Flash for Q-S1?

raider · 12-06-2015, 04:33 AM

Hi,

I use a Metz 20 C-2 auto flash with my Q-S1 and I quite like it....however, the shoe mount on the flash is extremely finicky and contacts with the Q is hit and miss. I have put up with it for a long time and would like to now change to another flash.

I have the other bigger Pentax and Metz flashes but these are way too big for the Q.

I am wondering if any of you guys used the pentax AF-200FG with the Q and can tell me if it is a good combo? It doesn't tilt nor bouce however...

Any other flash you guys can recommend?

Thanks!

**BigMackCam** · 12-06-2015, 05:45 AM

I can't offer any insight on the AF-200FG, but since it doesn't offer tilt or bounce, you could invest in a Rogue Flashbender to go with it. I use one of these and it works very well, allowing you to direct the light in any direction. You can even get away with using white card (either on its own, or with silver foil taped / glued to it) and an elastic band, to create a reflector. If you look around you can pick up the Flashbender quite cheaply, often from split-up kits.

tryphon4 · 12-06-2015, 12:59 PM

My (old) Sigma EF 530 DG Super (for Pentax K) works fine on my Q.

calsan · 12-06-2015, 06:13 PM

They released the AF 201fg for the Q, or so I thought? Uses AAA batteries and has bounce.
PENTAX AF 201FG reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

**filoxophy** · 12-06-2015, 07:07 PM

I recently got the AF200 locally off craigslist from a gentleman who was breaking up a kit. So it was brand new in the box at a good price...and I needed it for an indoor event the day that I bought it, lol.

But if I were setting out from scratch looking for a flash for the Q, I would go for the 201 for sure. With the smaller AAA batteries and the bounce hinge, it makes for a smaller profile in the bag as well as on the camera. The 200 does affect the balance of the Q10 with 01 lens, but I bought it for corded off-camera P-TTL use with my K-5II. The balance isn't terrible, and is probably better with the 02 and 06. As I recall, the 200 has TTL while the 201 is P-TTL only for what it's worth.

Pardon the spur of the moment cell phone shot, but here's a quick view of the 200 on the Q10 for scale. Check out the product views elsewhere of the 200 to see that it is kind of thick from the side view due to the battery compartment.

Sandy Hancock · 12-06-2015, 07:24 PM

I have just recently bought the newer Pentax AF201FG Flash. It is tiny and very light (2 x AAA batteries), it has nice controls, tilts past vertical and (although it makes no difference on the Q) it is also weather resistant.

It is better in every regard (except recycle time!) than my Metz 24 AF-1.

**filoxophy** · 12-06-2015, 08:02 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

I have just recently bought the newer Pentax AF201FG Flash. It is tiny and very light (2 x AAA batteries), it has nice controls, tilts past vertical and (although it makes no difference on the Q) it is also weather resistant.

It is better in every regard than my Metz 24 AF-1.

I don't do much with flash, but this thread is making me want to get the 201 even more! I still feel that there is some room for a flash in between the 201 and the 360II, in terms of price and features. I know you can't have it all though...

I just feel that if you're at the level where you're going to bounce, you're going to want to swivel too! And assuming it's the software side (to a degree) that controls the duration of the flash, having just full power and 1/4 power is the bare minimum of manual control.

So in my ideal world, I'd like the 201 to settle down near $100, and for there to be a "250" with bounce, swivel, and a few extra features for $150-200!

(My ramblings are always worth just what you've paid for them, haha)

raider · 12-06-2015, 09:49 PM

Thanks guys for the feedback.

The Sigma will be too big for the Q so I won't consider that one. I wasn't aware that Pentax has an AF201FG flash. So this could be the ticket for me.

Sandy, how is the performance of the 201 on the Q? Is the P-TTL accurate? Is the flash re-cycling time acceptable?

Thanks

Sandy Hancock · 12-06-2015, 10:27 PM

Originally posted by raider

Sandy, how is the performance of the 201 on the Q? Is the P-TTL accurate? Is the flash re-cycling time acceptable?

