K3 and Commander Mode

**Spodeworld** · 10-21-2013, 02:07 PM

Does anyone know if the K3 will have the equivalent of Nikon's Commander Mode, which is an in-camera means of controlling off camera flash? On the better Nikons, you set your modes (TTL, etc.) as well as compensation for the different flash groups, and the camera sets off the flashes without a cable. Does the K3 have this capability with Pentax flashes?

Thanks

Adam · 10-21-2013, 02:11 PM

The K-3 supports wireless flash, if that's what you're getting at.

jaad75 · 10-21-2013, 02:18 PM

There is no options for that in the current version of P-TTL system - you can't set groups and ratios or control the power of manual flash remotely.

novsky · 10-21-2013, 05:52 PM

Originally posted by jaad75

There is no options for that in the current version of P-TTL system - you can't set groups and ratios or control the power of manual flash remotely.

Argggggggggggg Why ?
I do not understand, it doesn't seem too tricky to implement :-/
The new flash c/would be equipped with this kind of function and this allowed easier lightning modelling.

GeneV · 10-21-2013, 05:59 PM

The P--TTL system is one of the areas which could use most improvement to get the advanced shooter where he or she would be with one of the big two. One thing at a time.

**Spodeworld** · 10-22-2013, 06:09 AM

I imagine that this would be a major stumbling block for Pentax in being a serious contender for studio usage.

Originally posted by jaad75

There is no options for that in the current version of P-TTL system - you can't set groups and ratios or control the power of manual flash remotely.

rawr · 10-22-2013, 06:36 AM

Originally posted by Spodeworld

I imagine that this would be a major stumbling block for Pentax in being a serious contender for studio usage.

Hmmm. There is quite a lot of flash control built into Pentax bodies, wireless included. The lack of an exact replica of Nikon's Commander mode hasn't stopped Pentax (or Canon, FWIW) shooters from using flash in the studio before.

asp1880 · 10-22-2013, 06:52 AM

Pentax P-TTL has no group concept.
You can set individual flash compensations, but it's done on the flashes, not on the camera.

AFAIK, typical studio flash usage is manual flash, not P-TTL.

All Pentax cameras from entry level to flagship support wireless flash, unlike the big brands that "cripple" their entry level bodies. So that's in a sense a plus for Pentax P-TTL.

Regards,
--Anders.

GeneV · 10-22-2013, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by rawr

Hmmm. There is quite a lot of flash control built into Pentax bodies, wireless included. The lack of an exact replica of Nikon's Commander mode hasn't stopped Pentax (or Canon, FWIW) shooters from using flash in the studio before.

I use Pentax in the studio, but with studio flashes on manual and RF triggering. The advanced TTL modes are most useful when you set up an impromptu studio lighting situation on location. I did that recently with the flash on a stand with a small umbrella. My RF triggers were in use elsewhere, and I couldn't really have a key light and fill ratios with P-TTL wireless, so the light was a little flat. There are ways I might have gotten around this with some planning, but IMHO, the purpose of a system like P-TTL is to let you set up quickly without a lot of chimping.

Parallax · 10-22-2013, 07:21 AM

Good to see you're back, Gene.

novsky · 10-22-2013, 08:52 AM

Quote:

AFAIK, typical studio flash usage is manual flash, not P-TTL.

Not so sure ;-) (cf GeneV) but i use to play as strobist and ttl (for HSS) is needed on location and this is a hell to play with my lovely brand Pentax... (No HSS inside a softbox, no memory on 540 etc...) I dream about groups & compatibility with brands like PW...

tabl10s · 10-22-2013, 09:09 AM

Originally posted by jaad75

There is no options for that in the current version of P-TTL system - you can't set groups and ratios or control the power of manual flash remotely.

Does this include the K-3?

Class A · 10-22-2013, 09:09 AM

Cactus are working on a flash with remote power control (via radio signals) The system is expected to be compatible with Pentax cameras and will support groups.

No P-TTL, but I personally find manual flash control preferable anyhow.

novsky · 10-22-2013, 09:34 AM

Class A, i've got Cactus and i love to play in manual but manytimes i need HSS ! (don't tell me to use ND filter ;-) ) for me the only solution is to go for Aokatec triggers but they look-like "
bricolage"

GeneV · 10-22-2013, 11:45 AM

Originally posted by Parallax

Good to see you're back, Gene.

Thanks, Jim. Work had me away from forums for a while.

