Old -but save- Pentax Flashguns for K100D

minahasa · 04-18-2011, 11:11 AM

I see many ancient Pentax flashguns on fleabay. I know they operate in different voltage levels, and sometimes hazardous to newer DSLR, not to mention that they surely did not have as many feature as the digitalized flashguns. But, they're cheap, easy to find, and that I need nothing but something to shed some light whenever I shot at night, so that I wouldn't dry my camera batteries using the internal flash.

Suggestions, please

gp1806 · 04-18-2011, 11:22 AM

Look here for a partial list of trigger voltages. I'm sure there are other lists like this one. Maybe someone else will help.
Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

**Lowell Goudge** · 04-18-2011, 11:27 AM

it starts with what do you want to achieve.

there are many old flashes out there, but I will start my list of assumptions now.

- you want Auto mode. This excludes a lot because not all flashes have their own sensor. this is true of some of the best, like the AF500FTZ, which can only work in either manual or TTL. UNless you are shooting with an *istD, DS, or DS2, all newer cameras are P-TTL only. the *istD are both TTL and P-TTL compatible which makes them unique in several ways, but that is a different dicsussion.

- You might wish to consider a safe flash interface, I don't know the specifics but I believe there are several that limit the voltage to the camera. This would be preferrable.

- You also would need to consider shooting in manual mode, so adjustable in at least 5-6 steps would be preferrable,

- You want one that can be used with re-chargeables. Some older flashes were designed to work with carbon batteries, and lower internal impedance of some rechargeables could burn them out.

Look in the accessories forum there is a sticky on flashes and what is and is not compatible (at least for pentax units)

I think, from memory the AF 400 and AF280 flashes are pretty well recommended

04-18-2011, 11:11 AM	#1
minahasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Minahasa, North Celebes (Sulawesi) Photos: Albums Posts: 586	Old -but save- Pentax Flashguns for K100D I see many ancient Pentax flashguns on fleabay. I know they operate in different voltage levels, and sometimes hazardous to newer DSLR, not to mention that they surely did not have as many feature as the digitalized flashguns. But, they're cheap, easy to find, and that I need nothing but something to shed some light whenever I shot at night, so that I wouldn't dry my camera batteries using the internal flash. Suggestions, please

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Konica, Minolta, etc. mount to Pentax K - How to save the old lenses	vietlh81	Pentax Lens Articles	41	10-15-2018 08:51 AM
K100D Date won't save?	Bunce	Pentax DSLR Discussion	9	04-26-2013 09:05 PM
Free way to colour correct your flashguns.	Ben Hunt	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	5	09-11-2009 08:27 AM
Which lens to save for?? Pentax DA 16-45mm vs. Pentax DA 17-70mm	IsaacSteiner	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	17	03-28-2009 10:00 PM
Can the Pentaxians save Pentax?	Buddha Jones	Pentax News and Rumors	51	05-07-2008 08:17 AM

04-18-2011, 11:22 AM	#2
gp1806 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs Photos: Albums Posts: 848	Look here for a partial list of trigger voltages. I'm sure there are other lists like this one. Maybe someone else will help. Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

04-18-2011, 11:27 AM	#3
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	it starts with what do you want to achieve. there are many old flashes out there, but I will start my list of assumptions now. - you want Auto mode. This excludes a lot because not all flashes have their own sensor. this is true of some of the best, like the AF500FTZ, which can only work in either manual or TTL. UNless you are shooting with an istD, DS, or DS2, all newer cameras are P-TTL only. the istD are both TTL and P-TTL compatible which makes them unique in several ways, but that is a different dicsussion. - You might wish to consider a safe flash interface, I don't know the specifics but I believe there are several that limit the voltage to the camera. This would be preferrable. - You also would need to consider shooting in manual mode, so adjustable in at least 5-6 steps would be preferrable, - You want one that can be used with re-chargeables. Some older flashes were designed to work with carbon batteries, and lower internal impedance of some rechargeables could burn them out. Look in the accessories forum there is a sticky on flashes and what is and is not compatible (at least for pentax units) I think, from memory the AF 400 and AF280 flashes are pretty well recommended