Pentax K50 Flash - need help

chicagovianka · 11-14-2014, 01:08 PM

I'm trying to find a decent flash for my Pentax K50 but I have a tight budget (say $100). I'm having a difficult time finding one in the US and I don't really want to order from overseas. I also read that other brands will not work well with Pentax. Any suggestions? Please help.

Rampage2k5 · 11-14-2014, 01:14 PM

Metz 50 AF1
Can not say any wrong on it.
Very nice flash so far.

chicagovianka · 11-14-2014, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by Rampage2k5

Metz 50 AF1
Can not say any wrong on it.
Very nice flash so far.

I see that it has good reviews online, except it goes for a bit more $$ that I can afford right now. Maybe I should look for a used one.

Thanks for the response!

Rampage2k5 · 11-14-2014, 01:34 PM - **1 Like**

ive gotten used and never had any issue. Its worth it for the quality ofbits build and the results it gives

SOldBear · 11-14-2014, 01:34 PM

Old post, but I think still helpful: Inexpensive Flashes

Also read this thread.

Rampage2k5 · 11-14-2014, 01:37 PM

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/36-sold-items/277684-sale-sold-metz-50-af1.html

Its a sold one, they are not rare but they do show up between 100-140$

chicagovianka · 11-14-2014, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by SOldBear

Old post, but I think still helpful: Inexpensive Flashes

Also read this thread.

Thank a lot! Now I have something to choose from

---------- Post added 11-14-14 at 02:57 PM ----------

Originally posted by SOldBear

Old post, but I think still helpful: Inexpensive Flashes

Also read this thread.

Thank a lot! Now I have something to choose from

Class A · 11-14-2014, 02:30 PM

Originally posted by chicagovianka

I'm trying to find a decent flash for my Pentax K50 but I have a tight budget (say $100).

Have you seen this search for a budget flash?

Also, a fellow Kiwi recently asked for advice regarding a new flash. Perhaps you'll find my answer useful.

P.S.: Not sure where you got the idea from that third-party flashes don't work well. There are a lot of brands that work well with Pentax; in fact, I cannot think of examples for incompatibility (except perhaps some of the Yongnuo trigger gear which is designed for Canon/Nikon).

Oldbayrunner · 11-14-2014, 08:41 PM

Opteka EF-790 DG Super TTL Flash for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras

Class A · 11-15-2014, 01:27 AM

Originally posted by Oldbayrunner

Opteka EF-790 DG Super TTL Flash for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras

Only six manual power levels is not that useful.

Too me, good manual control is important.

chicagovianka · 11-15-2014, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by Class A

Have you seen this search for a budget flash?

Also, a fellow Kiwi recently asked for advice regarding a new flash. Perhaps you'll find my answer useful.

P.S.: Not sure where you got the idea from that third-party flashes don't work well. There are a lot of brands that work well with Pentax; in fact, I cannot think of examples for incompatibility (except perhaps some of the Yongnuo trigger gear which is designed for Canon/Nikon).

Thanks for the response. I read the thread about searching for the budget flash and I see that some people have issues with certain functions of the non-brand flashes. I'm still doing my research and I hope I will find something pretty soon. Thanks again

Oldbayrunner · 11-15-2014, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by Class A

Only six manual power levels is not that useful.

Too me, good manual control is important.

Perhaps one of these would be in his budget and meet your approval.
https://www.keh.com/241541/pentax-af360fgz-mz-pz-sf-zx-dslr-flash-gn99-bounce-zoom

bladerunner6 · 11-15-2014, 06:50 PM

Originally posted by chicagovianka

I'm trying to find a decent flash for my Pentax K50 but I have a tight budget (say $100). I'm having a difficult time finding one in the US and I don't really want to order from overseas. I also read that other brands will not work well with Pentax. Any suggestions? Please help.

Promaster FL120
http://www.promaster.com/products.asp?product=FL120

It goes for $120 only and your local camera shop probably has it at that price.