10-21-2013, 02:07 PM	#1
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370	K3 and Commander Mode Does anyone know if the K3 will have the equivalent of Nikon's Commander Mode, which is an in-camera means of controlling off camera flash? On the better Nikons, you set your modes (TTL, etc.) as well as compensation for the different flash groups, and the camera sets off the flashes without a cable. Does the K3 have this capability with Pentax flashes? Thanks

10-21-2013, 02:11 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	The K-3 supports wireless flash, if that's what you're getting at. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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10-21-2013, 02:18 PM	#3
jaad75 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cracow Posts: 457	There is no options for that in the current version of P-TTL system - you can't set groups and ratios or control the power of manual flash remotely.

10-21-2013, 05:52 PM	#4
novsky Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 63	Originally posted by jaad75 There is no options for that in the current version of P-TTL system - you can't set groups and ratios or control the power of manual flash remotely. Argggggggggggg Why ? I do not understand, it doesn't seem too tricky to implement :-/ The new flash c/would be equipped with this kind of function and this allowed easier lightning modelling.

10-21-2013, 05:59 PM	#5
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	The P--TTL system is one of the areas which could use most improvement to get the advanced shooter where he or she would be with one of the big two. One thing at a time.

10-22-2013, 06:09 AM	#6
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370 Original Poster	I imagine that this would be a major stumbling block for Pentax in being a serious contender for studio usage. Originally posted by jaad75 There is no options for that in the current version of P-TTL system - you can't set groups and ratios or control the power of manual flash remotely.

10-22-2013, 06:36 AM	#7
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Spodeworld I imagine that this would be a major stumbling block for Pentax in being a serious contender for studio usage. Hmmm. There is quite a lot of flash control built into Pentax bodies, wireless included. The lack of an exact replica of Nikon's Commander mode hasn't stopped Pentax (or Canon, FWIW) shooters from using flash in the studio before.

10-22-2013, 06:52 AM	#8
asp1880 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lyngby, Copenhagen Photos: Albums Posts: 742	Pentax P-TTL has no group concept. You can set individual flash compensations, but it's done on the flashes, not on the camera. AFAIK, typical studio flash usage is manual flash, not P-TTL. All Pentax cameras from entry level to flagship support wireless flash, unlike the big brands that "cripple" their entry level bodies. So that's in a sense a plus for Pentax P-TTL. Regards, --Anders.

10-22-2013, 07:12 AM	#9
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by rawr Hmmm. There is quite a lot of flash control built into Pentax bodies, wireless included. The lack of an exact replica of Nikon's Commander mode hasn't stopped Pentax (or Canon, FWIW) shooters from using flash in the studio before. I use Pentax in the studio, but with studio flashes on manual and RF triggering. The advanced TTL modes are most useful when you set up an impromptu studio lighting situation on location. I did that recently with the flash on a stand with a small umbrella. My RF triggers were in use elsewhere, and I couldn't really have a key light and fill ratios with P-TTL wireless, so the light was a little flat. There are ways I might have gotten around this with some planning, but IMHO, the purpose of a system like P-TTL is to let you set up quickly without a lot of chimping.

10-22-2013, 07:21 AM	#10
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	Good to see you're back, Gene.

10-22-2013, 08:52 AM	#11
novsky Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 63	Quote: AFAIK, typical studio flash usage is manual flash, not P-TTL. Not so sure ;-) (cf GeneV) but i use to play as strobist and ttl (for HSS) is needed on location and this is a hell to play with my lovely brand Pentax... (No HSS inside a softbox, no memory on 540 etc...) I dream about groups & compatibility with brands like PW...

10-22-2013, 09:09 AM	#12
tabl10s Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sacramento(formerly from B'Ham, England). Posts: 1,424	Originally posted by jaad75 There is no options for that in the current version of P-TTL system - you can't set groups and ratios or control the power of manual flash remotely. Does this include the K-3?

10-22-2013, 09:09 AM	#13
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Cactus are working on a flash with remote power control (via radio signals) The system is expected to be compatible with Pentax cameras and will support groups. No P-TTL, but I personally find manual flash control preferable anyhow.

10-22-2013, 09:34 AM	#14
novsky Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 63	Class A, i've got Cactus and i love to play in manual but manytimes i need HSS ! (don't tell me to use ND filter ;-) ) for me the only solution is to go for Aokatec triggers but they look-like " bricolage"

10-22-2013, 11:45 AM	#15
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by Parallax Good to see you're back, Gene. Thanks, Jim. Work had me away from forums for a while.