[LouD]

I'm not a studio photographer, I don't shoot weddings, and only very occasionally use an add-on flash (Sunpack Auto 383, a manual only unit) for some interior shots when I have a leisurely amount of set up time. I usually shoot it with off-camera, connected with a Cactus wireless trigger. I'm perfectly happy "chimping" to get the right exposure.

I'm thinking about gettting a true P-ttl flash for on camera use for those times when I shoot on the fly and the built in flash just doesn't cut it. I'm also thinking if I get a p-ttl with a manual mode, I can use it off camera with a wireless trigger as well. Seems like such a setup would work pretty well for a project I'm doing for a friend, namely shooting some beach houses with lots of glass and treacherous exterior lighting. I've been experimenting in my own home, and a second flash unit would definitely be a big help.

I know there are a lot of options with master-slave p-ttl setups, which I've read about here. Most strike me as megabuck investments for pros. On the other hand, I can get a Pentax compatible p ttl unit from the same guys who sell Cactus triggers, and the price is right, $120.

Is this a reasonable cheap strategy? Additional suggestions welcome.

One other question: What's the story on AC Slave flashes, the kind that screw into standard lightbulb sockets, for shooting interiors? Seems like those and some Home Depot clamp reflectors could be real useful for interiors too.

Thanks in advance.