Using AF360FGZ II Off Camera

Smoke665 · 08-04-2020, 06:56 AM

New flash inbound this week, but I have a question on using it off camera on my K3II and K1MII. The only reason I bought this speedlight is to be able to use all of the features like PTTL, HSS, auto zoom, etc. I'm not finding much in the way of mounting it off camera except with the use of a PTTL cord, that will allow full function. The longest cord I've found is about 3', which would be a little short.

Am I missing something? Are there other solutions, that allow full use of functions?

**gofour3** · 08-04-2020, 07:18 AM

The wireless function is what you are after.

Phil.

**Pentax Syntax** · 08-04-2020, 07:46 AM

There are longer cords. But wireless might be the way to go. You will need two units like the AF360FGZ II since neither of your cameras have a built in flash to trigger wireless. Many here will tout the RF controllers as another option.

pschlute · 08-04-2020, 08:12 AM

You can trigger it off camera wirelessly.....either

1 Optically with another Pentax flash mounted on the hotshoe

2 Radio triggers. I use Cactus V6II triggers. You will need two, one on the hotshoe and one with the flash mounted to it. P-TTL; Manual; and HSS are all useable with this set up.

stevebrot · 08-04-2020, 08:40 AM

The longest genuine Pentax 5P cord is the F5PL at 9.5 feet. It is expensive at about $100 USD.

For optical wireless P-TTL, at least two flash are required; one as P-TTL master/controller and one or more as P-TTL slaves. The built-in flash on flagship model bodies is capable of serving as master/controller as are many (not all) P-TTL on-camera flash. Your AF360FGZII is capable as serving in both roles. To the best of my knowledge, the least expensive P-TTL master/controller/slave model with full capabilities is the Metz M400 for Pentax. The least expensive P-TTL slave model I am aware of is the Yongnuo YN585EX for Pentax, though I don't know if it supports all functions (HSS, trailing curtain sync, etc.). There are other 3rd party options as well.

As noted above, there are radio wireless options for remote P-TTL, but compatibility with your new flash may be limited.

Steve

Smoke665 · 08-04-2020, 09:39 AM

Another Pentax flash is out the question at this time. To much invested in studio equipment, and outside work is very minimal. The longer cord might well be an option.

kypfer · 08-04-2020, 09:52 AM - **1 Like**

I've got a "JJC"-branded Pentax-compatible flash extension cord. It clips into the hot-shoe on the camera and has a replicated hot-shoe with a full compliment of contacts at the other end. It's all coiled up for most of it's length, but fully extended it's about 6ft/2m. It was a very few pounds (sterling) from an eBay retailer.

stevebrot · 08-04-2020, 01:33 PM

Originally posted by C_Jones

If you got something like a Yongnuo 585EX flash for Pentax it would work with your AF360FGZ II as an off camera flash.

Previous posts by the OP indicate that HSS is in the mix, something that the YN585EX does not support. Aside from that, the YN585EX is an excellent value. One has to stretch to the Metz M400 or Metz 44 AF-2 to get that P-TTL feature for both on-comaera and optical wireless.

Steve

swanlefitte · 08-04-2020, 02:34 PM

The 3' cord is only good for a bracket. The 360fgz 1 can be found cheap and it will trigger. Check the market place and ebay. One of the cheaper options.

**BWG** · 08-04-2020, 02:55 PM

There are multiple used 360 flashes on eBay in the $75-90 range.

Smoke665 · 08-06-2020, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by kypfer

I've got a "JJC"-branded Pentax-compatible flash extension cord. It clips into the hot-shoe on the camera and has a replicated hot-shoe with a full compliment of contacts at the other end. It's all coiled up for most of it's length, but fully extended it's about 6ft/2m. It was a very few pounds (sterling) from an eBay retailer.

I'll probably go with this option in the 3' and 6' length. Most of the time this will be used in a run & gun, situation so using it with a flash bracket and 3' cord should be fine.

