Originally posted by Russell-Evans The Quantaray QDA-P module actually works very well with all the Pentax DSLR bodies. The way to use the module and flash is to use Tv mode on the camera, and on the dual e-dial cameras, set the custom settings so that setting ISO is on one of the e-dials for Tv mode. The module, when set to Auto, communicates with the camera and can read the ISO setting from the camera. It then has the ability to set the aperture of the lens accordingly on the camera. The sensor on the flash does the rest.
The work flow is; set the shutter speed to whatever value you want, fast if you want the flash to provide the light, slow if you want to balance ambient with the flash, then determine where you want ISO 100 to start, at f2.8, f4, or f5.6, for your lens. This corresponds to the blue, yellow, and green dots on the QDA-P module. With that, you can now ignore the flash settings from then on and simply use the e-dial on the camera to determine the aperture you want to shoot at, opening the aperture means lowering the ISO and closing the aperture means an increase in ISO. I simply forget that I am adjusting ISO and just watch the aperture in the viewfinder.
If you do want to try P-TTL with the flash, you can buy the $50 Promaster 5050DXR module for Pentax on ebay. The module is keyed so that it won't fix into the older flashes. Simply removing the plastic key is all that is required. You can simply swap the base plate of the QDA-P module with the base plate of the 505DXR module if you don't want to cut the plastic. Had I known the QDA-P module worked so well with the Pentax cameras, I don't think I would have bought the 5050DXR module however.
Thank you
Russell
Russell I like the features that you mention with the Quantaray QDA-P module being able to communicate with the camera and change aperture settings.
Is this feature available with all Quantaray flashes containing the QDA-P module?
I'm more so asking for use with a 6500a because in another thread I read you where using a 9500a?