Help With P-TTL Cord For Pentax

stevebrot · 11-15-2020, 12:48 PM

Originally posted by fs999

I'm using regularly the Nissin SC-01 universal shoe cord which works well in P-TTL mode.

Originally posted by brofkand

I use the Vello cord with my flash often, it works fine.

Make sure the cord is coming out the front of both connections - the cord should be coming out of the front of the camera and out the front of the flash. There's nothing preventing you from connecting everything backwards, in which case it won't work.

Are you both using the AF540FGZII?

BTW...that last about the insertion direction is important. I remember at least one troubleshooting request regarding the Vello cable where the foot was put in backward.

Steve

**hjoseph7** · 11-15-2020, 07:56 PM

I would return it. I have the same exact cable I purchased back in May and it works with my Pentax AF360. These Off-camera cables are notorious for being flaky. I cross my fingers whenever I buy one.

stevebrot · 11-16-2020, 09:47 AM

Originally posted by hjoseph7

it works with my Pentax AF360

Version II? Pentax revised the shoe design for the second generation flash used by the OP.

Steve

Smoke665 · 11-17-2020, 06:28 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

BTW...Have you brought this to Vello's attention? Any incompatiblity with Pentax flash should be of concern to them.

https://www.vellogear.com/contact-us

Steve

I've sent them two emails now, no response. Look like I either go with Pentax adapters or leave it in the hot shoe.

---------- Post added 11-17-20 at 07:32 AM ----------

Originally posted by hjoseph7

I would return it. I have the same exact cable I purchased back in May and it works with my Pentax AF360. These Off-camera cables are notorious for being flaky. I cross my fingers whenever I buy one.

This is the 2nd cable, I returned the first.

---------- Post added 11-17-20 at 07:35 AM ----------

Originally posted by brofkand

I use the Vello cord with my flash often, it works fine.

Make sure the cord is coming out the front of both connections - the cord should be coming out of the front of the camera and out the front of the flash. There's nothing preventing you from connecting everything backwards, in which case it won't work.

Yup they're in the tight way. While they can be inserted two ways there's only one locking pin/index hole, that accepts only the correct way.

swanlefitte · 11-28-2020, 11:29 PM

It works with my digital 360 1. Any pic of the contacts of the 2 so i can compare? Forget letters and numbers.

swanlefitte · 11-28-2020, 11:45 PM

The fgz1 has 5 contacts like a die. The velleo has 4 contacts top right of flash not contacted. The chord is missing its top left contact. The base which connects to the camera hot shue has 5 contacts like a die. That might be a clue for others.

builttospill · 11-29-2020, 11:51 AM

If those aren't working for you I'm thinking of selling my 540 and 360 (both first versions), along with the F5P and F5P-L, and adapters F, FG, and off-camera F.

I have used the above for years for HSS off-camera flash portrait sessions. It always worked well. I recently purchased a new wireless HSS strobe system and haven't used the cords, flashes, or adapters since.

stevebrot · 11-29-2020, 12:46 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by swanlefitte

The fgz1 has 5 contacts like a die. The velleo has 4 contacts top right of flash not contacted. The chord is missing its top left contact. The base which connects to the camera hot shue has 5 contacts like a die. That might be a clue for others.

All P-TTL flash bodies and flash have 4 contacts on the shoe/foot face + rail for a total of five. The Vello cord has the appropriate contacts on both foot and shoe and has worked very well for multiple users on this site.

From the K-mount page Web site:

Pentax digital protocol shoe schematic

Flash Systems Evolution, Features and Operation | The K-Mount Page

Vello OCS-P3 Foot

Note "fat" pin for locking purposes engages hole on camera hot shoe.

Vello OCS-P3 Shoe

Note hole on shoe to support flash locking pin when present.

Steve

Smoke665 · 12-17-2020, 05:28 PM - **2 Likes**

Little update, after talking with the tech department of the manufacturer of Vello cable they suggested returning it as they had no way of verifying that it was in fact compatible with the FGZII. I returned it and found a brand new Pentax cord and adaptor for less than $30. Just got it in today. Hooked it up turned everything on it all works!!!!!

I dont have the Vello to compare, but the only thing that I see that might be slightly different is the pins stick out more. In any case working now, thanks for all the comments and advice.

