Yongnuo Speedlite YN 460 II and Pentax KX, how to control flash wirelessly?

Jon55 · 01-11-2019, 01:43 PM

After many years of not really needing any flash for the KX, other than the onboard one, I recently have gotten into portrait photography. Initial results with the kit lens and using the KX flash to trigger the YN 460 II, which is located inside an umbrella softbox, have worked out pretty well, but I don't like the distortion I'm seeing, which is no doubt being caused by the small FL and my closeness to the lens (about 35 mm). So, I have switched to my Zeiss 135 mm F/3.5 lens. However, I have run into an issue I don't know how to solve. Since the distance between camera and subject is much greater now, I can no longer use the onboard flash to trigger the speedlite since the umbrella rear side is black and shields any extraneous light. I've tried using reflector cards to channel the KX flash light to the correct side of the umbrella, but it's just not bright enough. So, I'm looking for a cheap solution. Is there any way I can either wire a direct connection from camera hot shoe to flash, or some sort of wireless set up? It looks like there is a jack of some sort on the side of the speedite, but not sure what it's for (I lost the manual years ago and never used the speedlite for anything other than triggered by the camera flash). Anyway, wireless is preferred, but if a trigger cord could be bought long enough so as not to trip on it, I could go with that.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Jon

rawr · 01-11-2019, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by Jon55

Is there any way I can either wire a direct connection from camera hot shoe to flash, or some sort of wireless set up?

The easiest solution is a hot shoe extension cable that does Pentax. Pentax makes one, but a clone like this JJC one works too:

TTL Off Camera Flash Cords maintains all on-camera functions (inc. TTL) for PENTAX Speedlite off-camera - JJC

Available on eBay and Amazon for about US$20.

skierd · 01-11-2019, 02:04 PM

There are both wired and wireless hot shoe triggers.

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101-pc-cords-and-pocket.html?m=1

I use the wireless Yongnuo 560TX for Nikon on my KP and used it on my K-30. The canon version has a different connection on the hot shoe foot if I remember correctly and won’t work.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1363591-REG/yongnuo_yn_560_tx_ii_n_yn560txiin_manual_flash_controller.html

A wired trigger should just use a standard 3.5mm audio cable or a PC cable, one end on the flash the other on the hot shoe adapter. I’ve used them on older cameras, usually to trigger my wireless controller because I don’t like running around with a 30’ cable to trip over.

**clackers** · 01-11-2019, 02:16 PM

Just go cheap wireless, Jon!

Jon55 · 01-11-2019, 02:32 PM

Originally posted by rawr

The easiest solution is a hot shoe extension cable that does Pentax. Pentax makes one, but a clone like this JJC one works too:

TTL Off Camera Flash Cords maintains all on-camera functions (inc. TTL) for PENTAX Speedlite off-camera - JJC

Available on eBay and Amazon for about US$20.

Thanks, but I don't seem to be finding any at reasonable cost that are 10' or more long. I

would need something at least that length as to not trip over it.

Jon55 · 01-11-2019, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by clackers

Just go cheap wireless, Jon!

This is how I'd really like to do it, but with the huge number of wireless units, I'm not sure what would work with the camera and flash. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.

vector · 01-11-2019, 02:50 PM

Yongnuo makes wireless triggers. They are basic and cheap but I have found them to be reliable as well. The one I use is the Yongnuo RF-602 which has no TTL or anything and will work with Pentax/Nikon/Canon even if you find one that says its for a specific brand. I have 2 of these and use them with my flashes and monolights.

**clackers** · 01-11-2019, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by Jon55

This is how I'd really like to do it, but with the huge number of wireless units, I'm not sure what would work with the camera and flash. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.

Any of them, Jon, you've got a manual flash.

Pentax uses a standard hotshoe.

mcgregni · 01-11-2019, 03:30 PM

Yes, and also I don't think the "P-TTL Cable" shown earlier is needed, as it's not a P-TTL flash.

rawr · 01-11-2019, 04:31 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Jon55

I don't seem to be finding any at reasonable cost that are 10' or more long.

JJC do also make a 3m version of the same cable, as do others. Pretty close to 10 ft.

But, as has been mentioned, any old wireless flash trigger/receiver pair which fit a standard ISO hot shoe should indeed work too with your manual flash.

Like these, which you can find all over the place online under various brands for about $20.

