Pentax Q7 and external flash?

someone902 · 10-27-2015, 07:43 AM

Just want to ask if people here have used external flash guns with their Q system? I am thinking of buying one for added versatility and was wondering if there are preferred flash models/manufacturers to use with the Q7? thanks.

**monochrome** · 10-27-2015, 07:57 AM

AF201FG. Small, ideal for fill, but does not have the Z function.

**blackcloudbrew** · 10-27-2015, 08:00 AM

Sure, I've used any of my flashes on my Q7. I have the AF540II, the AF360, and the AF200. All work just fine. Practically speaking the smaller AF200 would be my go to flash for my Q-system. I can't speak to other brands but the Q7 can accept any flash that the K system can.

someone902 · 10-27-2015, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

AF201FG. Small, ideal for fill, but does not have the Z function.

I am actually looking into this particular model. Do you own it? what is the Z function?

**UncleVanya** · 10-27-2015, 10:00 AM

Originally posted by someone902

I am actually looking into this particular model. Do you own it? what is the Z function?

I assume zoom? The higher end pentax flashes all zoom their heads to match the lens focal length to maximize light.

---------- Post added 10-27-15 at 01:05 PM ----------

Loads of options. How small are you looking for? Something like an older autothyrister model that uses 2AA's might work better than the current crop of flashes available depending on the desired outcome.

Wired · 10-27-2015, 11:13 AM - **1 Like**

I use Elinchrom lights.....

but for something smaller, what about a Metz? something like this: Metz Flash Canada TTL Flash for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Four Thirds - mecablitz 26 AF-1 digital - Pentax -

**monochrome** · 10-27-2015, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by someone902

I am actually looking into this particular model. Do you own it? what is the Z function?

Wireless Master/Slave for off-camera slave flashes. It can't be the Master flash.

2 AAA batteries. Very small.

someone902 · 10-27-2015, 11:59 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

Wireless Master/Slave for off-camera slave flashes. It can't be the Master flash.

2 AAA batteries. Very small.

I am sorry if I am being a bother. Why can't it be use as a master flash?

---------- Post added 10-27-15 at 12:06 PM ----------

Originally posted by UncleVanya

I assume zoom? The higher end pentax flashes all zoom their heads to match the lens focal length to maximize light.

---------- Post added 10-27-15 at 01:05 PM ----------

Loads of options. How small are you looking for? Something like an older autothyrister model that uses 2AA's might work better than the current crop of flashes available depending on the desired outcome.

I am looking for a compact one that can support TTL as I am super new to the flash photography game.

mcgregni · 10-27-2015, 02:19 PM

It just doesn't have that functioning. The built-in units on most of the DSLRs can act as trigger for slave flashes using the P-TTL optical communication system, and can be set to function as 'master' or ' control' when triggering. This is a great bonus really, quick and easy. But on accessory flashes it' tends to be restricted to the higher end models. This little AF201 does not offer that functioning, disappointingly. It was certainly something that users of a K3II might have looked forward to, and no doubt would have boosted sales of it as well.

Bye the way, I have never heard your term for the 'master' / ' control' option ...."Z function" ..... Do you know where it comes from?

**UncleVanya** · 10-27-2015, 05:46 PM

Originally posted by mcgregni

It just doesn't have that functioning. The built-in units on most of the DSLRs can act as trigger for slave flashes using the P-TTL optical communication system, and can be set to function as 'master' or ' control' when triggering. This is a great bonus really, quick and easy. But on accessory flashes it' tends to be restricted to the higher end models. This little AF201 does not offer that functioning, disappointingly. It was certainly something that users of a K3II might have looked forward to, and no doubt would have boosted sales of it as well.

Bye the way, I have never heard your term for the 'master' / ' control' option ...."Z function" ..... Do you know where it comes from?

I did not intend to call it that. Someone else mentioned it but I thought they meant zoom.

reh321 · 10-27-2015, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by someone902

I am actually looking into this particular model. Do you own it? what is the Z function?