**hjoseph7** · 12-18-2020, 05:40 PM

All this talk about Vello cords not working forced me to do a double check. The weird thing is that I have OCS-P3 for my Pentax camera and I have an OCS-P3 for my Canon camera. By mistake I pulled the wrong box from the shelf and connected the AF360 with the Vello Canon cord. To my surprise the Flash fired, but only in 1/1 Full Power mode. When I realized that I made a mistake I got the right cord(the one for Pentax) and connected the flash to the camera. Everything worked p-TTL , multi, manual etc. So it must have been a problem with your cord.

stevebrot · 12-18-2020, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by Smoke665

I returned it and found a brand new Pentax cord and adaptor for less than $30.

That is a very good price for even the cord alone. What components are you working with?

Steve

Smoke665 · 12-19-2020, 06:39 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

That is a very good price for even the cord alone. What components are you working with?

Steve

It was a new in box " Pentax 3pc kit #50207" that included, camera hot shoe adaptor, cord and flash adaptor. The box was still sealed from factory. It came from a dealer in Canada, so I'm not sure if it was just overstock that they wanted to get rid of or they made a serious pricing mistake. I've only seen a few of these kits listed on the internet and generally they're $150-$200.

stevebrot · 12-19-2020, 11:39 AM

Originally posted by Smoke665

It was a new in box " Pentax 3pc kit #50207" that included, camera hot shoe adaptor, cord and flash adaptor. The box was still sealed from factory. It came from a dealer in Canada, so I'm not sure if it was just overstock that they wanted to get rid of or they made a serious pricing mistake. I've only seen a few of these kits listed on the internet and generally they're $150-$200.

Wow! That is amazing! I got mine piecemeal as NOS but not for that low.

Steve

Smoke665 · 12-20-2020, 07:49 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Wow! That is amazing! I got mine piecemeal as NOS but not for that low.

Steve

Stumbled across it on EBay and figured I'd take a chance. Finally got lucky. I was able to put it to the test yesterday, mounted flash on an L bracket with cord. I'd forgotten how well that combo could work in a run and gun shoot. Having the P-TTL and HSS available made it so easy.

11-29-2020, 12:46 PM - 1 Like	#38
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by swanlefitte The fgz1 has 5 contacts like a die. The velleo has 4 contacts top right of flash not contacted. The chord is missing its top left contact. The base which connects to the camera hot shue has 5 contacts like a die. That might be a clue for others. All P-TTL flash bodies and flash have 4 contacts on the shoe/foot face + rail for a total of five. The Vello cord has the appropriate contacts on both foot and shoe and has worked very well for multiple users on this site. From the K-mount page Web site: Pentax digital protocol shoe schematic Flash Systems Evolution, Features and Operation \| The K-Mount Page Vello OCS-P3 Foot Note "fat" pin for locking purposes engages hole on camera hot shoe. Vello OCS-P3 Shoe Note hole on shoe to support flash locking pin when present. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 11-29-2020 at 03:36 PM.

12-19-2020, 06:39 AM	#42
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot That is a very good price for even the cord alone. What components are you working with? Steve It was a new in box " Pentax 3pc kit #50207" that included, camera hot shoe adaptor, cord and flash adaptor. The box was still sealed from factory. It came from a dealer in Canada, so I'm not sure if it was just overstock that they wanted to get rid of or they made a serious pricing mistake. I've only seen a few of these kits listed on the internet and generally they're $150-$200. Last edited by Smoke665; 12-19-2020 at 08:38 AM.

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11-15-2020, 12:48 PM	#31
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by fs999 I'm using regularly the Nissin SC-01 universal shoe cord which works well in P-TTL mode. Originally posted by brofkand I use the Vello cord with my flash often, it works fine. Make sure the cord is coming out the front of both connections - the cord should be coming out of the front of the camera and out the front of the flash. There's nothing preventing you from connecting everything backwards, in which case it won't work. Are you both using the AF540FGZII? BTW...that last about the insertion direction is important. I remember at least one troubleshooting request regarding the Vello cable where the foot was put in backward. Steve

11-15-2020, 07:56 PM	#32
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,046	I would return it. I have the same exact cable I purchased back in May and it works with my Pentax AF360. These Off-camera cables are notorious for being flaky. I cross my fingers whenever I buy one.

