K3 II Flash Trouble

**nixxo2002** · 12-06-2020, 07:15 PM

Recently bought K3 II
I tried to use an external flash.
No matter what settings I use, I cannot get it to fire.
I know the flash is fine.
It has fresh batteries and fires without problem on my K-5.
I have the flash settings at P-TTL.
I have the camera shutter speed set below 1/180.
Suggestions?

Unregistered User 8 · 12-06-2020, 07:34 PM

Originally posted by nixxo2002

I have the camera shutter speed set below 1/180.

Do you have your camera set to slow speed sync in the flash settings?

Not a Number · 12-06-2020, 07:45 PM

Is the camera new or previously owned? If previously owned try resetting all the options.

MikeyBugs95 · 12-06-2020, 08:21 PM

What kind of flash are you using? I had similar problems using a Metz 48 AF-1 on my K-3II. For me, the electrical contacts just never make good contact unless I hold the camera and flash perfectly level.

**UncleVanya** · 12-06-2020, 10:03 PM

Try X mode. If it fires then you know it isn’t likely a contact issue.

stevebrot · 12-06-2020, 11:30 PM

Originally posted by nixxo2002

Suggestions?

Without knowing something about the flash, it is hard to advise. Also, what lens?

As noted above, put the camera in X mode. Also set the flash to full manual mode to ensure that it is taking its sync from the center contact only.*

Steve

* Alternatively, use the aperture ring to manually set the aperture. That will have the same effect.

**nixxo2002** · 12-07-2020, 01:03 AM

I have tried using both a DA 50-200 mm and a DA 18-135.
have now tested it with 3 different flashes.
a Pentax-specific Yongnuo YN585EX (which supports P-TTL & Manual modes)
and Pentax flashes: AF200T and AF080C (ring.)
I set the camera to Manual exposure. I set the ISO at 100, the shutter speed at 1/120 or 1/100; and the aperture stopped down.
I've made sure that the slow sync setting isn't on (it's not available in Manual exposure mode.)
None of the flashes will fire.
All 3 will fire on the K-5.

pschlute · 12-07-2020, 05:48 AM

Originally posted by nixxo2002

a Pentax-specific Yongnuo YN585EX (which supports P-TTL & Manual modes)
and Pentax flashes: AF200T and AF080C (ring.)

I dont know about the Yongnuo, but the two Pentax flashes will only work in Manual or Auto mode (on the flash). TTL is an older system than P-TTL and is incompatible with the K5

If you cannot get the flashes to fire in Manual flash mode it sounds like your hotshoe may be the problem

**macman24054** · 12-07-2020, 07:15 AM

Sounds to me like you have covered your bases and the camera is the problem.

Not a Number · 12-07-2020, 07:33 AM

If the flashes are set to manual or auto mode (when possible) and the camera is either set to "X" or manual mode with a shutter speed of 1/180 or less then the problem is most likely in the camera.

If the purchase is still within the return period contact the seller for refund or exchange.

stevebrot · 12-07-2020, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by nixxo2002

I have tried using both a DA 50-200 mm and a DA 18-135.
have now tested it with 3 different flashes.
a Pentax-specific Yongnuo YN585EX (which supports P-TTL & Manual modes)
and Pentax flashes: AF200T and AF080C (ring.)
I set the camera to Manual exposure. I set the ISO at 100, the shutter speed at 1/120 or 1/100; and the aperture stopped down.
I've made sure that the slow sync setting isn't on (it's not available in Manual exposure mode.)
None of the flashes will fire.
All 3 will fire on the K-5.

Put the camera in X mode with the AF200T in manual mode. That is the most basic means of flash operation and does not require ANY communication between the flash and body or even that a lens be mounted. If that fails the flash sync board on the camera is toast. (BTW...The AF200T should also signal flash ready in viewfinder and external displays.)

If that works, switch to the YN585EX in P-TTL mode (no HSS, trailing curtain, master/controller/slave, or other magic) with the camera in M mode and one of the DA zooms attached.

Confirm that flash ready signals in the viewfinder
Confirm that the flash zoom setting adjusts as the lens is zoomed
Confirm that the shutter speed cannot be set above 1/180s

If the above happen, the flash is talking to the camera. If so, continue on...

Set the drive mode to 2s delay and press the shutter button.
Confirm immediate pre-flash followed by main flash at two seconds.

If the first set above fails, examine the auxiliary contacts on the hot shoe for gunge. If contacts are clean, there is either a bad internal connection of the controller board is toast.

Chances are none of the above works, but at least you will have the satisfaction of fully exercising the basic functionality. Contact the seller for a refund.

Steve

peggers · 12-07-2020, 07:23 PM

Originally posted by nixxo2002

Recently bought K3 II
I tried to use an external flash.
No matter what settings I use, I cannot get it to fire.
I know the flash is fine.
It has fresh batteries and fires without problem on my K-5.
I have the flash settings at P-TTL.
I have the camera shutter speed set below 1/180.
Suggestions?

Maybe use the X-sync setting on the camera?

pentasonic49 · 12-13-2020, 01:28 PM

Have you tried using a flash sync lead instead of the hotshoe?

stevebrot · 12-13-2020, 05:13 PM

@nixxo2002

Care to circle back with the outcome?

