Pentax AF160FC AUTO MACRO RING

Blue · 01-13-2009, 06:04 AM

Originally posted by CertEdFriday

Still await delivery - latest forecast is delivery in January. Unfortunately they don't say what year!
I also found it on this site - price is a bit scary though...

Pentax AF160 FC Ring Flash

January is half over!

Blue · 01-13-2009, 01:49 PM

There is now another potential p-ttl macro/close up flash option.

XTTFSP Xotopro Tumax TTL Twin Flash Set Dedicated for Pentax Cameras, DMF880 Flash/Macro Controller Guide Number 104 ft., DMT Twin flash Units Guide Number 19.7 ft.

and

XTTFSP Xotopro Tumax TTL Twin Flash Set Dedicated for Pentax Cameras, DMF880 Flash/Macro Controller Guide Number 104 ft., DMT Twin flash Units Guide Number 19.7 ft.

Here is their home page: Xotopro QMM1 Macro twin flash mount

heatherslightbox · 01-13-2009, 06:05 PM

I really like the Xotopro system, but it's just so darn expensive. I've given some thought to just building a system on my own using a couple of cheap small flashes, Cactus triggers, and a PTTL flash (which one would be good?) mounted onto a Bogen Manfrotto macro flash bracket like this:

I'd be fine with making my own bracket, but I'm not a big DYI gal when it comes to that kind of stuff.

Heather

Blue · 01-13-2009, 09:41 PM

Originally posted by hwblanks

I really like the Xotopro system, but it's just so darn expensive. I've given some thought to just building a system on my own using a couple of cheap small flashes, Cactus triggers, and a PTTL flash (which one would be good?) mounted onto a Bogen Manfrotto macro flash bracket like this:

I'd be fine with making my own bracket, but I'm not a big DYI gal when it comes to that kind of stuff.

Heather

Buddha Jones had a set up using wireless triggers. He was trying to sell the Viv S1 macro and the light. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographers-marketplace/36883-relist-vi...wer-price.html

The thing is, I understand how to get this to work with the p-ttl. I had considered a AF360 and 2 AF200 and cables and the Manfrotto bracket, but that was going to be pricey. That is pretty much what the Xotopro has done!

I think the Xotopro lights only at $249 plus the Manfrotto bracket at $49 would have interested me had I seen this before I got he Sigma. I guess the $300 question is how well does the Xotopro work with the p-ttl.

brownargus · 01-17-2009, 03:50 AM

Originally posted by CertEdFriday

Still await delivery - latest forecast is delivery in January. Unfortunately they don't say what year!
I also found it on this site - price is a bit scary though...

Pentax AF160 FC Ring Flash

Why is it that Pentax accessories are often so much more expensive than those from other manufacturers? The ring flash appears to be a case in point, but it also applied to items such as right angle finders which were listed at £450 compared with around £150 for similar items from Canon and Nikon.

I would love to have Pentax lenses, etc., but those from independents such as Sigma are so much cheaper and offer, from what I can gather, similar quality.

If the Pentax ring flash is well over £450 as indicated by the Ephotozine website, then it will have to be the Sigma at around £250.

John

mattdm · 01-17-2009, 06:10 AM

Originally posted by Blue

I think the Xotopro lights only at $249 plus the Manfrotto bracket at $49 would have interested me had I seen this before I got he Sigma. I guess the $300 question is how well does the Xotopro work with the p-ttl.

It looks like another incarnation of the Sakar AF952PEN. (I'm getting less convinced that these are originally made by Sakar. I think there must be some Chinese factory which cranks them out.)

Huh — weird. There's a series of Tumax flashes which claim to be P-TTL which I've never seen before, only one of which looks like the same generic make seen elsewhere. Maybe they are the source. Must investigate!

TUMAX

CertEdFriday · 02-11-2009, 04:44 AM

At last - received a phone call to say my Pentax Ring Flash has arrived in stock £399 inc vat! Delivery tomorrow!

So the long awaited item is nearly here. I have been following the threads here and note with interest how allegiances change as the wait goes on. Pentax kit is expensive - but it does the job and there is less of a compatability issue when using all the same kit. Not sure I would find a need for a wireless capability whilst shooting macro? Each to their own.

Just lets see if the post office is still able to deliver on time!

John Kovarik · 02-11-2009, 04:55 AM

My unit, from ADORAMA, is to be delivered today. FINALLY !

roelof · 02-11-2009, 05:12 AM

I'm still waiting for my Metz

If I'm lucky, at the end of this month.

chirpy · 02-11-2009, 10:44 AM

Originally posted by roelof

I'm still waiting for my Metz

If I'm lucky, at the end of this month.

Ugh, it's been available and in stock in the UK (the Metz) for around 2 months now.

My AF160FC is due to be in my grubby hands tomorrow too

Somewhat expensive though compared to the competition.

