What is smallest P-TTL flash that will wirelessly fire Pentax AF540 flash?

**barondla** · 11-11-2019, 10:22 AM

On the K-1 I miss the pop up flash. Used it often to wirelessly set off the AF540. Don't think Pentax makes a trigger unit. So what is the smallest flash that will do this in P-TTL? Not sure if 3rd party P-TTL flashes will work the AF540? This is for macro use so not interested in radio slaves.

Thanks,
barondla

**UncleVanya** · 11-11-2019, 10:44 AM - **1 Like**

I'll have to look back at my old posts. There are very few small p-ttl master capable flashes.

veato · 11-11-2019, 10:44 AM - **1 Like**

Metz 26 AF-2 is quite small and the datasheet says it's P-TTL.

I think the AF201 is the smallest 1st party flash available to buy new.

stevebrot · 11-11-2019, 10:52 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by barondla

So what is the smallest flash that will do this in P-TTL?

In other words, the smallest P-TTL flash capable of acting as master/controller. The short answer is an AF360FGZ as far as Pentax-brand goes. Whether there is third-party support would require a bit of search filtering on the B&H or other online store Web site.

Hasn't this already been covered?

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/125-flashes-lighting-studio/390035-small...ash-p-ttl.html

Metz M400?

Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 11-11-2019 at 11:00 AM.

**UncleVanya** · 11-11-2019, 11:01 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by veato

Metz 26 AF-2 is quite small and the datasheet says it's P-TTL.

I think the AF201 is the smallest 1st party flash available to buy new.

The 201 doesn't work as a master.

stevebrot · 11-11-2019, 11:08 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by barondla

So what is the smallest flash that will do this in P-TTL?

Alternatively, the smallest solution may not be a flash. Have you considered a wired option such as the Vello P-TTL unit linked below?

Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Pentax Cameras (3') OCS-P3

Unless you are needing contribution from a hot-shoe mounted flash (master), this may suit your purpose.

Steve

(...have used similar for product and tabletop work balancing off-camera P-TTL against optical-triggered manual speedlights as fill...)

stevebrot · 11-11-2019, 11:23 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by veato

Metz 26 AF-2 is quite small and the datasheet says it's P-TTL.

The Metz documentation indicates P-TTL Slave only.

Steve

**barondla** · 11-11-2019, 01:28 PM

Have P-TTL cord. Works fine with a single flash. Need 2nd flash now. One in front of subject, the other behind, aimed at background. Shooting mostly outdoor bug/flower macros and can't have wire interfering with subject. Was hoping there was a solution smaller than AF360.
Thanks,
barondla

**UncleVanya** · 11-11-2019, 01:49 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by barondla

Have P-TTL cord. Works fine with a single flash. Need 2nd flash now. One in front of subject, the other behind, aimed at background. Shooting mostly outdoor bug/flower macros and can't have wire interfering with subject. Was hoping there was a solution smaller than AF360.
Thanks,
barondla

In a situation like that I don't think p-ttl metering will help. If the lights aren't all on the same subject the results might vary too much. Using the older style cactus v6 with pseudo manual control would be very flexible and I would simple get a pair of triggers (one on camera, and one on the Af540) and the cactus flash or just two triggers and a smaller flash on the cactus on camera. With the larger cactus is mount it off camera and the Pentax flash as well place them where you want without the flash bulk on the body and independently adjust each flash output.

simsburyphoto · 11-11-2019, 02:03 PM - **1 Like**

The Metz M400 will work as a master or controller flash and is a little more compact than the Pentax AF360.

stevebrot · 11-11-2019, 05:20 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by barondla

Have P-TTL cord. Works fine with a single flash. Need 2nd flash now. One in front of subject, the other behind, aimed at background. Shooting mostly outdoor bug/flower macros and can't have wire interfering with subject.

What you describe is very close to what I have done with a P-TTL cord and a second flash as manual slave to the off-camera P-TTL unit. The cord is never in the frame (is at base of P-TTL flash) and the second flash is just along for the ride.

Steve

wstruth · 11-11-2019, 06:38 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

Hasn't this already been covered?
Steve

Many times. All those small flashes are not wireless masters. Too bad, really it would be nice.....

stevebrot · 11-11-2019, 07:59 PM

Originally posted by C_Jones

You may want to consider the Godox TT350P flash for Pentax with TTL. It is small and
you could utilize it to optically trigger other flashes off camera. As was said, the Pentax AF360FGZ will act as a TTL unit. The Yongnuo YN585EX for Pentax also has TTL (P-TTL). Both will also fire an off camera flash optically. A shortcut to the Godox (small unit) is below. The Godox unit has radio capabilities also (beside acting as an optical trigger), in case you ever decided to invest in more Godox lighting.

