Is it possible to fix my in-camera flash?(k10d)

Akiou · 01-13-2010, 03:29 AM

Ever since I bought my camera, my flash has never worked right, and I am pretty sure I have read about this problem with others, but I searched for almost an hour in google and these forums and can't seem to find a fix for it, nor was there any help in the manual.

But my in camera flash totally overpowers every time, it completely blows the picture out to white and can not seem to find anything to change it. Is there some setting I am missing? Is it even possible to fix or is it like when the flash dies completely and then is basically dead?

And if it is broken, are there any cheap flashes I can buy? Namely for under $100(even less would be awesome, I am a student with very limited funds). One that moves vertically would be great, but it would be ok if it doesn't move if I can actually use flash for a change. :/

Thanks

**Rondec** · 01-13-2010, 05:27 AM

I would use the EV compensation button and apply some negative EV compensation. Experiment as to what works the best -- generally -1 is pretty good, but depending on your metering it may need a little more.

As far as cheap flashes, Vivitar makes some that are around a hundred dollars that are pretty decent.

Damn Brit · 01-13-2010, 10:11 AM

Can we have a sample with EXIF? What aperture and shutter speed are you taking flash shots with?

SOldBear · 01-13-2010, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by Akiou

are there any cheap flashes I can buy? Namely for under $100

This is one of my recommendations: Sunpak Auto Flashes.

No p-TTL (I don't like it anyway), no high speed, no wireless.

But an inexpensive flash that should meet most of your needs. Later on if you buy a fancier flash, the Sunpak can still be used as a backup or as a second flash.

noblepa · 01-13-2010, 02:48 PM

Originally posted by Akiou

Ever since I bought my camera, my flash has never worked right, and I am pretty sure I have read about this problem with others, but I searched for almost an hour in google and these forums and can't seem to find a fix for it, nor was there any help in the manual.

But my in camera flash totally overpowers every time, it completely blows the picture out to white and can not seem to find anything to change it. Is there some setting I am missing? Is it even possible to fix or is it like when the flash dies completely and then is basically dead?

And if it is broken, are there any cheap flashes I can buy? Namely for under $100(even less would be awesome, I am a student with very limited funds). One that moves vertically would be great, but it would be ok if it doesn't move if I can actually use flash for a change. :/

Thanks

What lens are you using? If it is a manual-focus lens, prior to the A-series (no "A" setting on the aperture ring), it is supposed to always fire at full power. The K10D has no way to read or control the aperture on these lenses.

If it is an A-series lens, an F, FA or DA lens, then it should not overexpose like that.

bogiesbad · 01-13-2010, 05:11 PM

The flash output is adjustable from -2.0 to +1.0 using the rear dial (on my K10 at least) while in flash function mode. I don't use my onboard flash too often but when I do I usually have to try a few different settings to get it right.
I use a Vivitar 285HV flash ($50 used) which has a lower voltage trigger...something to consider when choosing a flash. Some flash units trigger with a high enough voltage to harm your K10.

Akiou · 01-17-2010, 08:50 AM

I am using a AF lens(made by pentax) and I have tried to set the flash output, or turn on a setting to change the flash output but I have not been able to find it whatsoever. And I've gone all through the menu over and over. (If you feel the need to explain things like a child it won't bother me... I feel so stupid I just want this fixed.)

I have attached an image with EXIF data.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

Ole · 01-17-2010, 09:25 AM

Do you have the lens' aperture ring set to the A setting? It must be set to A for the flash automation to work.

Since your EXIF shows f/1.4 I suspect that you may have the lens in non-A mode.

01-13-2010, 03:29 AM	#1
Akiou New Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3	Is it possible to fix my in-camera flash?(k10d) Ever since I bought my camera, my flash has never worked right, and I am pretty sure I have read about this problem with others, but I searched for almost an hour in google and these forums and can't seem to find a fix for it, nor was there any help in the manual. But my in camera flash totally overpowers every time, it completely blows the picture out to white and can not seem to find anything to change it. Is there some setting I am missing? Is it even possible to fix or is it like when the flash dies completely and then is basically dead? And if it is broken, are there any cheap flashes I can buy? Namely for under $100(even less would be awesome, I am a student with very limited funds). One that moves vertically would be great, but it would be ok if it doesn't move if I can actually use flash for a change. :/ Thanks

01-13-2010, 02:48 PM	#5
noblepa Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Village, Ohio USA Posts: 1,142	What lens? Originally posted by Akiou Ever since I bought my camera, my flash has never worked right, and I am pretty sure I have read about this problem with others, but I searched for almost an hour in google and these forums and can't seem to find a fix for it, nor was there any help in the manual. But my in camera flash totally overpowers every time, it completely blows the picture out to white and can not seem to find anything to change it. Is there some setting I am missing? Is it even possible to fix or is it like when the flash dies completely and then is basically dead? And if it is broken, are there any cheap flashes I can buy? Namely for under $100(even less would be awesome, I am a student with very limited funds). One that moves vertically would be great, but it would be ok if it doesn't move if I can actually use flash for a change. :/ Thanks What lens are you using? If it is a manual-focus lens, prior to the A-series (no "A" setting on the aperture ring), it is supposed to always fire at full power. The K10D has no way to read or control the aperture on these lenses. If it is an A-series lens, an F, FA or DA lens, then it should not overexpose like that.

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01-13-2010, 05:27 AM	#2
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,662	I would use the EV compensation button and apply some negative EV compensation. Experiment as to what works the best -- generally -1 is pretty good, but depending on your metering it may need a little more. As far as cheap flashes, Vivitar makes some that are around a hundred dollars that are pretty decent.

01-13-2010, 10:11 AM	#3
Damn Brit Guest	Can we have a sample with EXIF? What aperture and shutter speed are you taking flash shots with?

01-13-2010, 02:28 PM	#4
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by Akiou are there any cheap flashes I can buy? Namely for under $100 This is one of my recommendations: Sunpak Auto Flashes. No p-TTL (I don't like it anyway), no high speed, no wireless. But an inexpensive flash that should meet most of your needs. Later on if you buy a fancier flash, the Sunpak can still be used as a backup or as a second flash.

01-13-2010, 05:11 PM	#6
bogiesbad Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Lower AL Photos: Albums Posts: 355	The flash output is adjustable from -2.0 to +1.0 using the rear dial (on my K10 at least) while in flash function mode. I don't use my onboard flash too often but when I do I usually have to try a few different settings to get it right. I use a Vivitar 285HV flash ($50 used) which has a lower voltage trigger...something to consider when choosing a flash. Some flash units trigger with a high enough voltage to harm your K10.

01-17-2010, 09:25 AM	#8
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,408	Do you have the lens' aperture ring set to the A setting? It must be set to A for the flash automation to work. Since your EXIF shows f/1.4 I suspect that you may have the lens in non-A mode.