K200D Wireless Flash's Help/Suggestions

Sukibabe · 10-18-2009, 12:11 PM

Hi to all,

I currently made the switch from SLR to DSLR with the purchase of a Pentax K200D, i am very happy so far with my purchase.

My prob is that i am currently getting bookings to do some wedding and thought that i should purchase a flash gun which i need to wireless so i can use it as back light in some of that shots i intend, also i would like it to be quite a powerful one so it can be used from the back of halls to reach the front bout 15 meters or so

joeyc · 10-18-2009, 12:37 PM

Honestly, I think you only have one choice on the Pentax side - the AF-540. Far from perfect, but an excellent flash with outstanding output. I have both the AF-540 and the AF-360. They both serve a purpose for me, but if I want a powerflash, the 540 is the winner hands down.

I decent alternative and one that I would put slightly ahead of the 360 is the Metz AF-48. Good value at $225.

Sukibabe · 10-18-2009, 12:40 PM

thanks man, and yer i was lookin at gettin the metz....... but i will look into the pentax offerings, could you give some advice on the wirless triggers and how thats works with the K200D

joeyc · 10-18-2009, 12:48 PM

I use both the built in flash as a trigger (with PTTL) and a set of Cactus V4's (by Infinity Gadget) depending on the situation. The V4's are better when there is not a line of site to the body. The only downside is that you must use the flash(es) in manual. Not really a downside, just requires more work!

Look at your manual for a decent explanation of how the built in flash works well as a trigger.

Sukibabe · 10-18-2009, 12:51 PM

i see, so u would get a flash from the camera, would have to put some maskin tape over the flash try to diffuse it some how......... and ill look into the Cactus set up, oh and those AF-540 are so expensive lol, maybe worth getin 2 metz-48s instead

Sew-Classic · 10-18-2009, 12:53 PM

I have the Pentax AF360 and I recently purchased the Metx 48AF-1.

I discovered a significant difference between the two when it comes to wireless operation for my applications. I also use the flash remotely for backlighting. I actually use it to light the back drop in product shots. Anyhow, with the Pentax AF360, I can control the flash power manually when used in wireless mode (i.e. - 1/1, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 & 1/32 power). This is not an option with the Metz 48AF-1. You can only use it in PTTL mode wirelessly. I did try to use the flash exposure compensation (-3.0 to +3.0) to adjust the flash power on the Metz in PTTL slave mode. I couldn't get the control or results I needed. I also tried adjusting the flash power through the camera- no dice this way either.

joeyc · 10-18-2009, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by Sukibabe

i see, so u would get a flash from the camera, would have to put some maskin tape over the flash try to diffuse it some how......... and ill look into the Cactus set up, oh and those AF-540 are so expensive lol, maybe worth getin 2 metz-48s instead

There is a setting that will inhibit the onboard flash from effecting exposure. Look in the manual - it's one of the custom functions.

Grab a 540 (or two) used. I bought one for $240, but I have seen them in the $225-300 range depending on condition.

Sukibabe · 10-18-2009, 12:58 PM

well firstly would like to thank you for ur help, i think i will go with a couple of af360 as the 540 is just pricy for me at the min. do you use the K200D....... was wanting know if the K20 is really alot better or sumat to look for in the coming years.......

Many thanks Tom

**Ash** · 10-18-2009, 01:13 PM

Welcome to the forum Tom.
In terms of wireless function, I'm sure the K200D will suffice - no advantage with having a more expensive camera. I believe it's flash-dependent (so your 360s are a good choice).
Later on down the line, you may want to get a 540, though, as the swivel function is important for bounce flash in portrait orientation.

I use a 540 and Sigma EF 500 DG Super for my weddings and although both bounce and swivel with good power ratings, the 540 is just a pleasure to use under the fast-paced conditions of a wedding.

The K200D is also quite a capable camera, although be weary of its buffer size when taking continuous exposures - this is why I went with the K20D (or even K10D).

