[m88k]

If you want camera/ flash specific basic instructions, try Pentax's own flash tutorial videos. The link is currently leading to episode 3. (wireless P-TTL mode) Not sure what happened to the first two episodes...

[matiki]

P-TTL only uses matrix metering. The setting on the camera doesn't make any difference. You can verify this by setting the camera to Av mode with the pop up flash up, then keeping the camera pointed at the spot, switch the metering from spot to matrix. Notice the settings stay the same. Now repeat with the pop up flash closed and you should notice the settings varying.

Thank you
Russell

So it does! I was using my af360fgz and I've never noticed that. Thanks! One less thing to do, although I imagine some day I'll wish it would spot meter. All the more reason to get good at manual exposures.

[Russell-Evans]

By the way, I am going to try the manual mode too.

Be sure to hit the green button to see the effect in manual.

Thank you
Russell

[ma318]

I think you will find the X sync mode on a dial only on older film camera with a shutter speed dial on top of the camera. I don't have one on my istD. When people say put your camera in X sync mode, they are telling you to set your shutter speed to your camera's X-sync speed which is 1/180 secs for current Pentax DSLR. I think if you put your p-ttl flash on your camera and turn it on, the camera will automatically set your shutter speed to 1/180. This is one of the advantages of your p-ttl flash versus the older non dedicated flash. It provides more automation so you don't have to worry about things like this.

In fully automatic mode, there really isn't much you have to do. You just need to mount the flash onto the camera. Turn it on and make sure on the flash the mode is set to p-ttl. Then you can just basically point and shoot and the camera will try to figure out everything for you. If you find your flash photo consistently a little too dark then you can increase the flash compensation a little bit.

Once you get a better handle on using your flash in fully automatic mode, you should explore how to "bounce" your flash indoor to get different effects. You can even try using it in manual mode if you feel up for the challenge.

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Last edited by ma318; 01-22-2010 at 08:31 AM.

[Russell-Evans]

I think you will find the X sync mode on a dial only on older film camera with a shutter speed dial on top of the camera. I have not seen one like that on a DSLR.

Pentax is a little old school on the bodies without screen modes. The istD being an exception.





Thank you
Russell

[smf]

When I tried to go to the Pentax flash tutorial site via the link provided in a message above, I got this:

We apologize for the inconvenience, but the Active Product Tour you requested was not found.

If you have any questions, please contact us at support@sellpoint.net.

Thanks for the referral, m88k. I have no idea what went wrong between your recent posting of the link and this morning. Perhaps this is only a temporary glitch.

[Russell-Evans]

I have no idea what went wrong between your recent posting of the link and this morning. Perhaps this is only a temporary glitch.

Try the link I posted, post number 9, it is the same video and seems to work fine.

Thank you
Russell

[jpzk]

If you want camera/ flash specific basic instructions, try Pentax's own flash tutorial videos. The link is currently leading to episode 3. (wireless P-TTL mode) Not sure what happened to the first two episodes...

Tried that and can't find No.'s 1 and 2.

JP

[jpzk]

I think you will find the X sync mode on a dial only on older film camera with a shutter speed dial on top of the camera. I don't have one on my istD. When people say put your camera in X sync mode, they are telling you to set your shutter speed to your camera's X-sync speed which is 1/180 secs for current Pentax DSLR. I think if you put your p-ttl flash on your camera and turn it on, the camera will automatically set your shutter speed to 1/180. This is one of the advantages of your p-ttl flash versus the older non dedicated flash. It provides more automation so you don't have to worry about things like this.

In fully automatic mode, there really isn't much you have to do. You just need to mount the flash onto the camera. Turn it on and make sure on the flash the mode is set to p-ttl. Then you can just basically point and shoot and the camera will try to figure out everything for you. If you find your flash photo consistently a little too dark then you can increase the flash compensation a little bit.

Once you get a better handle on using your flash in fully automatic mode, you should explore how to "bounce" your flash indoor to get different effects. You can even try using it in manual mode if you feel up for the challenge.

Great summary, and that's what I need: simple.
There is a "X" mode on the K7/K20D, so that's why I was unsure about the concept. Now I know.
Presently, I am experimenting with the flash in P-TTL.
I have had the camera set on Av for most of the pics.
Is this where I should start? I am not really fond of the P mode but willing to try that too.

Thanks for the info, appreciated.

JP

[jpzk]

Be sure to hit the green button to see the effect in manual.

Thank you
Russell

Hi Russell,
Do you mean: set camera in manual mode, hit green button while the flash is on and on manual too?
JP

[Russell-Evans]

Hi Russell,
Do you mean: set camera in manual mode, hit green button while the flash is on and on manual too?

Yes, The only way for manual mode not to be manual is to temporarily connect it to the meter by pressing the green button. This will change or not change the settings.

Thank you
Russell

[m88k]

This thread features a link to an Adorama product site, with a video link containing tutorial 2...

[jpzk]

Yes, The only way for manual mode not to be manual is to temporarily connect it to the meter by pressing the green button. This will change or not change the settings.

Thank you
Russell

OK, I think I got the idea.
I am going to take some pics in P-TTL and manual to see what I am capable of doing with this flash.
I have been taking/practicing flash pics for two days now, none of which are satisfactory to me yet.
I guess I need much, much more practice but it's OK. That is the only way to learn.

JP

[ma318]

If after some more practice with P-TTL (playing with flash compensation) and bouncing the flash and you still do not get the results you want. Then you will probably have to go back to basics and go thru the strobist material. When you understand the fundamental principles with flash, then you can recognize what is possible and what is simply not possible and have to live with the results or try some other methods. For example, the maximum and minimum flash power available will dedicate what is possible and what is not possible. Off-camera flash(es) with or without light modifier in either P-TTL or manual mode may be your ticket to the results you are looking for. Your flash can be used off camera wirelessly

[jpzk]

If after some more practice with P-TTL (playing with flash compensation) and bouncing the flash and you still do not get the results you want. Then you will probably have to go back to basics and go thru the strobist material. When you understand the fundamental principles with flash, then you can recognize what is possible and what is simply not possible and have to live with the results or try some other methods. For example, the maximum and minimum flash power available will dedicate what is possible and what is not possible. Off-camera flash(es) with or without light modifier in either P-TTL or manual mode may be your ticket to the results you are looking for. Your flash can be used off camera wirelessly

Going back to the basics is what I am trying to do right now, and the Strobist is a little too complicated to follow at this time ... for me. But I have saved the link and will certainly go back soon enough.
Off-camera flash maybe the ticket, as you said. Nevertheless I am taking tons of pics with flash, some OK, most not.
Practice is the key I guess.

JP