Looking for a Flash

ZeGuru · 09-12-2009, 05:41 PM

OK, in my quest for a nice flash, I'm running into a few road blocks. I found a Pentax AF-200FG at National Camera Exchange, but the help was so horrendous, that I left. I probably could have walked out with the darn thing in my hand, since the guy put it on the counter and left me standing there for about 10 minutes. Anywho...

After looking over that flash, I think I want one that has an adjustable bounce angle. My problem lies with my cheapness. I really don't want to spend much more than about $100 for the flash, I might bend a bit on that but not by much.

So, in searching I'm coming up with the following flashes.

Pentax AF-200FG $89.00 (not loving this flash)
Vivitar 285HV $89.97 (this is what I am leaning towards)
Digital Concepts $119.99 (no model number, ebay special, but not shipping from China)

My photography will be mostly interior rooms and such, and occasionally I'd like to be able to shoot some nice pics of the kids.

I'm also not opposed to looking for a used or demo flash if such a thing exists.

Ideas, opinions?

mattdm · 09-12-2009, 07:46 PM

Originally posted by ZeGuru

After looking over that flash, I think I want one that has an adjustable bounce angle. My problem lies with my cheapness. I really don't want to spend much more than about $100 for the flash, I might bend a bit on that but not by much.

You might want to add the Metz 36 AF-4 to your short list. I think it's a no-brainer over the Pentax AF200FG.

Personally, though, for my own inside photography and nice shots of kids, I find wireless P-TTL invaluable, and worth saving up another hundred bucks for. This lets you put the flash somewhere convenient in the room and not add weight and bulk to your camera as you're shooting.

ZeGuru · 09-12-2009, 07:55 PM

Hmm, something to think about for sure! I hadn't thought of using a flash not mounted to the camera. I kind of like that idea.

The search continues...

PS. Matt, what a great guide!!!!

SOldBear · 09-12-2009, 08:32 PM

ZeGuru,

If you don't mind handle-mount flash, look for something like this:

Sunpak 522

I like handle-mount flash. In fact, even though I have 2 Pentax 540 units, I still use my Metz 45CT1 and my Sunpak 555 units for most of my flash shooting.

Sew-Classic · 09-13-2009, 04:38 AM

Originally posted by SOldBear

ZeGuru,

If you don't mind handle-mount flash, look for something like this:

Sunpak 522

I like handle-mount flash. In fact, even though I have 2 Pentax 540 units, I still use my Metz 45CT1 and my Sunpak 555 units for most of my flash shooting.

SOldBear,

Can you reccomend a smaller, folding/flip flash bracket by chance??

**ChipB** · 09-13-2009, 10:42 AM

If you don't mind using a non P-TTL (or non TTL for that matter) you might consider the Sunpak 383.

However, my personal favorite in the non P-TTL arena is the Pentax AF 280T - great flash, tilt and swivel, good numbers and (relatively speaking) lightweight - and fairly easy on battery life.

ZeGuru · 09-17-2009, 11:44 AM

Originally posted by mattdm

You might want to add the Metz 36 AF-4 to your short list. I think it's a no-brainer over the Pentax AF200FG.

Personally, though, for my own inside photography and nice shots of kids, I find wireless P-TTL invaluable, and worth saving up another hundred bucks for. This lets you put the flash somewhere convenient in the room and not add weight and bulk to your camera as you're shooting.

Matt, I took your advice and bought the Metz 36. Should be arriving next week. Thanks again!

adamkean · 09-26-2009, 10:06 AM

i'd go for the metz 36 above the others you have lists

GerryL · 09-28-2009, 01:21 PM

No swivel though..

..but better than the Pentax AF200FG for sure!

ZeGuru · 09-28-2009, 08:52 PM

Originally posted by GerryL

No swivel though..

..but better than the Pentax AF200FG for sure!

I ended up buying the Metz, and I'm very glad I bought this over the Pentax AF200! But... I was shooting some pics of my daughter and when I went to shoot a portrait shot, I was instantly thinking "Man, I wish this thing would swivel"

Once I get a few more shots under my belt, and get a little more comfortable with the camera, I'll likely upgrade the flash - Just don't tell the wife, LOL

GerryL · 10-04-2009, 02:40 PM

Originally posted by ZeGuru

Once I get a few more shots under my belt, and get a little more comfortable with the camera, I'll likely upgrade the flash - Just don't tell the wife, LOL

This is actually what's important and what counts! ..never,never, ever..tell the wife..

