Focus Assist on external Flash 540gz

divarak · 05-26-2010, 10:08 PM

Hello everybody.
I´ve been searching on forums with no luck, so here´s my question:
I am starting to do some night club shootings... But I noticed that the built in flash of my cameras (k20 and k10) can fire to help on focusing...
Is there a way to use my external flashes (540gz and 360gz) in the same way?
The thing is that the flash when fire the IR beam, not always can focus correctly in complete darkness and motion-subjects,
Thanks in advance.

Adam · 05-26-2010, 10:19 PM

AFAIK the answer to this is no. Only the internal flash can be used, or, if you have a K-7, the dedicated assist light. Would be a nice feature, though...

SOldBear · 05-27-2010, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by divarak

But I noticed that the built in flash of my cameras (k20 and k10) can fire to help on focusing...
Is there a way to use my external flashes (540gz and 360gz) in the same way?

Are you asking how to use the external flash (say, AF540FGZ) only as a focus aid? (Pardon my slowness).

The answer is yes. Hit the "mode" button on the flash until you see "SB." When you half press the shutter release button, the AF spotbeam on the AF540FGZ will light up, but the flash won't fire.

For more details, see page 56 of the AF540FGZ manual.

Edited to add: Found it in the AF360FGZ manual too - page 55.

JeffJS · 05-27-2010, 03:32 PM

I *Think* he is asking how to use the flash as a Strobe like the K10/20 does for AF assist. In other words, fire the Modeling light of the flash and use it for AF assist. The 540 and 360 will turn on the red AF assist light anytime called for by the camera (I believe) without changing the mode of the flash. Especially in total darkness.

Could be wrong about what is being asked though.

bogiesbad · 05-27-2010, 05:16 PM

Press the "modeling" button after you slide the setting switch down to yellow dot and the flash will discharge continouosly for one second. Page 55 from the FGZ360 online manual also cautions to allow the flash a rest after 10 consecutive times.

divarak · 05-30-2010, 03:32 PM

Thanks everybody for the answers.... Looks like I have no luck....
Could be interesting change the firmware of the cameras so when someone push some button, the camera fire the model light of the flash so It can focus in complete dark situations.

05-26-2010, 10:08 PM	#1
divarak New Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Uruguay Posts: 5	Focus Assist on external Flash 540gz Hello everybody. I´ve been searching on forums with no luck, so here´s my question: I am starting to do some night club shootings... But I noticed that the built in flash of my cameras (k20 and k10) can fire to help on focusing... Is there a way to use my external flashes (540gz and 360gz) in the same way? The thing is that the flash when fire the IR beam, not always can focus correctly in complete darkness and motion-subjects, Thanks in advance.

05-26-2010, 10:19 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	AFAIK the answer to this is no. Only the internal flash can be used, or, if you have a K-7, the dedicated assist light. Would be a nice feature, though... 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:

05-27-2010, 12:14 PM	#3
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by divarak But I noticed that the built in flash of my cameras (k20 and k10) can fire to help on focusing... Is there a way to use my external flashes (540gz and 360gz) in the same way? Are you asking how to use the external flash (say, AF540FGZ) only as a focus aid? (Pardon my slowness). The answer is yes. Hit the "mode" button on the flash until you see "SB." When you half press the shutter release button, the AF spotbeam on the AF540FGZ will light up, but the flash won't fire. For more details, see page 56 of the AF540FGZ manual. Edited to add: Found it in the AF360FGZ manual too - page 55. Last edited by SOldBear; 05-27-2010 at 12:19 PM.

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05-27-2010, 03:32 PM	#4
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	I Think he is asking how to use the flash as a Strobe like the K10/20 does for AF assist. In other words, fire the Modeling light of the flash and use it for AF assist. The 540 and 360 will turn on the red AF assist light anytime called for by the camera (I believe) without changing the mode of the flash. Especially in total darkness. Could be wrong about what is being asked though.

05-27-2010, 05:16 PM	#5
bogiesbad Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Lower AL Photos: Albums Posts: 355	Press the "modeling" button after you slide the setting switch down to yellow dot and the flash will discharge continouosly for one second. Page 55 from the FGZ360 online manual also cautions to allow the flash a rest after 10 consecutive times.

05-30-2010, 03:32 PM	#6
divarak New Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Uruguay Posts: 5 Original Poster	Thanks everybody for the answers.... Looks like I have no luck.... Could be interesting change the firmware of the cameras so when someone push some button, the camera fire the model light of the flash so It can focus in complete dark situations.