Hope this helps.

Sukibabe · 10-18-2009, 01:28 PM

ty ash on your warm welcome......... i will be taking your advice on board, in regards to building things up, i am new to photography and very eigar but i will do whats right and take my time and learn and test things, find out what works for me lol thanks to all for your feed back.

Russell-Evans · 10-18-2009, 09:17 PM

Originally posted by Sukibabe

well firstly would like to thank you for ur help, i think i will go with a couple of af360 as the 540 is just pricy for me at the min. do you use the K200D....... was wanting know if the K20 is really alot better or sumat to look for in the coming years.......

The 360FGZ has an auto off feature that can't be turned off and this makes them very hard to use with a radio trigger like the Cactus. The auto off is set for three minutes in all modes except wireless, one hour, and auto which is 6 minutes.

Currently the only P-TTL flashes that have an auto off that can be disabled are the Metz 48 AF-1, Metz 58 AF-1, and the Pentax 540 FGZ.

Thank you
Russell

Sukibabe · 10-19-2009, 03:03 AM

hi, thanks for this info, to understand better what you mean, after 3 minutes the flash unit will automatically turn off?

Russell-Evans · 10-19-2009, 03:11 AM

Originally posted by Sukibabe

hi, thanks for this info, to understand better what you mean, after 3 minutes the flash unit will automatically turn off?

Yes, after three minutes the flash will turn off and when it is turned on again, it is with its defaults. Any setting set before, will be lost.

Thank you
Russell

Sukibabe · 10-19-2009, 05:04 AM

ahhhh i see thanks for simplifying it for me, that wont do for my needs

Sukibabe · 10-19-2009, 08:07 AM

Hi to all, i was wondering, is the Pentax AF-500 FTZ any good for wireless triggering

10-18-2009, 12:11 PM	#1
Sukibabe New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 14	K200D Wireless Flash's Help/Suggestions Hi to all, I currently made the switch from SLR to DSLR with the purchase of a Pentax K200D, i am very happy so far with my purchase. My prob is that i am currently getting bookings to do some wedding and thought that i should purchase a flash gun which i need to wireless so i can use it as back light in some of that shots i intend, also i would like it to be quite a powerful one so it can be used from the back of halls to reach the front bout 15 meters or so

10-18-2009, 12:53 PM	#6
Sew-Classic Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 238	I have the Pentax AF360 and I recently purchased the Metx 48AF-1. I discovered a significant difference between the two when it comes to wireless operation for my applications. I also use the flash remotely for backlighting. I actually use it to light the back drop in product shots. Anyhow, with the Pentax AF360, I can control the flash power manually when used in wireless mode (i.e. - 1/1, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 & 1/32 power). This is not an option with the Metz 48AF-1. You can only use it in PTTL mode wirelessly. I did try to use the flash exposure compensation (-3.0 to +3.0) to adjust the flash power on the Metz in PTTL slave mode. I couldn't get the control or results I needed. I also tried adjusting the flash power through the camera- no dice this way either. Last edited by Sew-Classic; 10-18-2009 at 02:14 PM. Reason: typo

10-18-2009, 01:13 PM	#9
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Welcome to the forum Tom. In terms of wireless function, I'm sure the K200D will suffice - no advantage with having a more expensive camera. I believe it's flash-dependent (so your 360s are a good choice). Later on down the line, you may want to get a 540, though, as the swivel function is important for bounce flash in portrait orientation. I use a 540 and Sigma EF 500 DG Super for my weddings and although both bounce and swivel with good power ratings, the 540 is just a pleasure to use under the fast-paced conditions of a wedding. The K200D is also quite a capable camera, although be weary of its buffer size when taking continuous exposures - this is why I went with the K20D (or even K10D). Hope this helps. Last edited by Ash; 10-18-2009 at 01:49 PM.

