I have failed to check my profile page recently, so apologise to two members (hman & MJSfoto1056) who posted a couple of quick questions there. Really sorry I didn't see them. I hope you don't mind if I copy the questions here in the interests of letting all participate in what are really general interest matters about Pentax Flash ....
hman wrote ....
'Hi- am reviewing your outstandingly informative guide to Pentax flashes. While I understand the obvious benefits to the top-of-the line Pentax dedicated flash, I am not quite ready from a budgetary perspective. I do own an old and working (at least the last time I tried) Pentax AF280-T flash that I've used on k100D, K-x, and now on K-50. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around all of this new (to me) info, and was wondering how I can best use this flash, as well as options for off camera flash with triggers? wireless? I don't know what I don't know! Hope you don't mind the PM.'
Thanks, Harvey
Thanks for the question, and sorry again that I didn't see it. The old TTL era flashes cannot be used on the modern DSLRs in TTL mode, as this is not supported by the cameras (which need special flash sensors to detect the light 'off the film plane'. However, they will fire and be able to be used in either 'Auto-A' mode (if the flash has this with the required sensor), and in any manual power setting they have (these older units usually have a simple two-step manual option). For both of these options you'll need manual camera mode, and for the manual flash option then you will have to juggle flash brightness with aperture / ISO and distance adjustments.
For wireless, then you could look at the Cactus V6 system ..... as I understand it the V6 'Transceivers' can be profiled to take manual control of an old TTL flash unit, and you will be able to control the output in a number of steps from the on-camera V6 unit. Other manual triggers may also be able to be used this way, but we'll have to hope for more expert views on any alternatives. I hope you are able to get your old flash working for you again!
MSJfoto1956 Wrote ....
'quick question: do you know if Pentax supports PTTL with two Pentax flashes attached to the hotshoe via a (custom) split cable? (Canon does, Nikon does not). '
Thanks!
Michael
Hi Michael, Again sorry for not replying earlier. The Pentax extension cord and shoe cable system does allow such a 'split' I believe, and it allows the 'contrast control sync' mode to operate, with a split lighting ratio between the two flashes. The adaptor is attached to the hotshoe and the the flashes are connected by with hotshoe or plug from the cable. I believe they must both be independently supported, eg on a flash bracket system if attached to the camera, or on stands of not.
I don't use this technique myself, only wireless, so I would be really grateful if anyone with more knowledge can clarify and add to this. Thanks again for these questions guys and I am sure that I will be able to draw on any further answers here to add to the next version of the Guide