[andyk17]

Hi,

Looking for a cheap flashgun for my K30, not really interested in things like PTTL as my K30 has aperture failure so I am using it in manual mode at the moment. I just bought a cheap Jessops 360AFD on ebay but can't make if fire in manual mode on camera so guessing it is faulty. I have an old Vivitar 530FD, but worried that the trigger voltage might be too high (anyone know what max trigger voltage the K30 and the *istDL can handle?).

Not looking to spend a fortune, as I don't use flash that often and the onboard one covers most options, would just be nice to have a bit more power sometimes.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Andy

[VoiceOfReason]

I used to use one of these and I really liked it: amazon.com : Opteka EF-790 DG Super TTL Autofocus Dedicated LCD Flash for Pentax K-30, 645D, Q, K-5, K-r, K-x, K-7 and Samsung GX-1S, GX1L and GX10 Digital SLR Cameras : On Camera Shoe Mount Flashes : Camera & Photo?tag=pentaxforums-20&

It needs either good rechargeable batteries like eneloops or lithium batteries.

[andyk17]

I used to use one of these and I really liked it: amazon.com : Opteka EF-790 DG Super TTL Autofocus Dedicated LCD Flash for Pentax K-30, 645D, Q, K-5, K-r, K-x, K-7 and Samsung GX-1S, GX1L and GX10 Digital SLR Cameras : On Camera Shoe Mount Flashes : Camera & Photo?tag=pentaxforums-20&

It needs either good rechargeable batteries like eneloops or lithium batteries.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will see if I can track it (or equivalent) down in the UK.

Andy

[C_Jones]

I have the Yongnuo YN585EX flash for Pentax. It works great, is very dependable, has TTL if needed, is well built/styled, and comes with a pouch. A shortcut to a listing of the product at B and H is below.

Yongnuo YN585EX Speedlite for Pentax Cameras YN585EX/PENTAX B&H

---

Last edited by C_Jones; 11-28-2018 at 09:39 AM.

[swanlefitte]

I like the yongnuo yn585ex.
For manual on camera or with cheap triggers nikon sb28s are good and can often be found cheap.

[West Penn]

That YN58EX will not work in TTL mode when using a manual lens on the camera, as that's what the OP must be using since his K-30 has the aperture block failure. It will work, however, in manual mode. It isn't much more expensive than the manual YN flashes and may be worth buying if the OP is thinking of buying another Pentax to replace his K-30 down the road. I have the YN585EX and it works well on my K-3II.

[swanlefitte]

You all are confusing me. Does the yn585ex do ttl or only pttl? I thought ttl worked with af lenses so an f or fa lens with aperture set to 'a' will work in ttl.

Just checked with my ks2 and fa77. The yn585ex did work in ttl with max synch of 1/90.

[mcgregni]

It's a modern flash, so TTL means P-TTL when it's a Pentax dedicated model.

These days, unless the discussion is specifically about film era equipment, then people commonly use "TTL", particularly when the flash unit is interchangeable between a range of camera brand variants. The manufacturers do this also.

So for example I would call a Pentax AF-540FGZ and a Metz 52AF1 "P-TTL flashes", and refer to them being "in P-TTL mode" ..... But a Cactus RF60x, I would not call it a "P-TTL" flash, and I would refer to it being in "TTL" mode (even though it actually is P-TTL).

[rr1736]

The Yongnuo YN585 works on my K1, K3, KP, and several other Pentax

[andyk17]

Thanks for all the suggestions, initially I had been looking at something manual, so probably used as I couldn't use any other modes on the K30 at the moment. Thought the Jessops one would fit the bill but looks like it may be faulty as it won't fire in any mode including manual. The Vivitar 530FD works in manual mode, but not sure if it's trigger voltage might be too high for a DSLR.

I guess rather than look at something like a used AF280T I might be better off with the Yongnuo, which should work in PTTL mode in my *istDL and would work with a future Pentax as I am thinking about a K5 (or if I ever get the K30 repaired).

Anyway thanks again for the suggestions at least gives me something to think about.

Andy

[C_Jones]

The YN585EX can be used in Manual or in Pentax TTL (P-TTL) modes, so depending on your situation you can access either. It is really a nice flash. I have 3 Pentax AF360FGZ flashes also, and the Yongnuo does well along with them.

Good luck with your decision.

[Skodadriver]

You might look a then used Sigma flash options for P-TTL, the EF 530 DG Super for example. This is suitable for HSS too should you want to expand your flash usage. I found one for £40.
Check out the details online, on paper it seems quite impressive. I have yet to use mine unfortunately apart from testing it.