Here are some quotes from some emails from Promaster:

"The 7500EDF has been discontinued for a few years and we haven't tested it for full compatibility with the K-30 of K-50 (at the very least, the 7500EDF could be triggered as an off-camera optical slave flash). The 7500EDF is a great flash but it is becoming difficult to find since it's discontinued. The FL Series flashes would be better as a main flash since they are tested and compatible with Pentax' newest cameras, including the K-50.

The FL120 is a fully automatic TTL flash, and the flash will determine the correct exposure for you."

I know this a bit over your price point,but it is close.

Class A · 11-15-2014, 11:38 PM

Originally posted by Oldbayrunner

Perhaps one of these would be in his budget and meet your approval.
https://www.keh.com/241541/pentax-af360fgz-mz-pz-sf-zx-dslr-flash-gn99-bounce-zoom

This one does not swivel.

It would be fine as an off-camera flash (as one can manually control its levels with a V6) but it does not make a lot of sense to buy an P-TTL flash to use it off-camera (as its P-TTL functions will only be available on-camera or require another on-camera P-TTL flash).

So no, that wouldn't be a flash that I'd recommend.

However, this thread is not about "my approval"; the OP should find something that suits them. I'm just mentioning criteria that may also be important to the OP.

bladerunner6 · 11-16-2014, 05:47 AM

Originally posted by Class A

This one does not swivel.

It would be fine as an off-camera flash (as one can manually control its levels with a V6) but it does not make a lot of sense to buy an P-TTL flash to use it off-camera (as its P-TTL functions will only be available on-camera or require another on-camera P-TTL flash).

So no, that wouldn't be a flash that I'd recommend.

However, this thread is not about "my approval"; the OP should find something that suits them.
I'm just mentioning criteria that may also be important to the OP.

Given the OP's budget constraints, it might be helpful to know more about his intended use.

11-14-2014, 01:08 PM	#1
chicagovianka New Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 7	Pentax K50 Flash - need help I'm trying to find a decent flash for my Pentax K50 but I have a tight budget (say $100). I'm having a difficult time finding one in the US and I don't really want to order from overseas. I also read that other brands will not work well with Pentax. Any suggestions? Please help.

11-14-2014, 01:34 PM	#5
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Old post, but I think still helpful: Inexpensive Flashes Also read this thread. Last edited by SOldBear; 11-14-2014 at 01:39 PM.

11-14-2014, 02:30 PM	#8
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by chicagovianka I'm trying to find a decent flash for my Pentax K50 but I have a tight budget (say $100). Have you seen this search for a budget flash? Also, a fellow Kiwi recently asked for advice regarding a new flash. Perhaps you'll find my answer useful. P.S.: Not sure where you got the idea from that third-party flashes don't work well. There are a lot of brands that work well with Pentax; in fact, I cannot think of examples for incompatibility (except perhaps some of the Yongnuo trigger gear which is designed for Canon/Nikon). Last edited by Class A; 11-14-2014 at 02:47 PM.

11-15-2014, 11:38 PM	#14
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by Oldbayrunner Perhaps one of these would be in his budget and meet your approval. https://www.keh.com/241541/pentax-af360fgz-mz-pz-sf-zx-dslr-flash-gn99-bounce-zoom This one does not swivel. It would be fine as an off-camera flash (as one can manually control its levels with a V6) but it does not make a lot of sense to buy an P-TTL flash to use it off-camera (as its P-TTL functions will only be available on-camera or require another on-camera P-TTL flash). So no, that wouldn't be a flash that I'd recommend. However, this thread is not about "my approval"; the OP should find something that suits them. I'm just mentioning criteria that may also be important to the OP. Last edited by Class A; 11-16-2014 at 07:13 PM.

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11-14-2014, 01:14 PM	#2
Rampage2k5 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Gatineau, Quebec Posts: 156	Metz 50 AF1 Can not say any wrong on it. Very nice flash so far.

