KX flash

Mickytelfotd · 10-11-2019, 02:58 PM

Greetings all,

I’m new here, after searching I can’t really find what I’m after.

I have a Pentax kx and a small studio set up with continuous lighting for portraits and head shots. I’m looking for a flash/speed light to use during shoots. But I don’t have the money for the Pentax ones.

Any suggestions of cheap and cheerful external flashes wired or wireless that won’t blow my camera up?

Thanks in advance

Stephen

gebco · 10-11-2019, 05:52 PM

I've used this site in the past when looking at old flashes to make sure they won't fry my camera. When I bought my Kx I used an old Pentax flash and it worked fine.

Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

Originally posted by Mickytelfotd

Greetings all,

I’m new here, after searching I can’t really find what I’m after.

I have a Pentax kx and a small studio set up with continuous lighting for portraits and head shots. I’m looking for a flash/speed light to use during shoots. But I don’t have the money for the Pentax ones.

Any suggestions of cheap and cheerful external flashes wired or wireless that won’t blow my camera up?

Thanks in advance

Stephen

builttospill · 10-11-2019, 06:46 PM

Welcome to the Forums! The KX and k-x are two very different Pentax cameras. I'm assuming you have the k-x.

Years ago I wouldn't touch an inexpensive made-in-China flash, but over the last few years there have been some very nice, inexpensive flashes made. I have the 360 and 540 (first versions), but I have a few manual Yongnuo flashes that are fantastic. I bought 15 inexpensive Godox TT520II flashes last year and they have worked well (one has a few issues after light use, but that's not bad out of 15 $35 flashes). The Yongnuos have better build quality (and are about double the price), but the Godox flashes have built-in wireless recievers and they each came with a hot shoe transmitter.

Not a Number · 10-12-2019, 05:39 AM

Just about any of the old Sunpak xxxD series flashes will be safe to use on Pentax gear. The 4xxDs are my favorites. It isn't necessary to find them dedicated to Pentax but it is nice to have. Use either the built in auto sensor or in manual mode. Since you are shooting in a studio I'm guessing you'll either be using a hand-held flash meter or know how to calculate the f-stop from the GN, distance and power setting.

**TwoUptons** · 10-13-2019, 10:19 AM

If you need a good p-ttl, the first-gen af360 is often a good value used.

That would be more of an out of studio option, however, unless you’re using optical triggers (or more Pentax flashes...)

-Eric

TerryL · 10-17-2019, 11:49 AM

Originally posted by builttospill

Welcome to the Forums! The KX and k-x are two very different Pentax cameras. I'm assuming you have the k-x.

Years ago I wouldn't touch an inexpensive made-in-China flash, but over the last few years there have been some very nice, inexpensive flashes made. I have the 360 and 540 (first versions), but I have a few manual Yongnuo flashes that are fantastic. I bought 15 inexpensive Godox TT520II flashes last year and they have worked well (one has a few issues after light use, but that's not bad out of 15 $35 flashes). The Yongnuos have better build quality (and are about double the price), but the Godox flashes have built-in wireless recievers and they each came with a hot shoe transmitter.

I agree.

10-11-2019, 02:58 PM	#1
Mickytelfotd New Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Posts: 1	KX flash Greetings all, I’m new here, after searching I can’t really find what I’m after. I have a Pentax kx and a small studio set up with continuous lighting for portraits and head shots. I’m looking for a flash/speed light to use during shoots. But I don’t have the money for the Pentax ones. Any suggestions of cheap and cheerful external flashes wired or wireless that won’t blow my camera up? Thanks in advance Stephen

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10-11-2019, 05:52 PM	#2
gebco Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Winnipeg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 329	I've used this site in the past when looking at old flashes to make sure they won't fry my camera. When I bought my Kx I used an old Pentax flash and it worked fine. Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages Originally posted by Mickytelfotd Greetings all, I’m new here, after searching I can’t really find what I’m after. I have a Pentax kx and a small studio set up with continuous lighting for portraits and head shots. I’m looking for a flash/speed light to use during shoots. But I don’t have the money for the Pentax ones. Any suggestions of cheap and cheerful external flashes wired or wireless that won’t blow my camera up? Thanks in advance Stephen

10-11-2019, 06:46 PM	#3
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	Welcome to the Forums! The KX and k-x are two very different Pentax cameras. I'm assuming you have the k-x. Years ago I wouldn't touch an inexpensive made-in-China flash, but over the last few years there have been some very nice, inexpensive flashes made. I have the 360 and 540 (first versions), but I have a few manual Yongnuo flashes that are fantastic. I bought 15 inexpensive Godox TT520II flashes last year and they have worked well (one has a few issues after light use, but that's not bad out of 15 $35 flashes). The Yongnuos have better build quality (and are about double the price), but the Godox flashes have built-in wireless recievers and they each came with a hot shoe transmitter.

10-12-2019, 05:39 AM	#4
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Just about any of the old Sunpak xxxD series flashes will be safe to use on Pentax gear. The 4xxDs are my favorites. It isn't necessary to find them dedicated to Pentax but it is nice to have. Use either the built in auto sensor or in manual mode. Since you are shooting in a studio I'm guessing you'll either be using a hand-held flash meter or know how to calculate the f-stop from the GN, distance and power setting.

10-13-2019, 10:19 AM	#5
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,227	If you need a good p-ttl, the first-gen af360 is often a good value used. That would be more of an out of studio option, however, unless you’re using optical triggers (or more Pentax flashes...) -Eric

10-17-2019, 11:49 AM	#6
TerryL Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 850	Originally posted by builttospill Welcome to the Forums! The KX and k-x are two very different Pentax cameras. I'm assuming you have the k-x. Years ago I wouldn't touch an inexpensive made-in-China flash, but over the last few years there have been some very nice, inexpensive flashes made. I have the 360 and 540 (first versions), but I have a few manual Yongnuo flashes that are fantastic. I bought 15 inexpensive Godox TT520II flashes last year and they have worked well (one has a few issues after light use, but that's not bad out of 15 $35 flashes). The Yongnuos have better build quality (and are about double the price), but the Godox flashes have built-in wireless recievers and they each came with a hot shoe transmitter. I agree.