Steve

12-06-2020, 07:15 PM	#1
nixxo2002 Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 824	K3 II Flash Trouble Recently bought K3 II I tried to use an external flash. No matter what settings I use, I cannot get it to fire. I know the flash is fine. It has fresh batteries and fires without problem on my K-5. I have the flash settings at P-TTL. I have the camera shutter speed set below 1/180. Suggestions?

12-06-2020, 11:30 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by nixxo2002 Suggestions? Without knowing something about the flash, it is hard to advise. Also, what lens? As noted above, put the camera in X mode. Also set the flash to full manual mode to ensure that it is taking its sync from the center contact only.* Steve * Alternatively, use the aperture ring to manually set the aperture. That will have the same effect. Last edited by stevebrot; 12-06-2020 at 11:39 PM.

12-07-2020, 10:42 AM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by nixxo2002 I have tried using both a DA 50-200 mm and a DA 18-135. have now tested it with 3 different flashes. a Pentax-specific Yongnuo YN585EX (which supports P-TTL & Manual modes) and Pentax flashes: AF200T and AF080C (ring.) I set the camera to Manual exposure. I set the ISO at 100, the shutter speed at 1/120 or 1/100; and the aperture stopped down. I've made sure that the slow sync setting isn't on (it's not available in Manual exposure mode.) None of the flashes will fire. All 3 will fire on the K-5. Put the camera in X mode with the AF200T in manual mode. That is the most basic means of flash operation and does not require ANY communication between the flash and body or even that a lens be mounted. If that fails the flash sync board on the camera is toast. (BTW...The AF200T should also signal flash ready in viewfinder and external displays.) If that works, switch to the YN585EX in P-TTL mode (no HSS, trailing curtain, master/controller/slave, or other magic) with the camera in M mode and one of the DA zooms attached. Confirm that flash ready signals in the viewfinder Confirm that the flash zoom setting adjusts as the lens is zoomed Confirm that the shutter speed cannot be set above 1/180s If the above happen, the flash is talking to the camera. If so, continue on... Set the drive mode to 2s delay and press the shutter button. Confirm immediate pre-flash followed by main flash at two seconds. If the first set above fails, examine the auxiliary contacts on the hot shoe for gunge. If contacts are clean, there is either a bad internal connection of the controller board is toast. Chances are none of the above works, but at least you will have the satisfaction of fully exercising the basic functionality. Contact the seller for a refund. Steve

12-07-2020, 07:23 PM	#12
peggers Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Endeavour Hills, Victoria, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 210	Suggestion Originally posted by nixxo2002 Recently bought K3 II I tried to use an external flash. No matter what settings I use, I cannot get it to fire. I know the flash is fine. It has fresh batteries and fires without problem on my K-5. I have the flash settings at P-TTL. I have the camera shutter speed set below 1/180. Suggestions? Maybe use the X-sync setting on the camera?

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12-06-2020, 07:34 PM	#2
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Originally posted by nixxo2002 I have the camera shutter speed set below 1/180. Do you have your camera set to slow speed sync in the flash settings?

12-06-2020, 07:45 PM	#3
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Is the camera new or previously owned? If previously owned try resetting all the options.

12-06-2020, 08:21 PM	#4
MikeyBugs95 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,206	What kind of flash are you using? I had similar problems using a Metz 48 AF-1 on my K-3II. For me, the electrical contacts just never make good contact unless I hold the camera and flash perfectly level.

12-06-2020, 10:03 PM	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,460	Try X mode. If it fires then you know it isn’t likely a contact issue.

12-07-2020, 01:03 AM	#7
nixxo2002 Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 824 Original Poster	I have tried using both a DA 50-200 mm and a DA 18-135. have now tested it with 3 different flashes. a Pentax-specific Yongnuo YN585EX (which supports P-TTL & Manual modes) and Pentax flashes: AF200T and AF080C (ring.) I set the camera to Manual exposure. I set the ISO at 100, the shutter speed at 1/120 or 1/100; and the aperture stopped down. I've made sure that the slow sync setting isn't on (it's not available in Manual exposure mode.) None of the flashes will fire. All 3 will fire on the K-5.

12-07-2020, 05:48 AM	#8
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,216	Originally posted by nixxo2002 a Pentax-specific Yongnuo YN585EX (which supports P-TTL & Manual modes) and Pentax flashes: AF200T and AF080C (ring.) I dont know about the Yongnuo, but the two Pentax flashes will only work in Manual or Auto mode (on the flash). TTL is an older system than P-TTL and is incompatible with the K5 If you cannot get the flashes to fire in Manual flash mode it sounds like your hotshoe may be the problem

12-07-2020, 07:15 AM	#9
macman24054 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Axton, VA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 461	Sounds to me like you have covered your bases and the camera is the problem.

12-07-2020, 07:33 AM	#10
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	If the flashes are set to manual or auto mode (when possible) and the camera is either set to "X" or manual mode with a shutter speed of 1/180 or less then the problem is most likely in the camera. If the purchase is still within the return period contact the seller for refund or exchange.

12-13-2020, 01:28 PM	#13
pentasonic49 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: weston-super-mare Posts: 395	Have you tried using a flash sync lead instead of the hotshoe?

12-13-2020, 05:13 PM	#14
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	@nixxo2002 Care to circle back with the outcome? Steve