Jon55 · 01-11-2019, 05:20 PM

Thanks, all. I went with the Yongnuo RF-602 vector mentioned. I assume I can add another receiver at some point for my other flash?

Not to change the subject, but while I'm talking about flashes, what would be a recommended off camera p-TTL flash I could use? I remember a few years ago, a generic one but it was quite expensive. I understand there may be a Chinese? made one that works as well. Thanks.

**clackers** · 01-11-2019, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by Jon55

Thanks, all. I went with the Yongnuo RF-602 vector mentioned. I assume I can add another receiver at some point for my other flash?

Not to change the subject, but while I'm talking about flashes, what would be a recommended off camera p-TTL flash I could use? I remember a few years ago, a generic one but it was quite expensive. I understand there may be a Chinese? made one that works as well. Thanks.

Any of them, and a P-TTL one may also support HSS, check the specs.

Note that neither P-TTL (the Pentax TTL) nor HSS are supported by that Yongnuo you've just bought.

skierd · 01-11-2019, 05:46 PM

The nice thing about the 560tx is it also allows you to change the flash settings on the camera instead of having to work directly on the flash. Just saying, that’s a big reason why I went with it.

**clackers** · 01-11-2019, 06:01 PM

Originally posted by skierd

The nice thing about the 560tx is it also allows you to change the flash settings on the camera instead of having to work directly on the flash. Just saying, that’s a big reason why I went with it.

Yeah, I have that TX and three of their speedlights, Skierd, it all works a treat.

rawr · 01-11-2019, 10:40 PM

Originally posted by Jon55

what would be a recommended off camera p-TTL flash I could use?

There are quite a few around nowadays, inc many a Metz or Pentax unit. And good Chinese ones like the Yongnuo YN585EX , Shanny SN600FGZ and Godox TT350P spring to mind, and seem to have many happy Pentax users. But it's hard to make recommendations without knowing your budget and priority feature requirements.

Off-camera P-TTL can be handled many ways, inc adding radio triggers like the Cactus v6 II or the Godox X-Pro P into your setup.

01-11-2019, 01:43 PM	#1
Jon55 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 26	Yongnuo Speedlite YN 460 II and Pentax KX, how to control flash wirelessly? After many years of not really needing any flash for the KX, other than the onboard one, I recently have gotten into portrait photography. Initial results with the kit lens and using the KX flash to trigger the YN 460 II, which is located inside an umbrella softbox, have worked out pretty well, but I don't like the distortion I'm seeing, which is no doubt being caused by the small FL and my closeness to the lens (about 35 mm). So, I have switched to my Zeiss 135 mm F/3.5 lens. However, I have run into an issue I don't know how to solve. Since the distance between camera and subject is much greater now, I can no longer use the onboard flash to trigger the speedlite since the umbrella rear side is black and shields any extraneous light. I've tried using reflector cards to channel the KX flash light to the correct side of the umbrella, but it's just not bright enough. So, I'm looking for a cheap solution. Is there any way I can either wire a direct connection from camera hot shoe to flash, or some sort of wireless set up? It looks like there is a jack of some sort on the side of the speedite, but not sure what it's for (I lost the manual years ago and never used the speedlite for anything other than triggered by the camera flash). Anyway, wireless is preferred, but if a trigger cord could be bought long enough so as not to trip on it, I could go with that. Thanks in advance for any help. Jon

01-11-2019, 02:04 PM	#3
skierd Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Fairbanks, AK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,472	There are both wired and wireless hot shoe triggers. http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101-pc-cords-and-pocket.html?m=1 I use the wireless Yongnuo 560TX for Nikon on my KP and used it on my K-30. The canon version has a different connection on the hot shoe foot if I remember correctly and won’t work. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1363591-REG/yongnuo_yn_560_tx_ii_n_yn560txiin_manual_flash_controller.html A wired trigger should just use a standard 3.5mm audio cable or a PC cable, one end on the flash the other on the hot shoe adapter. I’ve used them on older cameras, usually to trigger my wireless controller because I don’t like running around with a 30’ cable to trip over. Last edited by skierd; 01-11-2019 at 02:12 PM.

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01-11-2019, 02:04 PM	#2
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Jon55 Is there any way I can either wire a direct connection from camera hot shoe to flash, or some sort of wireless set up? The easiest solution is a hot shoe extension cable that does Pentax. Pentax makes one, but a clone like this JJC one works too: TTL Off Camera Flash Cords maintains all on-camera functions (inc. TTL) for PENTAX Speedlite off-camera - JJC Available on eBay and Amazon for about US$20.