Neither model is capable of acting as P-TTL optical master or controller (the OP's firm requirement). Wireless control with both models is done by integration with the brand's RF wireless system. That said, the Godox TT350P (or Flashpoint version) would be my first choice as a small on-camera flash if I were to purchase a K-1 or the upcoming K-nu.

Steve

C_Jones · 11-11-2019, 08:30 PM

The Godox TT350P for Pentax seems to have some nice features for a small flash, including the TTL and the radio transmitter capability which can be used with some other Godox lighting units (for example, AD200 and AD600). It can also be used with the XProP on camera transmitter. I know the original post mentions optical wireless only, but just in case, the TT350P does have valuable features if a user is possibly interested in a small on camera flash.

"The AF360FGZ can be used interchangeably with AF540FGZ units for wireless mode photography." (quote from Pentax AF540FGZ manual, page 38)

Both AF540FGZ and AF360FGZ units are capable of wireless TTL. Either can be used as Master, Controller, or Slave interchangeably.

If a user wants to fire for example the AF540FGZ off camera without P-TTL, the user could set the AF540FGZ to "Slave 2" (SL2) mode, which would allow a primary (single) burst of light to activate the flash.

swanlefitte · 11-11-2019, 10:07 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Alternatively, the smallest solution may not be a flash. Have you considered a wired option such as the Vello P-TTL unit linked below?

Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Pentax Cameras (3') OCS-P3

Unless you are needing contribution from a hot-shoe mounted flash (master), this may suit your purpose.

Steve

(...have used similar for product and tabletop work balancing off-camera P-TTL against optical-triggered manual speedlights as fill...)

I use this for macro. It's great for it. It only let's the flash be about 1.5' away because of the coil but it also keeps the cord from dangling much.
Great handheld or on a bracket but not for flash on a stand.

11-11-2019, 10:22 AM	#1
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,714	What is smallest P-TTL flash that will wirelessly fire Pentax AF540 flash? On the K-1 I miss the pop up flash. Used it often to wirelessly set off the AF540. Don't think Pentax makes a trigger unit. So what is the smallest flash that will do this in P-TTL? Not sure if 3rd party P-TTL flashes will work the AF540? This is for macro use so not interested in radio slaves. Thanks, barondla

11-11-2019, 10:44 AM - 1 Like	#3
veato Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Nottingham Posts: 543	Metz 26 AF-2 is quite small and the datasheet says it's P-TTL. I think the AF201 is the smallest 1st party flash available to buy new. Last edited by veato; 11-11-2019 at 10:45 AM. Reason: typo

11-11-2019, 11:01 AM - 1 Like	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,403	Originally posted by veato Metz 26 AF-2 is quite small and the datasheet says it's P-TTL. I think the AF201 is the smallest 1st party flash available to buy new. The 201 doesn't work as a master. Last edited by UncleVanya; 11-14-2019 at 02:33 PM.

11-11-2019, 11:08 AM - 1 Like	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by barondla So what is the smallest flash that will do this in P-TTL? Alternatively, the smallest solution may not be a flash. Have you considered a wired option such as the Vello P-TTL unit linked below? Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Pentax Cameras (3') OCS-P3 Unless you are needing contribution from a hot-shoe mounted flash (master), this may suit your purpose. Steve (...have used similar for product and tabletop work balancing off-camera P-TTL against optical-triggered manual speedlights as fill...) Last edited by stevebrot; 11-11-2019 at 11:14 AM.

11-11-2019, 06:38 PM - 1 Like	#12
wstruth Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: at my kitchen table Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,294	Originally posted by stevebrot Hasn't this already been covered? Steve Many times. All those small flashes are not wireless masters. Too bad, really it would be nice..... Last edited by wstruth; 11-11-2019 at 06:44 PM.

11-11-2019, 10:52 AM - 2 Likes	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by barondla So what is the smallest flash that will do this in P-TTL? In other words, the smallest P-TTL flash capable of acting as master/controller. The short answer is an AF360FGZ as far as Pentax-brand goes. Whether there is third-party support would require a bit of search filtering on the B&H or other online store Web site. Hasn't this already been covered? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/125-flashes-lighting-studio/390035-small...ash-p-ttl.html Metz M400? Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 11-11-2019 at 11:00 AM.