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10-18-2009, 12:37 PM	#2
joeyc Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 478	Honestly, I think you only have one choice on the Pentax side - the AF-540. Far from perfect, but an excellent flash with outstanding output. I have both the AF-540 and the AF-360. They both serve a purpose for me, but if I want a powerflash, the 540 is the winner hands down. I decent alternative and one that I would put slightly ahead of the 360 is the Metz AF-48. Good value at $225.

10-18-2009, 12:40 PM	#3
Sukibabe New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Original Poster	thanks man, and yer i was lookin at gettin the metz....... but i will look into the pentax offerings, could you give some advice on the wirless triggers and how thats works with the K200D

10-18-2009, 12:48 PM	#4
joeyc Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 478	I use both the built in flash as a trigger (with PTTL) and a set of Cactus V4's (by Infinity Gadget) depending on the situation. The V4's are better when there is not a line of site to the body. The only downside is that you must use the flash(es) in manual. Not really a downside, just requires more work! Look at your manual for a decent explanation of how the built in flash works well as a trigger.

10-18-2009, 12:51 PM	#5
Sukibabe New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Original Poster	i see, so u would get a flash from the camera, would have to put some maskin tape over the flash try to diffuse it some how......... and ill look into the Cactus set up, oh and those AF-540 are so expensive lol, maybe worth getin 2 metz-48s instead

10-18-2009, 12:56 PM	#7
joeyc Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 478	Originally posted by Sukibabe i see, so u would get a flash from the camera, would have to put some maskin tape over the flash try to diffuse it some how......... and ill look into the Cactus set up, oh and those AF-540 are so expensive lol, maybe worth getin 2 metz-48s instead There is a setting that will inhibit the onboard flash from effecting exposure. Look in the manual - it's one of the custom functions. Grab a 540 (or two) used. I bought one for $240, but I have seen them in the $225-300 range depending on condition.

10-18-2009, 12:58 PM	#8
Sukibabe New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Original Poster	well firstly would like to thank you for ur help, i think i will go with a couple of af360 as the 540 is just pricy for me at the min. do you use the K200D....... was wanting know if the K20 is really alot better or sumat to look for in the coming years....... Many thanks Tom

10-18-2009, 01:28 PM	#10
Sukibabe New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Original Poster	ty ash on your warm welcome......... i will be taking your advice on board, in regards to building things up, i am new to photography and very eigar but i will do whats right and take my time and learn and test things, find out what works for me lol thanks to all for your feed back.

10-18-2009, 09:17 PM	#11
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	Originally posted by Sukibabe well firstly would like to thank you for ur help, i think i will go with a couple of af360 as the 540 is just pricy for me at the min. do you use the K200D....... was wanting know if the K20 is really alot better or sumat to look for in the coming years....... The 360FGZ has an auto off feature that can't be turned off and this makes them very hard to use with a radio trigger like the Cactus. The auto off is set for three minutes in all modes except wireless, one hour, and auto which is 6 minutes. Currently the only P-TTL flashes that have an auto off that can be disabled are the Metz 48 AF-1, Metz 58 AF-1, and the Pentax 540 FGZ. Thank you Russell

10-19-2009, 03:03 AM	#12
Sukibabe New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Original Poster	hi, thanks for this info, to understand better what you mean, after 3 minutes the flash unit will automatically turn off?

10-19-2009, 03:11 AM	#13
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	Originally posted by Sukibabe hi, thanks for this info, to understand better what you mean, after 3 minutes the flash unit will automatically turn off? Yes, after three minutes the flash will turn off and when it is turned on again, it is with its defaults. Any setting set before, will be lost. Thank you Russell

10-19-2009, 05:04 AM	#14
Sukibabe New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Original Poster	ahhhh i see thanks for simplifying it for me, that wont do for my needs

10-19-2009, 08:07 AM	#15
Sukibabe New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Original Poster	Hi to all, i was wondering, is the Pentax AF-500 FTZ any good for wireless triggering