Pentax currently sells five flash units,

AF200FG
AF201FG
AF360FGZ
AF360FGZ II
AF540FGZ II

Only the last three listed can perform Pentax's "wireless" master/slave functionality.
Those three also are the only ones with the designation "FGZ" after the numeric portion of the model designation.
Thus, my understanding is that having a "Z" after the "FG" in the model designation denotes those flashes which can perform as a master or slave,
and I was expecting that was meant by "Z function".

note: several of us have suggested that Pentax needs an AF202FGZ;
that is, a flash which can perform as master/slave, but is small enough to be comfortable with a member of the Q family.

mcgregni · 10-28-2015, 05:27 AM

As I understand it, the 'Z' in the designation indicates a zooming flash head. I don't think there is any designation that specifies a wireless triggering capability.

reh321 · 10-28-2015, 07:10 PM

Originally posted by mcgregni

As I understand it, the 'Z' in the designation indicates a zooming flash head. I don't think there is any designation that specifies a wireless triggering capability.

In what way do you disagree with my comment that immediately precedes yours??

mcgregni · 10-29-2015, 03:48 AM

You said that your understanding was that the 'Z' in the designation, after 'FG' was for flashes that offered the 'master' or 'control' triggering option. I was just offering up my belief, which really comes from reading other sources such as bdimitrov, that it actually refers to the zooming feature. Of course, in reality, we may find that the zooming flashes, simply by being the more sophisticated type also offer the triggering options as well.

There doesn't seem to be any specific indications of the triggering abilities on Pentax flashes, which I guess is why there has been much speculation around the AF201.

BrianR · 10-29-2015, 05:40 AM

Originally posted by mcgregni

As I understand it, the 'Z' in the designation indicates a zooming flash head. I don't think there is any designation that specifies a wireless triggering capability.

Seems correct. A quick look at at some of the older pre p-TTL models before the master/slave thing came up:

Ones that zoom: 240Z, 330FTZ, 400FTZ, 500FTZ

Non-zooming: 220T, 280T, 400T, 260SA, 200T, 200SA, 200S

Though some of the non-zooming ones have clip on adapters for a wider angle coverage, the ones with the "Z" designation have built in zoom heads.

10-27-2015, 07:43 AM	#1
someone902 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 75	Pentax Q7 and external flash? Just want to ask if people here have used external flash guns with their Q system? I am thinking of buying one for added versatility and was wondering if there are preferred flash models/manufacturers to use with the Q7? thanks.

10-27-2015, 07:17 PM	#11
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by someone902 I am actually looking into this particular model. Do you own it? what is the Z function? Pentax currently sells five flash units, AF200FG AF201FG AF360FGZ AF360FGZ II AF540FGZ II Only the last three listed can perform Pentax's "wireless" master/slave functionality. Those three also are the only ones with the designation "FGZ" after the numeric portion of the model designation. Thus, my understanding is that having a "Z" after the "FG" in the model designation denotes those flashes which can perform as a master or slave, and I was expecting that was meant by "Z function". note: several of us have suggested that Pentax needs an AF202FGZ; that is, a flash which can perform as master/slave, but is small enough to be comfortable with a member of the Q family. Last edited by reh321; 10-27-2015 at 07:19 PM. Reason: added note

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10-27-2015, 07:57 AM	#2
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	AF201FG. Small, ideal for fill, but does not have the Z function.

10-27-2015, 08:00 AM	#3
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,460	Sure, I've used any of my flashes on my Q7. I have the AF540II, the AF360, and the AF200. All work just fine. Practically speaking the smaller AF200 would be my go to flash for my Q-system. I can't speak to other brands but the Q7 can accept any flash that the K system can.

10-27-2015, 08:30 AM	#4
someone902 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 75 Original Poster	Originally posted by monochrome AF201FG. Small, ideal for fill, but does not have the Z function. I am actually looking into this particular model. Do you own it? what is the Z function?

10-27-2015, 10:00 AM	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,398	Originally posted by someone902 I am actually looking into this particular model. Do you own it? what is the Z function? I assume zoom? The higher end pentax flashes all zoom their heads to match the lens focal length to maximize light. ---------- Post added 10-27-15 at 01:05 PM ---------- Loads of options. How small are you looking for? Something like an older autothyrister model that uses 2AA's might work better than the current crop of flashes available depending on the desired outcome.