11-11-2019, 11:23 AM - 1 Like	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by veato Metz 26 AF-2 is quite small and the datasheet says it's P-TTL. The Metz documentation indicates P-TTL Slave only. Steve

11-11-2019, 01:28 PM	#8
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,714 Original Poster	Have P-TTL cord. Works fine with a single flash. Need 2nd flash now. One in front of subject, the other behind, aimed at background. Shooting mostly outdoor bug/flower macros and can't have wire interfering with subject. Was hoping there was a solution smaller than AF360. Thanks, barondla

11-11-2019, 01:49 PM - 1 Like	#9
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,403	Originally posted by barondla Have P-TTL cord. Works fine with a single flash. Need 2nd flash now. One in front of subject, the other behind, aimed at background. Shooting mostly outdoor bug/flower macros and can't have wire interfering with subject. Was hoping there was a solution smaller than AF360. Thanks, barondla In a situation like that I don't think p-ttl metering will help. If the lights aren't all on the same subject the results might vary too much. Using the older style cactus v6 with pseudo manual control would be very flexible and I would simple get a pair of triggers (one on camera, and one on the Af540) and the cactus flash or just two triggers and a smaller flash on the cactus on camera. With the larger cactus is mount it off camera and the Pentax flash as well place them where you want without the flash bulk on the body and independently adjust each flash output.

11-11-2019, 02:03 PM - 1 Like	#10
simsburyphoto Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 244	The Metz M400 will work as a master or controller flash and is a little more compact than the Pentax AF360.

11-11-2019, 05:20 PM - 1 Like	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by barondla Have P-TTL cord. Works fine with a single flash. Need 2nd flash now. One in front of subject, the other behind, aimed at background. Shooting mostly outdoor bug/flower macros and can't have wire interfering with subject. What you describe is very close to what I have done with a P-TTL cord and a second flash as manual slave to the off-camera P-TTL unit. The cord is never in the frame (is at base of P-TTL flash) and the second flash is just along for the ride. Steve

11-11-2019, 07:59 PM	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by C_Jones You may want to consider the Godox TT350P flash for Pentax with TTL. It is small and you could utilize it to optically trigger other flashes off camera. As was said, the Pentax AF360FGZ will act as a TTL unit. The Yongnuo YN585EX for Pentax also has TTL (P-TTL). Both will also fire an off camera flash optically. A shortcut to the Godox (small unit) is below. The Godox unit has radio capabilities also (beside acting as an optical trigger), in case you ever decided to invest in more Godox lighting. Neither model is capable of acting as P-TTL optical master or controller (the OP's firm requirement). Wireless control with both models is done by integration with the brand's RF wireless system. That said, the Godox TT350P (or Flashpoint version) would be my first choice as a small on-camera flash if I were to purchase a K-1 or the upcoming K-nu. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 11-11-2019 at 08:06 PM. Reason: completeness

11-11-2019, 08:30 PM	#14
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	The Godox TT350P for Pentax seems to have some nice features for a small flash, including the TTL and the radio transmitter capability which can be used with some other Godox lighting units (for example, AD200 and AD600). It can also be used with the XProP on camera transmitter. I know the original post mentions optical wireless only, but just in case, the TT350P does have valuable features if a user is possibly interested in a small on camera flash. "The AF360FGZ can be used interchangeably with AF540FGZ units for wireless mode photography." (quote from Pentax AF540FGZ manual, page 38) Both AF540FGZ and AF360FGZ units are capable of wireless TTL. Either can be used as Master, Controller, or Slave interchangeably. If a user wants to fire for example the AF540FGZ off camera without P-TTL, the user could set the AF540FGZ to "Slave 2" (SL2) mode, which would allow a primary (single) burst of light to activate the flash. Last edited by C_Jones; 11-11-2019 at 09:45 PM.

11-11-2019, 10:07 PM	#15
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	Originally posted by stevebrot Alternatively, the smallest solution may not be a flash. Have you considered a wired option such as the Vello P-TTL unit linked below? Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Pentax Cameras (3') OCS-P3 Unless you are needing contribution from a hot-shoe mounted flash (master), this may suit your purpose. Steve (...have used similar for product and tabletop work balancing off-camera P-TTL against optical-triggered manual speedlights as fill...) I use this for macro. It's great for it. It only let's the flash be about 1.5' away because of the coil but it also keeps the cord from dangling much. Great handheld or on a bracket but not for flash on a stand.

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