I haven't used it enough yet to comment with any authority. The recycle time is slower than the Metz, but that's hardly surprising given the latter has a lower guide number and uses AA's rather than AAA's. On the other hand if I'm shooting indoor events I won't be using the Q7

---------- Post added 07-12-15 at 04:01 PM ----------

Originally posted by filoxophy

I feel that if you're at the level where you're going to bounce, you're going to want to swivel too!

If you want swivel, turn the camera into portrait orientation

reh321 · 12-07-2015, 07:06 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

If you want swivel, turn the camera into portrait orientation

The only reason I would want "swivel" is that it provides bounce in portrait orientation.

**filoxophy** · 12-07-2015, 07:15 AM

Originally posted by reh321

The only reason I would want "swivel" is that it provides bounce in portrait orientation.

I think Sandy's winking face meant that his suggestion was tongue in cheek.

At least, that's how I took it.

6BQ5 · 12-07-2015, 01:18 PM

I only have a Yongnuo 560 IV that I use on all my cameras. That flash is huge compared to the Q but it works really well. It will attract a lot of attention.

reh321 · 12-07-2015, 01:22 PM

I have an old "auto" Vivitar flash dating back 30 years to when I used it with my Super Program.
Yes, I checked to make sure the voltage is OK.
It is smaller than any modern flash and does tilt up/down, but of course it pre-dates p-ttl.

raider · 12-08-2015, 04:01 PM

I just checked that the af200fg is now only aud$99. The newer 201 is about aud $250 or so.

**BigMackCam** · 12-08-2015, 04:06 PM

Another thing to bear in mind regarding flash bounce... If you happened to choose the af200fg, you could buy an off-camera TTL flash cord. I use one of these with my K3/K5 and Metz flash, so I can hold the flash in my left hand and point it wherever I like - at the ceiling, side walls, floor, etc. Even if you're using a flash with bounce and swivel capability, one of these cords gives you greater control still. Takes a bit of practice (and I'm very much still practicing), but it's not difficult.

12-06-2015, 04:33 AM	#1
raider Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,989	Flash for Q-S1? Hi, I use a Metz 20 C-2 auto flash with my Q-S1 and I quite like it....however, the shoe mount on the flash is extremely finicky and contacts with the Q is hit and miss. I have put up with it for a long time and would like to now change to another flash. I have the other bigger Pentax and Metz flashes but these are way too big for the Q. I am wondering if any of you guys used the pentax AF-200FG with the Q and can tell me if it is a good combo? It doesn't tilt nor bouce however... Any other flash you guys can recommend? Thanks!

12-06-2015, 05:45 AM	#2
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,673	I can't offer any insight on the AF-200FG, but since it doesn't offer tilt or bounce, you could invest in a Rogue Flashbender to go with it. I use one of these and it works very well, allowing you to direct the light in any direction. You can even get away with using white card (either on its own, or with silver foil taped / glued to it) and an elastic band, to create a reflector. If you look around you can pick up the Flashbender quite cheaply, often from split-up kits. Last edited by BigMackCam; 12-06-2015 at 06:00 AM.

12-06-2015, 07:24 PM	#6
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	I have just recently bought the newer Pentax AF201FG Flash. It is tiny and very light (2 x AAA batteries), it has nice controls, tilts past vertical and (although it makes no difference on the Q) it is also weather resistant. It is better in every regard (except recycle time!) than my Metz 24 AF-1. Last edited by Sandy Hancock; 12-06-2015 at 10:29 PM.

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12-06-2015, 12:59 PM	#3
tryphon4 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Drome, France Posts: 304	My (old) Sigma EF 530 DG Super (for Pentax K) works fine on my Q.

