 52-AF1 for $249.99 and it's BETTER than the AF-360FGZ II.

Nikon just announced the new SB-500 for only $249.95 and the trusty SB-700 is $329.95 (still cheaper than the AF-360FGZ II)

The equally trusty Canon 430EX II (similar in specs to the AF-360FGZ II but still probably better because of the Canon speedlite system) is only $299.95 right now.

I love Pentax but Ricoh needs to wake up and pay attention to what similar flash units are selling for right now.

The AF-360FGZ II shouldn't be higher than $299.95 MSRP and the AF-540FGZ II shouldn't be higher than $449.95 at most.

I agree with you 100%

kooks · 09-19-2014, 07:38 PM

Both are so damn expensive for that they offer.. I own 2 360FGZ and i just got another flash but this time i went with the Cactus RF60.. LOOOOVELY flash.. easy to use. great power... and CHEAPER! .. build quality is really nice.. doenst have the battery door problem as the original 360FGZ and works like a charm with the Cactus V6 transmitters ( wich i use with the old 360s ) ..

The only thing hat the 360 beats the RF60 is in P-TTL.. but... who actually really trust PTTL ??

Class A · 09-20-2014, 05:05 AM

Originally posted by kooks

The only thing hat the 360 beats the RF60 is in P-TTL.. but... who actually really trust PTTL ??

I'd be using manual power settings even if all my flashes supported P-TTL (one of them does). It is just easier and results are predictable and more consistent.

I also often use more than two flashes and would have no idea how to coerce P-TTL into establishing the lighting ratios I'm after.

awaldram · 09-23-2014, 03:16 AM

Originally posted by Class A

+1

It is not only the case that comparable flashes are cheaper .

Curious which of the mentioned 'comparable' flashes are Weather Resistant or is that considered a give away feature ?

---------- Post added 23-09-14 at 11:22 AM ----------

Originally posted by JJJPhoto

If it was just weather sealing then I would be happy with the old flash units, but the new "II" versions also have improved PTTL firmware for better flash exposure consistency. Many of us have run into flash exposure issues with the original 360 and 540 flashes (and let's not forget the plastic foot). I sold my original 360 flash and ended up buying two Metz 52 AF-1 units.

The Metz is more consistent, but it's still not perfect 100 percent of the time (less so with HSS). I don't know if the AF-360FGZ II and 540 II are any more consistent than the Metz, but they are supposed to be more consistent than the original 360 and 540.

None of my flashes are inconsistent both my Metz and Pentax flashes are very consistent , Never heard of any consistency issues with the original 360 or 540.

The k5/k5ii both have a hardware issue that effects flash consistency but this will effect all flashes both new models and old.

09-12-2014, 09:05 AM - 1 Like	#1
JJJPhoto Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 419	Ricoh needs to lower Pentax flash prices! I doubt anyone from Ricoh is going to read this, but the current pricing for the Pentax AF-360FGZ II ($429.95) and AF-540FGZ II ($549.95) is just STUPID. You can buy the Metz 52-AF1 for $249.99 and it's BETTER than the AF-360FGZ II. Nikon just announced the new SB-500 for only $249.95 and the trusty SB-700 is $329.95 (still cheaper than the AF-360FGZ II) The equally trusty Canon 430EX II (similar in specs to the AF-360FGZ II but still probably better because of the Canon speedlite system) is only $299.95 right now. I love Pentax but Ricoh needs to wake up and pay attention to what similar flash units are selling for right now. The AF-360FGZ II shouldn't be higher than $299.95 MSRP and the AF-540FGZ II shouldn't be higher than $449.95 at most.

09-12-2014, 09:13 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	When MAP is dropped the Pentax flash prices are a lot more reasonable ($279/379 for the 360/540), so they should just drop MAP more often! Originally posted by aleonx3 but none of those flashes you mentioned have LED on the front The SB500 does, not sure about the new Metz flashes though. 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:

09-12-2014, 11:00 AM	#5
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by JJJPhoto I love Pentax but Ricoh needs to wake up and pay attention to what similar flash units are selling for right now. +1 It is not only the case that comparable flashes are cheaper but there is also considerably cheaper competition from manual but remote controllable flashes like the Yongnuo YN560-III, Godox V850, or Cactus RF60. Pentax P-TTL just isn't valuable enough to command such a premium. Last edited by Class A; 09-20-2014 at 04:54 AM.

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09-12-2014, 09:10 AM	#2
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	I agree that the price should be lower... but none of those flashes you mentioned have LED on the front, which I find to be immensely useful; could that be a patent that no one can use?

09-12-2014, 09:24 AM	#4
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by Adam When MAP is dropped the Pentax flash prices are a lot more reasonable ($279/379 for the 360/540), so they should just drop MAP more often! The SB500 does, not sure about the new Metz flashes though. Adam, thanks, you are right about that.... I guess the others are catching up very quickly; Pentax is doomed unless they drop the price of the new flashes... Last edited by aleonx3; 09-12-2014 at 09:52 AM.

09-12-2014, 11:00 AM	#6
dborked Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Broomall, Pennsylvania Photos: Albums Posts: 42	Well you also have to remember that both of the new Pentax flashes offer weather resistance which I believe are only offered on the top of the line Canon and Nikon flashes. I suppose they feel like they can charge a bit of a premium for that. I agree that they do need to drop the prices a little though.

