Frustrated with Pentax flash (Rant)

BAKrueger · 05-06-2016, 02:06 PM

I have been with pentax for a long time I have grown with pentax in my photography and really want to stay a pentaxian but like everything in life you outgrow things because they cant keep up. I need off camera high speed sync for bird photography. I have purchased everything I was supposed to need to be able to do that with a pentax k-5 and guess what I cant make it work. cannon does it, nikon does it, sony does it, but pentax cant figure it out ??

Last edited by Parallax; 05-06-2016 at 02:13 PM.

Parallax · 05-06-2016, 02:16 PM

Some details of the problem you're having would be helpful. something a bit more specific than:

Originally posted by BAKrueger

I cant make it work

Originally posted by BAKrueger

cannon does it, nikon does it, sony does it, but pentax cant figure it out ??

Are you absolutely certain that it's Pentax that can't figure it out?

Adam · 05-06-2016, 02:28 PM

Have you read about the priolite system? Sounds like exactly what you might need.

BAKrueger · 05-06-2016, 02:45 PM

I bought a af 360 which will trigger HSS all day on the camera I need the flash off the camera because I get showding in my pics due to a 500mm lens. So I bought a cable and the camera/flash default back to 1/180 when I turn on the flash using the cable. I want HSS 1/1000 with flash. I don't have any more money in my budget. The directions are incomplete I have reasearched this problem for days and I am lost this should not be this hard in 2016?

victormeldrew · 05-06-2016, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by BAKrueger

So I bought a cable

What kind of cable?

Adam · 05-06-2016, 03:01 PM

Should work just fine as long as you got the Pentax cable.

K57XR · 05-06-2016, 04:32 PM

I use Vello OCS-P3 and works with HSS on a K5 and Metz48 flash: Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Pentax Cameras (3') OCS-P3
I've since modified it to take Ethernet cable and tried it with a 50ft CAT-5e and still got HSS no problems.

As with victormeldrew replied, what cable did you buy?

rawr · 05-06-2016, 05:09 PM

Originally posted by BAKrueger

I need the flash off the camera because I get showding in my pics due to a 500mm lens.

You need to buy a P-TTL hotshoe extension cable, not any old hot shoe cable.
I have a cheap $20 JJC one and it works fine.

http://www.amazon.com/JJC-P-TTL-Camera-Flash-PENTAX/dp/B0086UUVU0/ref=sr_1_1...rds=jjc+pentax

I am also not clear why you need to use HSS. For long lens telephoto flash, you would be better off simply using a Better Beamer (or similar), as discussed here:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/22-pentax-camera-field-accessories/320077...ird-photo.html

**clackers** · 05-06-2016, 05:11 PM - **1 Like**

BAKrueger, instead of a rant you could have asked here, and people could have suggested a P-TTL capable cable or an Acon R930 wireless trigger.

I use both those things and HSS is fine either way, flash handheld like Bill Cunningham does or on a distant tripod.

"I have reasearched this problem for days". Then you're not very good at it. I wouldn't hire you.

osv · 05-06-2016, 08:27 PM

Originally posted by BAKrueger

I bought a af 360 which will trigger HSS all day on the camera I need the flash off the camera because I get showding in my pics due to a 500mm lens. So I bought a cable and the camera/flash default back to 1/180 when I turn on the flash using the cable. I want HSS 1/1000 with flash. I don't have any more money in my budget. The directions are incomplete I have reasearched this problem for days and I am lost this should not be this hard in 2016?

i had remote hss years ago on a k10d; two flashes hardwired with a third flash optically triggered, it was a pair of 540fgz flashes and a sigma ef-500 dg super, it definitely works if you have the right cables.

does hss work when the flash is mounted to the camera, without the cable? the only change you make is adding the cable?

**Digitalis** · 05-06-2016, 08:38 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by BAKrueger

I have reasearched this problem for days and I am lost

The idea of doing research is to prevent oneself from being lost, but you have done research and become lost as a result of it, Impressive.

Originally posted by BAKrueger

I bought a af 360 which will trigger HSS all day on the camera I need the flash off the camera because I get showding in my pics due to a 500mm lens.

The AF360 is not viable for HSS with a 500mm lens as the power reduction really cripples the range of that flash. An AF540FGZ would have been a more sensible choice as it has better range in HSS mode.

Pentax K10D - Sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX DG + wireless AF540FGZ with Honl 1/4 CTO gel filter

mcgregni · 05-06-2016, 10:28 PM

BAKrueger, I'm interested to know what sort of flash to subject distance you would be using for this,... Also is the flash near the camera?

rawr · 05-06-2016, 11:36 PM

Originally posted by mcgregni

what sort of flash to subject distance you would be using for this

A 500mm lens was mentioned by the OP's 2nd post. So I guess quite a distance.

**Digitalis** · 05-07-2016, 12:59 AM

Originally posted by rawr

A 500mm lens was mentioned by the OP's 2nd post. So I guess quite a distance.

I wouldn't be so sure, the MFD of the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 is 4m.

BAKrueger · 05-08-2016, 03:04 AM - **1 Like**

I apologize to Pentax and all of you for my (RANT)!! I don't have the optimum equipment to perform the task I want to, thats on me. I have learned what I need buy reading your replies to my post. I looked everywhere but here. I will use this forum regularly from now on so that I my stay a pentaxian.