09-12-2009, 05:41 PM	#1
ZeGuru New Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 24	Looking for a Flash OK, in my quest for a nice flash, I'm running into a few road blocks. I found a Pentax AF-200FG at National Camera Exchange, but the help was so horrendous, that I left. I probably could have walked out with the darn thing in my hand, since the guy put it on the counter and left me standing there for about 10 minutes. Anywho... After looking over that flash, I think I want one that has an adjustable bounce angle. My problem lies with my cheapness. I really don't want to spend much more than about $100 for the flash, I might bend a bit on that but not by much. So, in searching I'm coming up with the following flashes. Pentax AF-200FG $89.00 (not loving this flash) Vivitar 285HV $89.97 (this is what I am leaning towards) Digital Concepts $119.99 (no model number, ebay special, but not shipping from China) My photography will be mostly interior rooms and such, and occasionally I'd like to be able to shoot some nice pics of the kids. I'm also not opposed to looking for a used or demo flash if such a thing exists. Ideas, opinions?

09-12-2009, 07:55 PM	#3
ZeGuru New Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 24 Original Poster	Hmm, something to think about for sure! I hadn't thought of using a flash not mounted to the camera. I kind of like that idea. The search continues... PS. Matt, what a great guide!!!! Last edited by ZeGuru; 09-12-2009 at 08:15 PM.

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09-12-2009, 07:46 PM	#2
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	Originally posted by ZeGuru After looking over that flash, I think I want one that has an adjustable bounce angle. My problem lies with my cheapness. I really don't want to spend much more than about $100 for the flash, I might bend a bit on that but not by much. You might want to add the Metz 36 AF-4 to your short list. I think it's a no-brainer over the Pentax AF200FG. Personally, though, for my own inside photography and nice shots of kids, I find wireless P-TTL invaluable, and worth saving up another hundred bucks for. This lets you put the flash somewhere convenient in the room and not add weight and bulk to your camera as you're shooting.

09-12-2009, 08:32 PM	#4
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	ZeGuru, If you don't mind handle-mount flash, look for something like this: Sunpak 522 I like handle-mount flash. In fact, even though I have 2 Pentax 540 units, I still use my Metz 45CT1 and my Sunpak 555 units for most of my flash shooting.

09-13-2009, 04:38 AM	#5
Sew-Classic Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 238	Originally posted by SOldBear ZeGuru, If you don't mind handle-mount flash, look for something like this: Sunpak 522 I like handle-mount flash. In fact, even though I have 2 Pentax 540 units, I still use my Metz 45CT1 and my Sunpak 555 units for most of my flash shooting. SOldBear, Can you reccomend a smaller, folding/flip flash bracket by chance??

09-13-2009, 10:42 AM	#6
ChipB Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Eau Claire, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,701	If you don't mind using a non P-TTL (or non TTL for that matter) you might consider the Sunpak 383. However, my personal favorite in the non P-TTL arena is the Pentax AF 280T - great flash, tilt and swivel, good numbers and (relatively speaking) lightweight - and fairly easy on battery life.

09-17-2009, 11:44 AM	#7
ZeGuru New Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 24 Original Poster	Originally posted by mattdm You might want to add the Metz 36 AF-4 to your short list. I think it's a no-brainer over the Pentax AF200FG. Personally, though, for my own inside photography and nice shots of kids, I find wireless P-TTL invaluable, and worth saving up another hundred bucks for. This lets you put the flash somewhere convenient in the room and not add weight and bulk to your camera as you're shooting. Matt, I took your advice and bought the Metz 36. Should be arriving next week. Thanks again!

09-26-2009, 10:06 AM	#8
adamkean Marketplace Reseller Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 223	i'd go for the metz 36 above the others you have lists

09-28-2009, 01:21 PM	#9
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	No swivel though.. ..but better than the Pentax AF200FG for sure!

09-28-2009, 08:52 PM	#10
ZeGuru New Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 24 Original Poster	Originally posted by GerryL No swivel though.. ..but better than the Pentax AF200FG for sure! I ended up buying the Metz, and I'm very glad I bought this over the Pentax AF200! But... I was shooting some pics of my daughter and when I went to shoot a portrait shot, I was instantly thinking "Man, I wish this thing would swivel" Once I get a few more shots under my belt, and get a little more comfortable with the camera, I'll likely upgrade the flash - Just don't tell the wife, LOL

10-04-2009, 02:40 PM	#11
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Originally posted by ZeGuru Once I get a few more shots under my belt, and get a little more comfortable with the camera, I'll likely upgrade the flash - Just don't tell the wife, LOL This is actually what's important and what counts! ..never,never, ever..tell the wife..