10-27-2015, 11:13 AM - 1 Like	#6
Wired Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,519	I use Elinchrom lights..... but for something smaller, what about a Metz? something like this: Metz Flash Canada TTL Flash for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Four Thirds - mecablitz 26 AF-1 digital - Pentax -

10-27-2015, 11:34 AM	#7
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by someone902 I am actually looking into this particular model. Do you own it? what is the Z function? Wireless Master/Slave for off-camera slave flashes. It can't be the Master flash. 2 AAA batteries. Very small.

10-27-2015, 11:59 AM	#8
someone902 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 75 Original Poster	Originally posted by monochrome Wireless Master/Slave for off-camera slave flashes. It can't be the Master flash. 2 AAA batteries. Very small. I am sorry if I am being a bother. Why can't it be use as a master flash? ---------- Post added 10-27-15 at 12:06 PM ---------- Originally posted by UncleVanya I assume zoom? The higher end pentax flashes all zoom their heads to match the lens focal length to maximize light. ---------- Post added 10-27-15 at 01:05 PM ---------- Loads of options. How small are you looking for? Something like an older autothyrister model that uses 2AA's might work better than the current crop of flashes available depending on the desired outcome. I am looking for a compact one that can support TTL as I am super new to the flash photography game.

10-27-2015, 02:19 PM	#9
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	It just doesn't have that functioning. The built-in units on most of the DSLRs can act as trigger for slave flashes using the P-TTL optical communication system, and can be set to function as 'master' or ' control' when triggering. This is a great bonus really, quick and easy. But on accessory flashes it' tends to be restricted to the higher end models. This little AF201 does not offer that functioning, disappointingly. It was certainly something that users of a K3II might have looked forward to, and no doubt would have boosted sales of it as well. Bye the way, I have never heard your term for the 'master' / ' control' option ...."Z function" ..... Do you know where it comes from?

10-27-2015, 05:46 PM	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,398	Originally posted by mcgregni It just doesn't have that functioning. The built-in units on most of the DSLRs can act as trigger for slave flashes using the P-TTL optical communication system, and can be set to function as 'master' or ' control' when triggering. This is a great bonus really, quick and easy. But on accessory flashes it' tends to be restricted to the higher end models. This little AF201 does not offer that functioning, disappointingly. It was certainly something that users of a K3II might have looked forward to, and no doubt would have boosted sales of it as well. Bye the way, I have never heard your term for the 'master' / ' control' option ...."Z function" ..... Do you know where it comes from? I did not intend to call it that. Someone else mentioned it but I thought they meant zoom.

10-28-2015, 05:27 AM	#12
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	As I understand it, the 'Z' in the designation indicates a zooming flash head. I don't think there is any designation that specifies a wireless triggering capability.

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10-28-2015, 07:10 PM	#13
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by mcgregni As I understand it, the 'Z' in the designation indicates a zooming flash head. I don't think there is any designation that specifies a wireless triggering capability. In what way do you disagree with my comment that immediately precedes yours??

10-29-2015, 03:48 AM	#14
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	You said that your understanding was that the 'Z' in the designation, after 'FG' was for flashes that offered the 'master' or 'control' triggering option. I was just offering up my belief, which really comes from reading other sources such as bdimitrov, that it actually refers to the zooming feature. Of course, in reality, we may find that the zooming flashes, simply by being the more sophisticated type also offer the triggering options as well. There doesn't seem to be any specific indications of the triggering abilities on Pentax flashes, which I guess is why there has been much speculation around the AF201.

10-29-2015, 05:40 AM	#15
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	Originally posted by mcgregni As I understand it, the 'Z' in the designation indicates a zooming flash head. I don't think there is any designation that specifies a wireless triggering capability. Seems correct. A quick look at at some of the older pre p-TTL models before the master/slave thing came up: Ones that zoom: 240Z, 330FTZ, 400FTZ, 500FTZ Non-zooming: 220T, 280T, 400T, 260SA, 200T, 200SA, 200S Though some of the non-zooming ones have clip on adapters for a wider angle coverage, the ones with the "Z" designation have built in zoom heads.