11-16-2020, 09:47 AM	#33
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by hjoseph7 it works with my Pentax AF360 Version II? Pentax revised the shoe design for the second generation flash used by the OP. Steve

11-17-2020, 06:28 AM	#34
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot BTW...Have you brought this to Vello's attention? Any incompatiblity with Pentax flash should be of concern to them. https://www.vellogear.com/contact-us Steve I've sent them two emails now, no response. Look like I either go with Pentax adapters or leave it in the hot shoe. ---------- Post added 11-17-20 at 07:32 AM ---------- Originally posted by hjoseph7 I would return it. I have the same exact cable I purchased back in May and it works with my Pentax AF360. These Off-camera cables are notorious for being flaky. I cross my fingers whenever I buy one. This is the 2nd cable, I returned the first. ---------- Post added 11-17-20 at 07:35 AM ---------- Originally posted by brofkand I use the Vello cord with my flash often, it works fine. Make sure the cord is coming out the front of both connections - the cord should be coming out of the front of the camera and out the front of the flash. There's nothing preventing you from connecting everything backwards, in which case it won't work. Yup they're in the tight way. While they can be inserted two ways there's only one locking pin/index hole, that accepts only the correct way.

11-28-2020, 11:29 PM	#35
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	It works with my digital 360 1. Any pic of the contacts of the 2 so i can compare? Forget letters and numbers.

11-28-2020, 11:45 PM	#36
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	The fgz1 has 5 contacts like a die. The velleo has 4 contacts top right of flash not contacted. The chord is missing its top left contact. The base which connects to the camera hot shue has 5 contacts like a die. That might be a clue for others.

11-29-2020, 11:51 AM	#37
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	If those aren't working for you I'm thinking of selling my 540 and 360 (both first versions), along with the F5P and F5P-L, and adapters F, FG, and off-camera F. I have used the above for years for HSS off-camera flash portrait sessions. It always worked well. I recently purchased a new wireless HSS strobe system and haven't used the cords, flashes, or adapters since.

12-17-2020, 05:28 PM - 2 Likes	#39
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249 Original Poster	Little update, after talking with the tech department of the manufacturer of Vello cable they suggested returning it as they had no way of verifying that it was in fact compatible with the FGZII. I returned it and found a brand new Pentax cord and adaptor for less than $30. Just got it in today. Hooked it up turned everything on it all works!!!!! I dont have the Vello to compare, but the only thing that I see that might be slightly different is the pins stick out more. In any case working now, thanks for all the comments and advice.

12-18-2020, 05:40 PM	#40
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,046	All this talk about Vello cords not working forced me to do a double check. The weird thing is that I have OCS-P3 for my Pentax camera and I have an OCS-P3 for my Canon camera. By mistake I pulled the wrong box from the shelf and connected the AF360 with the Vello Canon cord. To my surprise the Flash fired, but only in 1/1 Full Power mode. When I realized that I made a mistake I got the right cord(the one for Pentax) and connected the flash to the camera. Everything worked p-TTL , multi, manual etc. So it must have been a problem with your cord.

12-18-2020, 05:54 PM	#41
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Smoke665 I returned it and found a brand new Pentax cord and adaptor for less than $30. That is a very good price for even the cord alone. What components are you working with? Steve

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12-19-2020, 11:39 AM	#43
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Smoke665 It was a new in box " Pentax 3pc kit #50207" that included, camera hot shoe adaptor, cord and flash adaptor. The box was still sealed from factory. It came from a dealer in Canada, so I'm not sure if it was just overstock that they wanted to get rid of or they made a serious pricing mistake. I've only seen a few of these kits listed on the internet and generally they're $150-$200. Wow! That is amazing! I got mine piecemeal as NOS but not for that low. Steve

12-20-2020, 07:49 AM	#44
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Wow! That is amazing! I got mine piecemeal as NOS but not for that low. Steve Stumbled across it on EBay and figured I'd take a chance. Finally got lucky. I was able to put it to the test yesterday, mounted flash on an L bracket with cord. I'd forgotten how well that combo could work in a run and gun shoot. Having the P-TTL and HSS available made it so easy.