01-11-2019, 02:16 PM	#4
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Just go cheap wireless, Jon!

01-11-2019, 02:32 PM	#5
Jon55 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 26 Original Poster	Originally posted by rawr The easiest solution is a hot shoe extension cable that does Pentax. Pentax makes one, but a clone like this JJC one works too: TTL Off Camera Flash Cords maintains all on-camera functions (inc. TTL) for PENTAX Speedlite off-camera - JJC Available on eBay and Amazon for about US$20. Thanks, but I don't seem to be finding any at reasonable cost that are 10' or more long. I would need something at least that length as to not trip over it.

01-11-2019, 02:33 PM	#6
Jon55 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 26 Original Poster	Originally posted by clackers Just go cheap wireless, Jon! This is how I'd really like to do it, but with the huge number of wireless units, I'm not sure what would work with the camera and flash. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.

01-11-2019, 02:50 PM	#7
vector Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alberta Posts: 713	Yongnuo makes wireless triggers. They are basic and cheap but I have found them to be reliable as well. The one I use is the Yongnuo RF-602 which has no TTL or anything and will work with Pentax/Nikon/Canon even if you find one that says its for a specific brand. I have 2 of these and use them with my flashes and monolights.

01-11-2019, 02:52 PM	#8
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Jon55 This is how I'd really like to do it, but with the huge number of wireless units, I'm not sure what would work with the camera and flash. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks. Any of them, Jon, you've got a manual flash. Pentax uses a standard hotshoe.

01-11-2019, 03:30 PM	#9
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	Yes, and also I don't think the "P-TTL Cable" shown earlier is needed, as it's not a P-TTL flash.

01-11-2019, 04:31 PM - 1 Like	#10
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Jon55 I don't seem to be finding any at reasonable cost that are 10' or more long. JJC do also make a 3m version of the same cable, as do others. Pretty close to 10 ft. But, as has been mentioned, any old wireless flash trigger/receiver pair which fit a standard ISO hot shoe should indeed work too with your manual flash. Like these, which you can find all over the place online under various brands for about $20.

01-11-2019, 05:20 PM	#11
Jon55 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 26 Original Poster	Thanks, all. I went with the Yongnuo RF-602 vector mentioned. I assume I can add another receiver at some point for my other flash? Not to change the subject, but while I'm talking about flashes, what would be a recommended off camera p-TTL flash I could use? I remember a few years ago, a generic one but it was quite expensive. I understand there may be a Chinese? made one that works as well. Thanks.

01-11-2019, 05:27 PM	#12
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Jon55 Thanks, all. I went with the Yongnuo RF-602 vector mentioned. I assume I can add another receiver at some point for my other flash? Not to change the subject, but while I'm talking about flashes, what would be a recommended off camera p-TTL flash I could use? I remember a few years ago, a generic one but it was quite expensive. I understand there may be a Chinese? made one that works as well. Thanks. Any of them, and a P-TTL one may also support HSS, check the specs. Note that neither P-TTL (the Pentax TTL) nor HSS are supported by that Yongnuo you've just bought.

01-11-2019, 05:46 PM	#13
skierd Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Fairbanks, AK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,472	The nice thing about the 560tx is it also allows you to change the flash settings on the camera instead of having to work directly on the flash. Just saying, that’s a big reason why I went with it.

01-11-2019, 06:01 PM	#14
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by skierd The nice thing about the 560tx is it also allows you to change the flash settings on the camera instead of having to work directly on the flash. Just saying, that’s a big reason why I went with it. Yeah, I have that TX and three of their speedlights, Skierd, it all works a treat.

01-11-2019, 10:40 PM	#15
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Jon55 what would be a recommended off camera p-TTL flash I could use? There are quite a few around nowadays, inc many a Metz or Pentax unit. And good Chinese ones like the Yongnuo YN585EX , Shanny SN600FGZ and Godox TT350P spring to mind, and seem to have many happy Pentax users. But it's hard to make recommendations without knowing your budget and priority feature requirements. Off-camera P-TTL can be handled many ways, inc adding radio triggers like the Cactus v6 II or the Godox X-Pro P into your setup.