Pentax Flash Gun Compatibility

jabof33 · 04-07-2011, 10:02 AM

Hi,

Can somenone finally clear up whether the older Pentax flash units, such as AF 280T, AF 400T, AF 400 FTZ & AF 500 FTZ, will work safely with K10D, K20D, K 5 & K7 digital bodies.

I have read a lot of conflicting information and despite asking Pentax UK - from whom I received no answer! {:-(} - I just don't know and would like to!

Thanks in advance,

Randal Williams

Last edited by jabof33; 04-07-2011 at 10:03 AM. Reason: poor punctuation!

mediaslinky · 04-07-2011, 11:15 AM

I have the AF 280T. It works fine with my K-x. Run the flash in one of the auto modes, and when my body has an auto lens on it, everything talks and works fine. TTL mode on the flash does not seem to work for me. Of course, you can run the flash in manual and go that route as well.

I have not used it a lot yet, but have had no issues, once I got the flash working. (Had issue with battery contacts)

**Just1MoreDave** · 04-07-2011, 11:32 AM

The only one in that group that I haven't tried is the AF400T. I can't recall any Pentax-brand flash as unsafe. There are sites with voltage lists but I don't have them at my fingertips.

Although they won't destroy your camera, they won't work in TTL mode where all the cool features are. That means looking for flashes with manual power control, an auto flash sensor and adjustable head, the most useful features for a DSLR.

SOldBear · 04-07-2011, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by jabof33

Can somenone finally clear up whether the older Pentax flash units, such as AF 280T, AF 400T, AF 400 FTZ & AF 500 FTZ, will work safely with K10D, K20D, K 5 & K7 digital bodies.

In terms of trigger voltage, I think all units in the series AFxxxT and AFxxxFTZ are safe. But you should measure the particular unit just to be sure.

Pentax dropped TTL for p-TTL since K10D and K100D, so AFxxxFTZ flashes can be used only in fully manual mode. If set at TTL, they will fire at full power.

The AFxxxT units are more convenient thanks to their "auto" mode that uses the light sensor on the flash unit.

rfg · 04-07-2011, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

There are sites with voltage lists but I don't have them at my fingertips.

This one: Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages ?

According to the voltage data listed there, all the Pentax flashes seem OK.

jabof33 · 04-07-2011, 11:12 PM

Thanks to all - this is most helpful

Randal Williams

04-07-2011, 10:02 AM	#1
jabof33 Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Pershore, Worcestershire Posts: 7	Pentax Flash Gun Compatibility Hi, Can somenone finally clear up whether the older Pentax flash units, such as AF 280T, AF 400T, AF 400 FTZ & AF 500 FTZ, will work safely with K10D, K20D, K 5 & K7 digital bodies. I have read a lot of conflicting information and despite asking Pentax UK - from whom I received no answer! {:-(} - I just don't know and would like to! Thanks in advance, Randal Williams Last edited by jabof33; 04-07-2011 at 10:03 AM. Reason: poor punctuation!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Metz 48 AF-1 flash gun (CAN)	alexeyga	Sold Items	3	06-13-2010 10:07 AM
Pentax K-X: Flash/Len Compatibility	actjustin	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	6	02-23-2010 10:52 PM
K20D choice of flash gun	Misty	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	4	09-05-2009 02:10 PM
Budget Flash gun	Pentaxboy	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	20	08-17-2009 01:28 PM
TTL mode with AF-540FGZ flash gun	tsmself	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	3	05-12-2009 07:24 PM

04-07-2011, 11:15 AM	#2
mediaslinky Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 373	I have the AF 280T. It works fine with my K-x. Run the flash in one of the auto modes, and when my body has an auto lens on it, everything talks and works fine. TTL mode on the flash does not seem to work for me. Of course, you can run the flash in manual and go that route as well. I have not used it a lot yet, but have had no issues, once I got the flash working. (Had issue with battery contacts)

04-07-2011, 11:32 AM	#3
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	The only one in that group that I haven't tried is the AF400T. I can't recall any Pentax-brand flash as unsafe. There are sites with voltage lists but I don't have them at my fingertips. Although they won't destroy your camera, they won't work in TTL mode where all the cool features are. That means looking for flashes with manual power control, an auto flash sensor and adjustable head, the most useful features for a DSLR.

04-07-2011, 01:09 PM	#4
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by jabof33 Can somenone finally clear up whether the older Pentax flash units, such as AF 280T, AF 400T, AF 400 FTZ & AF 500 FTZ, will work safely with K10D, K20D, K 5 & K7 digital bodies. In terms of trigger voltage, I think all units in the series AFxxxT and AFxxxFTZ are safe. But you should measure the particular unit just to be sure. Pentax dropped TTL for p-TTL since K10D and K100D, so AFxxxFTZ flashes can be used only in fully manual mode. If set at TTL, they will fire at full power. The AFxxxT units are more convenient thanks to their "auto" mode that uses the light sensor on the flash unit.

04-07-2011, 05:04 PM	#5
rfg Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 139	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave There are sites with voltage lists but I don't have them at my fingertips. This one: Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages ? According to the voltage data listed there, all the Pentax flashes seem OK.

04-07-2011, 11:12 PM	#6
jabof33 Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Pershore, Worcestershire Posts: 7 Original Poster	Thanks to all - this is most helpful Randal Williams