John Kovarik · 02-11-2009, 12:42 PM

....and upon first look, I will say PTX has built a serious tool. It seems very well made and packaged. It is not weather-proof but are any? The K20 is pictured on the manual cover. I think it is heavier than any others available.........there are some worrisome problem points listed in the lens compatibility section with many lenses having 'focus mechanism is unstable' problems (whatever that means). Won't get to try it out for a day or so.............here's a couple of pix.............

falconeye · 02-11-2009, 03:47 PM

Now, that all 3 ring flashes are avaliable, let's have a quick look at pricing again. German best online store prices...

- Pentax AF-160: 349 EUR / 379 $
- Sigma EM-140 DG for Pentax: 326 EUR / 354 $
- Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital (universal incl. Pentax): 252 EUR / 273 $

($: converted from EUR w/o VAT).

brownargus · 02-12-2009, 02:45 AM

Since it appeared that the Pentax ring flash was going to be around the £400 mark and outside my budget, I decided to get the Sigma EM-140 DG. It appears to be well made and, having tried it on some daffodils at home, it works extremely well with my K10D. The unit that attaches to the camera hotshoe appears to be somewhat larger than the Pentax item. Can't wait to get to using it on some actual field work. The cost was £249 (approx. EUR 275) including free post from SRS - though they did say that it was the last one before the prices increase!

John

John Kovarik · 02-12-2009, 04:23 AM

The EUR/$ exrate makes the unit cheaper for you guys than the $449 Adorama price I paid. Note that the large ring in pic 2 (right side) is dedicated to the DFA macros only and locks on in place of the hood - of somehwt dubious use for very close work, especially with the 50, IMO......all the rings are metal BTW............

marcusyoung · 02-12-2009, 05:38 AM

Originally posted by Blue

The Sigma was by the door when I got home yesterday. That darn Santa snuck up on me.

I haven't had the opportunity to use it in a "real" situation chasing bugs and snakes. It will definitely be a very usable system. So far the only thing I don't like is that the lamps (left, right, both) have to be selected through a menu instead of a switch. The thing has 9 switches on it so I fail to see why the couldn't have put one on the ring itself. It could be that the lamps are so processor driven regarding intensity.

Edit: The EM 140 will control my Metz 48 as a wireless slave.

Blue, could you pl post some shots using the new ring light. Just want to see whether the images look flat or shadows/shadowless. I own a AF 540 fgz and contemplates another flash to complement my macro shots. Thank you.

Marcus

02-11-2009, 04:44 AM	#37
CertEdFriday Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK - Somerset Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 175	Pentax Ring Flash At last - received a phone call to say my Pentax Ring Flash has arrived in stock £399 inc vat! Delivery tomorrow! So the long awaited item is nearly here. I have been following the threads here and note with interest how allegiances change as the wait goes on. Pentax kit is expensive - but it does the job and there is less of a compatability issue when using all the same kit. Not sure I would find a need for a wireless capability whilst shooting macro? Each to their own. Just lets see if the post office is still able to deliver on time!

02-11-2009, 12:42 PM	#41
John Kovarik Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: West Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 338	Here it is.......... ....and upon first look, I will say PTX has built a serious tool. It seems very well made and packaged. It is not weather-proof but are any? The K20 is pictured on the manual cover. I think it is heavier than any others available.........there are some worrisome problem points listed in the lens compatibility section with many lenses having 'focus mechanism is unstable' problems (whatever that means). Won't get to try it out for a day or so.............here's a couple of pix............. Attached Images

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01-13-2009, 06:04 AM	#31
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377 Original Poster	Originally posted by CertEdFriday Still await delivery - latest forecast is delivery in January. Unfortunately they don't say what year! I also found it on this site - price is a bit scary though... Pentax AF160 FC Ring Flash January is half over!

01-13-2009, 01:49 PM	#32
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377 Original Poster	There is now another potential p-ttl macro/close up flash option. XTTFSP Xotopro Tumax TTL Twin Flash Set Dedicated for Pentax Cameras, DMF880 Flash/Macro Controller Guide Number 104 ft., DMT Twin flash Units Guide Number 19.7 ft. and XTTFSP Xotopro Tumax TTL Twin Flash Set Dedicated for Pentax Cameras, DMF880 Flash/Macro Controller Guide Number 104 ft., DMT Twin flash Units Guide Number 19.7 ft. Here is their home page: Xotopro QMM1 Macro twin flash mount

01-13-2009, 06:05 PM	#33
heatherslightbox Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,599	I really like the Xotopro system, but it's just so darn expensive. I've given some thought to just building a system on my own using a couple of cheap small flashes, Cactus triggers, and a PTTL flash (which one would be good?) mounted onto a Bogen Manfrotto macro flash bracket like this: I'd be fine with making my own bracket, but I'm not a big DYI gal when it comes to that kind of stuff. Heather