12-06-2015, 06:13 PM	#4
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	They released the AF 201fg for the Q, or so I thought? Uses AAA batteries and has bounce. PENTAX AF 201FG reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

12-06-2015, 07:07 PM	#5
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	I recently got the AF200 locally off craigslist from a gentleman who was breaking up a kit. So it was brand new in the box at a good price...and I needed it for an indoor event the day that I bought it, lol. But if I were setting out from scratch looking for a flash for the Q, I would go for the 201 for sure. With the smaller AAA batteries and the bounce hinge, it makes for a smaller profile in the bag as well as on the camera. The 200 does affect the balance of the Q10 with 01 lens, but I bought it for corded off-camera P-TTL use with my K-5II. The balance isn't terrible, and is probably better with the 02 and 06. As I recall, the 200 has TTL while the 201 is P-TTL only for what it's worth. Pardon the spur of the moment cell phone shot, but here's a quick view of the 200 on the Q10 for scale. Check out the product views elsewhere of the 200 to see that it is kind of thick from the side view due to the battery compartment.

12-06-2015, 08:02 PM	#7
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock I have just recently bought the newer Pentax AF201FG Flash. It is tiny and very light (2 x AAA batteries), it has nice controls, tilts past vertical and (although it makes no difference on the Q) it is also weather resistant. It is better in every regard than my Metz 24 AF-1. I don't do much with flash, but this thread is making me want to get the 201 even more! I still feel that there is some room for a flash in between the 201 and the 360II, in terms of price and features. I know you can't have it all though... I just feel that if you're at the level where you're going to bounce, you're going to want to swivel too! And assuming it's the software side (to a degree) that controls the duration of the flash, having just full power and 1/4 power is the bare minimum of manual control. So in my ideal world, I'd like the 201 to settle down near $100, and for there to be a "250" with bounce, swivel, and a few extra features for $150-200! (My ramblings are always worth just what you've paid for them, haha)

12-06-2015, 09:49 PM	#8
raider Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,989 Original Poster	Thanks guys for the feedback. The Sigma will be too big for the Q so I won't consider that one. I wasn't aware that Pentax has an AF201FG flash. So this could be the ticket for me. Sandy, how is the performance of the 201 on the Q? Is the P-TTL accurate? Is the flash re-cycling time acceptable? Thanks

12-06-2015, 10:27 PM	#9
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Originally posted by raider Sandy, how is the performance of the 201 on the Q? Is the P-TTL accurate? Is the flash re-cycling time acceptable? I haven't used it enough yet to comment with any authority. The recycle time is slower than the Metz, but that's hardly surprising given the latter has a lower guide number and uses AA's rather than AAA's. On the other hand if I'm shooting indoor events I won't be using the Q7 ---------- Post added 07-12-15 at 04:01 PM ---------- Originally posted by filoxophy I feel that if you're at the level where you're going to bounce, you're going to want to swivel too! If you want swivel, turn the camera into portrait orientation

12-07-2015, 07:06 AM	#10
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock If you want swivel, turn the camera into portrait orientation The only reason I would want "swivel" is that it provides bounce in portrait orientation.

12-07-2015, 07:15 AM	#11
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	Originally posted by reh321 The only reason I would want "swivel" is that it provides bounce in portrait orientation. I think Sandy's winking face meant that his suggestion was tongue in cheek. At least, that's how I took it.

12-07-2015, 01:18 PM	#12
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	I only have a Yongnuo 560 IV that I use on all my cameras. That flash is huge compared to the Q but it works really well. It will attract a lot of attention.

12-07-2015, 01:22 PM	#13
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	I have an old "auto" Vivitar flash dating back 30 years to when I used it with my Super Program. Yes, I checked to make sure the voltage is OK. It is smaller than any modern flash and does tilt up/down, but of course it pre-dates p-ttl.

12-08-2015, 04:01 PM	#14
raider Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,989 Original Poster	I just checked that the af200fg is now only aud$99. The newer 201 is about aud $250 or so.

12-08-2015, 04:06 PM	#15
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,673	Another thing to bear in mind regarding flash bounce... If you happened to choose the af200fg, you could buy an off-camera TTL flash cord. I use one of these with my K3/K5 and Metz flash, so I can hold the flash in my left hand and point it wherever I like - at the ceiling, side walls, floor, etc. Even if you're using a flash with bounce and swivel capability, one of these cords gives you greater control still. Takes a bit of practice (and I'm very much still practicing), but it's not difficult.