I have ordered the correct cord and will save up for a used af 540 flash gun

05-06-2016, 02:06 PM	#1
BAKrueger Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 66	Frustrated with Pentax flash (Rant) I have been with pentax for a long time I have grown with pentax in my photography and really want to stay a pentaxian but like everything in life you outgrow things because they cant keep up. I need off camera high speed sync for bird photography. I have purchased everything I was supposed to need to be able to do that with a pentax k-5 and guess what I cant make it work. cannon does it, nikon does it, sony does it, but pentax cant figure it out ?? Last edited by Parallax; 05-06-2016 at 02:13 PM.

05-06-2016, 02:28 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Have you read about the priolite system? Sounds like exactly what you might need. 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:

05-06-2016, 03:01 PM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Should work just fine as long as you got the Pentax cable. 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:

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05-06-2016, 02:16 PM	#2
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	Some details of the problem you're having would be helpful. something a bit more specific than: Originally posted by BAKrueger I cant make it work Originally posted by BAKrueger cannon does it, nikon does it, sony does it, but pentax cant figure it out ?? Are you absolutely certain that it's Pentax that can't figure it out?

05-06-2016, 02:45 PM	#4
BAKrueger Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 66 Original Poster	I bought a af 360 which will trigger HSS all day on the camera I need the flash off the camera because I get showding in my pics due to a 500mm lens. So I bought a cable and the camera/flash default back to 1/180 when I turn on the flash using the cable. I want HSS 1/1000 with flash. I don't have any more money in my budget. The directions are incomplete I have reasearched this problem for days and I am lost this should not be this hard in 2016?

05-06-2016, 02:59 PM	#5
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Originally posted by BAKrueger So I bought a cable What kind of cable?

05-06-2016, 04:32 PM	#7
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830	I use Vello OCS-P3 and works with HSS on a K5 and Metz48 flash: Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Pentax Cameras (3') OCS-P3 I've since modified it to take Ethernet cable and tried it with a 50ft CAT-5e and still got HSS no problems. As with victormeldrew replied, what cable did you buy?

05-06-2016, 05:09 PM	#8
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by BAKrueger I need the flash off the camera because I get showding in my pics due to a 500mm lens. You need to buy a P-TTL hotshoe extension cable, not any old hot shoe cable. I have a cheap $20 JJC one and it works fine. http://www.amazon.com/JJC-P-TTL-Camera-Flash-PENTAX/dp/B0086UUVU0/ref=sr_1_1...rds=jjc+pentax I am also not clear why you need to use HSS. For long lens telephoto flash, you would be better off simply using a Better Beamer (or similar), as discussed here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/22-pentax-camera-field-accessories/320077...ird-photo.html

05-06-2016, 05:11 PM - 1 Like	#9
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	BAKrueger, instead of a rant you could have asked here, and people could have suggested a P-TTL capable cable or an Acon R930 wireless trigger. I use both those things and HSS is fine either way, flash handheld like Bill Cunningham does or on a distant tripod. "I have reasearched this problem for days". Then you're not very good at it. I wouldn't hire you.

05-06-2016, 08:27 PM	#10
osv Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: So Cal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,080	Originally posted by BAKrueger I bought a af 360 which will trigger HSS all day on the camera I need the flash off the camera because I get showding in my pics due to a 500mm lens. So I bought a cable and the camera/flash default back to 1/180 when I turn on the flash using the cable. I want HSS 1/1000 with flash. I don't have any more money in my budget. The directions are incomplete I have reasearched this problem for days and I am lost this should not be this hard in 2016? i had remote hss years ago on a k10d; two flashes hardwired with a third flash optically triggered, it was a pair of 540fgz flashes and a sigma ef-500 dg super, it definitely works if you have the right cables. does hss work when the flash is mounted to the camera, without the cable? the only change you make is adding the cable?

05-06-2016, 08:38 PM - 1 Like	#11
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by BAKrueger I have reasearched this problem for days and I am lost The idea of doing research is to prevent oneself from being lost, but you have done research and become lost as a result of it, Impressive. Originally posted by BAKrueger I bought a af 360 which will trigger HSS all day on the camera I need the flash off the camera because I get showding in my pics due to a 500mm lens. The AF360 is not viable for HSS with a 500mm lens as the power reduction really cripples the range of that flash. An AF540FGZ would have been a more sensible choice as it has better range in HSS mode. Pentax K10D - Sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX DG + wireless AF540FGZ with Honl 1/4 CTO gel filter

05-06-2016, 10:28 PM	#12
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	BAKrueger, I'm interested to know what sort of flash to subject distance you would be using for this,... Also is the flash near the camera?

05-06-2016, 11:36 PM	#13
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by mcgregni what sort of flash to subject distance you would be using for this A 500mm lens was mentioned by the OP's 2nd post. So I guess quite a distance.

05-07-2016, 12:59 AM	#14
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by rawr A 500mm lens was mentioned by the OP's 2nd post. So I guess quite a distance. I wouldn't be so sure, the MFD of the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 is 4m.

05-08-2016, 03:04 AM - 1 Like	#15
BAKrueger Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 66 Original Poster	I apologize to Pentax and all of you for my (RANT)!! I don't have the optimum equipment to perform the task I want to, thats on me. I have learned what I need buy reading your replies to my post. I looked everywhere but here. I will use this forum regularly from now on so that I my stay a pentaxian. I have ordered the correct cord and will save up for a used af 540 flash gun