01-13-2009, 09:41 PM	#34
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377 Original Poster	Originally posted by hwblanks I really like the Xotopro system, but it's just so darn expensive. I've given some thought to just building a system on my own using a couple of cheap small flashes, Cactus triggers, and a PTTL flash (which one would be good?) mounted onto a Bogen Manfrotto macro flash bracket like this: I'd be fine with making my own bracket, but I'm not a big DYI gal when it comes to that kind of stuff. Heather Buddha Jones had a set up using wireless triggers. He was trying to sell the Viv S1 macro and the light. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographers-marketplace/36883-relist-vi...wer-price.html The thing is, I understand how to get this to work with the p-ttl. I had considered a AF360 and 2 AF200 and cables and the Manfrotto bracket, but that was going to be pricey. That is pretty much what the Xotopro has done! I think the Xotopro lights only at $249 plus the Manfrotto bracket at $49 would have interested me had I seen this before I got he Sigma. I guess the $300 question is how well does the Xotopro work with the p-ttl.

01-17-2009, 03:50 AM	#35
brownargus Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK Posts: 55	Originally posted by CertEdFriday Still await delivery - latest forecast is delivery in January. Unfortunately they don't say what year! I also found it on this site - price is a bit scary though... Pentax AF160 FC Ring Flash Why is it that Pentax accessories are often so much more expensive than those from other manufacturers? The ring flash appears to be a case in point, but it also applied to items such as right angle finders which were listed at £450 compared with around £150 for similar items from Canon and Nikon. I would love to have Pentax lenses, etc., but those from independents such as Sigma are so much cheaper and offer, from what I can gather, similar quality. If the Pentax ring flash is well over £450 as indicated by the Ephotozine website, then it will have to be the Sigma at around £250. John

01-17-2009, 06:10 AM	#36
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	Originally posted by Blue I think the Xotopro lights only at $249 plus the Manfrotto bracket at $49 would have interested me had I seen this before I got he Sigma. I guess the $300 question is how well does the Xotopro work with the p-ttl. It looks like another incarnation of the Sakar AF952PEN. (I'm getting less convinced that these are originally made by Sakar. I think there must be some Chinese factory which cranks them out.) Huh — weird. There's a series of Tumax flashes which claim to be P-TTL which I've never seen before, only one of which looks like the same generic make seen elsewhere. Maybe they are the source. Must investigate! TUMAX

02-11-2009, 04:55 AM	#38
John Kovarik Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: West Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 338	My unit, from ADORAMA, is to be delivered today. FINALLY !

02-11-2009, 05:12 AM	#39
roelof Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Leiden, the Netherlands Posts: 26	I'm still waiting for my Metz If I'm lucky, at the end of this month.

02-11-2009, 10:44 AM	#40
chirpy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: UK, Berkshire Posts: 143	Originally posted by roelof I'm still waiting for my Metz If I'm lucky, at the end of this month. Ugh, it's been available and in stock in the UK (the Metz) for around 2 months now. My AF160FC is due to be in my grubby hands tomorrow too Somewhat expensive though compared to the competition.

02-11-2009, 03:47 PM	#42
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Now, that all 3 ring flashes are avaliable, let's have a quick look at pricing again. German best online store prices... - Pentax AF-160: 349 EUR / 379 $ - Sigma EM-140 DG for Pentax: 326 EUR / 354 $ - Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital (universal incl. Pentax): 252 EUR / 273 $ ($: converted from EUR w/o VAT).

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02-12-2009, 02:45 AM	#43
brownargus Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK Posts: 55	Since it appeared that the Pentax ring flash was going to be around the £400 mark and outside my budget, I decided to get the Sigma EM-140 DG. It appears to be well made and, having tried it on some daffodils at home, it works extremely well with my K10D. The unit that attaches to the camera hotshoe appears to be somewhat larger than the Pentax item. Can't wait to get to using it on some actual field work. The cost was £249 (approx. EUR 275) including free post from SRS - though they did say that it was the last one before the prices increase! John

02-12-2009, 04:23 AM	#44
John Kovarik Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: West Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 338	The EUR/$ exrate makes the unit cheaper for you guys than the $449 Adorama price I paid. Note that the large ring in pic 2 (right side) is dedicated to the DFA macros only and locks on in place of the hood - of somehwt dubious use for very close work, especially with the 50, IMO......all the rings are metal BTW............

02-12-2009, 05:38 AM	#45
marcusyoung Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: singapore Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,123	Originally posted by Blue The Sigma was by the door when I got home yesterday. That darn Santa snuck up on me. I haven't had the opportunity to use it in a "real" situation chasing bugs and snakes. It will definitely be a very usable system. So far the only thing I don't like is that the lamps (left, right, both) have to be selected through a menu instead of a switch. The thing has 9 switches on it so I fail to see why the couldn't have put one on the ring itself. It could be that the lamps are so processor driven regarding intensity. Edit: The EM 140 will control my Metz 48 as a wireless slave. Blue, could you pl post some shots using the new ring light. Just want to see whether the images look flat or shadows/shadowless. I own a AF 540 fgz and contemplates another flash to complement my macro shots. Thank you. Marcus