08-04-2020, 06:56 AM	#1
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249	Using AF360FGZ II Off Camera New flash inbound this week, but I have a question on using it off camera on my K3II and K1MII. The only reason I bought this speedlight is to be able to use all of the features like PTTL, HSS, auto zoom, etc. I'm not finding much in the way of mounting it off camera except with the use of a PTTL cord, that will allow full function. The longest cord I've found is about 3', which would be a little short. Am I missing something? Are there other solutions, that allow full use of functions?

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08-04-2020, 07:18 AM	#2
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	The wireless function is what you are after. Phil.

08-04-2020, 07:46 AM	#3
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 595	There are longer cords. But wireless might be the way to go. You will need two units like the AF360FGZ II since neither of your cameras have a built in flash to trigger wireless. Many here will tout the RF controllers as another option.

08-04-2020, 08:12 AM	#4
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	You can trigger it off camera wirelessly.....either 1 Optically with another Pentax flash mounted on the hotshoe 2 Radio triggers. I use Cactus V6II triggers. You will need two, one on the hotshoe and one with the flash mounted to it. P-TTL; Manual; and HSS are all useable with this set up.

08-04-2020, 08:40 AM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	The longest genuine Pentax 5P cord is the F5PL at 9.5 feet. It is expensive at about $100 USD. For optical wireless P-TTL, at least two flash are required; one as P-TTL master/controller and one or more as P-TTL slaves. The built-in flash on flagship model bodies is capable of serving as master/controller as are many (not all) P-TTL on-camera flash. Your AF360FGZII is capable as serving in both roles. To the best of my knowledge, the least expensive P-TTL master/controller/slave model with full capabilities is the Metz M400 for Pentax. The least expensive P-TTL slave model I am aware of is the Yongnuo YN585EX for Pentax, though I don't know if it supports all functions (HSS, trailing curtain sync, etc.). There are other 3rd party options as well. As noted above, there are radio wireless options for remote P-TTL, but compatibility with your new flash may be limited. Steve

08-04-2020, 09:39 AM	#6
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249 Original Poster	Another Pentax flash is out the question at this time. To much invested in studio equipment, and outside work is very minimal. The longer cord might well be an option.

08-04-2020, 09:52 AM - 1 Like	#7
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,594	I've got a "JJC"-branded Pentax-compatible flash extension cord. It clips into the hot-shoe on the camera and has a replicated hot-shoe with a full compliment of contacts at the other end. It's all coiled up for most of it's length, but fully extended it's about 6ft/2m. It was a very few pounds (sterling) from an eBay retailer.

08-04-2020, 01:33 PM	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by C_Jones If you got something like a Yongnuo 585EX flash for Pentax it would work with your AF360FGZ II as an off camera flash. Previous posts by the OP indicate that HSS is in the mix, something that the YN585EX does not support. Aside from that, the YN585EX is an excellent value. One has to stretch to the Metz M400 or Metz 44 AF-2 to get that P-TTL feature for both on-comaera and optical wireless. Steve

08-04-2020, 02:34 PM	#9
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	The 3' cord is only good for a bracket. The 360fgz 1 can be found cheap and it will trigger. Check the market place and ebay. One of the cheaper options.

08-04-2020, 02:55 PM	#10
BWG Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Monterey County, California Posts: 165	There are multiple used 360 flashes on eBay in the $75-90 range.

08-06-2020, 08:30 AM	#11
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249 Original Poster	Originally posted by kypfer I've got a "JJC"-branded Pentax-compatible flash extension cord. It clips into the hot-shoe on the camera and has a replicated hot-shoe with a full compliment of contacts at the other end. It's all coiled up for most of it's length, but fully extended it's about 6ft/2m. It was a very few pounds (sterling) from an eBay retailer. I'll probably go with this option in the 3' and 6' length. Most of the time this will be used in a run & gun, situation so using it with a flash bracket and 3' cord should be fine.