11-14-2014, 01:26 PM	#3
chicagovianka New Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 7 Original Poster	Originally posted by Rampage2k5 Metz 50 AF1 Can not say any wrong on it. Very nice flash so far. I see that it has good reviews online, except it goes for a bit more $$ that I can afford right now. Maybe I should look for a used one. Thanks for the response!

11-14-2014, 01:34 PM - 1 Like	#4
Rampage2k5 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Gatineau, Quebec Posts: 156	ive gotten used and never had any issue. Its worth it for the quality ofbits build and the results it gives

11-14-2014, 01:37 PM	#6
Rampage2k5 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Gatineau, Quebec Posts: 156	https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/36-sold-items/277684-sale-sold-metz-50-af1.html Its a sold one, they are not rare but they do show up between 100-140$

11-14-2014, 01:56 PM	#7
chicagovianka New Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 7 Original Poster	Originally posted by SOldBear Old post, but I think still helpful: Inexpensive Flashes Also read this thread. Thank a lot! Now I have something to choose from ---------- Post added 11-14-14 at 02:57 PM ---------- Originally posted by SOldBear Old post, but I think still helpful: Inexpensive Flashes Also read this thread. Thank a lot! Now I have something to choose from

11-14-2014, 08:41 PM	#9
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Opteka EF-790 DG Super TTL Flash for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras

11-15-2014, 01:27 AM	#10
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by Oldbayrunner Opteka EF-790 DG Super TTL Flash for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras Only six manual power levels is not that useful. Too me, good manual control is important.

11-15-2014, 08:02 AM	#11
chicagovianka New Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 7 Original Poster	Originally posted by Class A Have you seen this search for a budget flash? Also, a fellow Kiwi recently asked for advice regarding a new flash. Perhaps you'll find my answer useful. P.S.: Not sure where you got the idea from that third-party flashes don't work well. There are a lot of brands that work well with Pentax; in fact, I cannot think of examples for incompatibility (except perhaps some of the Yongnuo trigger gear which is designed for Canon/Nikon). Thanks for the response. I read the thread about searching for the budget flash and I see that some people have issues with certain functions of the non-brand flashes. I'm still doing my research and I hope I will find something pretty soon. Thanks again

11-15-2014, 03:17 PM	#12
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by Class A Only six manual power levels is not that useful. Too me, good manual control is important. Perhaps one of these would be in his budget and meet your approval. https://www.keh.com/241541/pentax-af360fgz-mz-pz-sf-zx-dslr-flash-gn99-bounce-zoom

11-15-2014, 06:50 PM	#13
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080	Originally posted by chicagovianka I'm trying to find a decent flash for my Pentax K50 but I have a tight budget (say $100). I'm having a difficult time finding one in the US and I don't really want to order from overseas. I also read that other brands will not work well with Pentax. Any suggestions? Please help. Promaster FL120 http://www.promaster.com/products.asp?product=FL120 It goes for $120 only and your local camera shop probably has it at that price. Here are some quotes from some emails from Promaster: "The 7500EDF has been discontinued for a few years and we haven't tested it for full compatibility with the K-30 of K-50 (at the very least, the 7500EDF could be triggered as an off-camera optical slave flash). The 7500EDF is a great flash but it is becoming difficult to find since it's discontinued. The FL Series flashes would be better as a main flash since they are tested and compatible with Pentax' newest cameras, including the K-50. The FL120 is a fully automatic TTL flash, and the flash will determine the correct exposure for you." I know this a bit over your price point,but it is close.

11-16-2014, 05:47 AM	#15
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080	Originally posted by Class A This one does not swivel. It would be fine as an off-camera flash (as one can manually control its levels with a V6) but it does not make a lot of sense to buy an P-TTL flash to use it off-camera (as its P-TTL functions will only be available on-camera or require another on-camera P-TTL flash). So no, that wouldn't be a flash that I'd recommend. However, this thread is not about "my approval"; the OP should find something that suits them. I'm just mentioning criteria that may also be important to the OP. Given the OP's budget constraints, it might be helpful to know more about his intended use.