09-12-2014, 11:07 AM	#7
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by dborked Well you also have to remember that both of the new Pentax flashes offer weather resistance which I believe are only offered on the top of the line Canon and Nikon flashes. I suppose they feel like they can charge a bit of a premium for that. Who is going to make good use of that? Have you tried to use flash during rain or snow? For the few speciality photos that capitalise on the effect one can come up with make shift flash protection. I'm not saying WR is completely wasted on a flash but to make customers pay a premium for the two main flash models, seems silly to me.

09-12-2014, 12:52 PM	#8
dborked Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Broomall, Pennsylvania Photos: Albums Posts: 42	Originally posted by Class A Who is going to make good use of that? Have you tried to use flash during rain or snow? For the few speciality photos that capitalise on the effect one can come up with make shift flash protection. I'm not saying WR is completely wasted on a flash but to make customers pay a premium for the two main flash models, seems silly to me. I agree completely with you. I'm not saying that they are justified in charging a premium for their flashes, simply that more than likely that is the corporate reasoning behind it. Someone in an office somewhere probably thought the extra few gaskets and marketability of WR were enough to raise the price. Personally I find my Metz flashes to work quite nicely and I have no intentions of getting a Pentax flash until the prices become more competitive. I'd also hope that they would improve P-TTL so we can at least get some sort of Multi-Group control.

09-12-2014, 12:56 PM	#9
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	When they do their sales, the prices reach reasonable levels. It's just that Pentax sales are few and far in between.

09-12-2014, 01:02 PM	#10
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	I just checked B&H out of curiosity and the prices are very reasonable currently (IMHO) at $199 and $389 for the non-sealed units. That would be my choice if I was buying.

09-12-2014, 05:21 PM	#11
JJJPhoto Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 419 Original Poster	Originally posted by imtheguy I just checked B&H out of curiosity and the prices are very reasonable currently (IMHO) at $199 and $389 for the non-sealed units. That would be my choice if I was buying. If it was just weather sealing then I would be happy with the old flash units, but the new "II" versions also have improved PTTL firmware for better flash exposure consistency. Many of us have run into flash exposure issues with the original 360 and 540 flashes (and let's not forget the plastic foot). I sold my original 360 flash and ended up buying two Metz 52 AF-1 units. The Metz is more consistent, but it's still not perfect 100 percent of the time (less so with HSS). I don't know if the AF-360FGZ II and 540 II are any more consistent than the Metz, but they are supposed to be more consistent than the original 360 and 540.

09-17-2014, 02:39 PM	#12
jake14mw Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 977	Originally posted by JJJPhoto I doubt anyone from Ricoh is going to read this, but the current pricing for the Pentax AF-360FGZ II ($429.95) and AF-540FGZ II ($549.95) is just STUPID. You can buy the Metz 52-AF1 for $249.99 and it's BETTER than the AF-360FGZ II. Nikon just announced the new SB-500 for only $249.95 and the trusty SB-700 is $329.95 (still cheaper than the AF-360FGZ II) The equally trusty Canon 430EX II (similar in specs to the AF-360FGZ II but still probably better because of the Canon speedlite system) is only $299.95 right now. I love Pentax but Ricoh needs to wake up and pay attention to what similar flash units are selling for right now. The AF-360FGZ II shouldn't be higher than $299.95 MSRP and the AF-540FGZ II shouldn't be higher than $449.95 at most. I agree with you 100%

09-19-2014, 07:38 PM	#13
kooks Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San José, Costa Rica Photos: Albums Posts: 794	Both are so damn expensive for that they offer.. I own 2 360FGZ and i just got another flash but this time i went with the Cactus RF60.. LOOOOVELY flash.. easy to use. great power... and CHEAPER! .. build quality is really nice.. doenst have the battery door problem as the original 360FGZ and works like a charm with the Cactus V6 transmitters ( wich i use with the old 360s ) .. The only thing hat the 360 beats the RF60 is in P-TTL.. but... who actually really trust PTTL ??

09-20-2014, 05:05 AM	#14
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by kooks The only thing hat the 360 beats the RF60 is in P-TTL.. but... who actually really trust PTTL ?? I'd be using manual power settings even if all my flashes supported P-TTL (one of them does). It is just easier and results are predictable and more consistent. I also often use more than two flashes and would have no idea how to coerce P-TTL into establishing the lighting ratios I'm after.

09-23-2014, 03:16 AM	#15
awaldram Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 732	Originally posted by Class A +1 It is not only the case that comparable flashes are cheaper . Curious which of the mentioned 'comparable' flashes are Weather Resistant or is that considered a give away feature ? ---------- Post added 23-09-14 at 11:22 AM ---------- Originally posted by JJJPhoto If it was just weather sealing then I would be happy with the old flash units, but the new "II" versions also have improved PTTL firmware for better flash exposure consistency. Many of us have run into flash exposure issues with the original 360 and 540 flashes (and let's not forget the plastic foot). I sold my original 360 flash and ended up buying two Metz 52 AF-1 units. The Metz is more consistent, but it's still not perfect 100 percent of the time (less so with HSS). I don't know if the AF-360FGZ II and 540 II are any more consistent than the Metz, but they are supposed to be more consistent than the original 360 and 540. None of my flashes are inconsistent both my Metz and Pentax flashes are very consistent , Never heard of any consistency issues with the original 360 or 540. The k5/k5ii both have a hardware issue that effects flash consistency but this will effect all flashes both new models and old.