which flash to buy?

gbandi · 03-24-2010, 08:13 PM

Hi there,
I am looking for a flash for my new K-x. I am torn between af360 and metz 48. it seems like 360 is compact and has pretty good features other than the swivel function. How important is that function. I also need help understanding the 'Auto' function which the Metz does not have. I believe the P-TTL gets feedback from the camera and should work with all modes using both flashes. The auto feature gets feedback from the flash itself and seems to be more important for manual lenses but only works in the M mode. Does it work with AF lenses as well? I am a beginner and will be mostly using AF lenses and looking fo the easiest option with possibility to expand as i learn more abt the use of flash. Finally, how do both flashes communicate with the camera? do i need to keep changing settings in bothe camera nad flash or i can leave the flash on "auto/p-ttl" mode? should i consider metz 58 or AF540? they seem to be quite bulky but have more options. I have read matt's website but looking for first hand impression.
Thanks in advance.
g

tomtor · 03-25-2010, 12:21 AM

I would skip the af360 because of the missing swivel function AND that you cannot disable auto power-off. If you grow using your flash you might want to experiment with off camera flash and radio triggers and the auto power off will drive you crazy. Also flash power is very important, so the metz 48, 58 and pentax af540 are the better choices.

I don't find the metz58 and the af540 bulky, but for a first flash the metz 48 on a k-x is an excellent choice. You'll only need automatic mode on your flash if you plan on buying old lenses which don't have an A-setting on the aperture ring. Many MF lenses do have an A-setting and these will work just fine with the Metz-48.

The lenses without an A-setting are the M (eg M50/1.7, M135/3.5) and K series. The A50/1.7 has an A setting.

Ari · 03-25-2010, 01:17 AM

Having owned an af360, metz 48 and 58, I would agree with tomtor - the Metz 48 is a great choice for the kx. Easy to operate and will grow into either your next body or a wide variety of lens choices.

03-24-2010, 08:13 PM	#1
gbandi New Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: washington dc Posts: 20	which flash to buy? Hi there, I am looking for a flash for my new K-x. I am torn between af360 and metz 48. it seems like 360 is compact and has pretty good features other than the swivel function. How important is that function. I also need help understanding the 'Auto' function which the Metz does not have. I believe the P-TTL gets feedback from the camera and should work with all modes using both flashes. The auto feature gets feedback from the flash itself and seems to be more important for manual lenses but only works in the M mode. Does it work with AF lenses as well? I am a beginner and will be mostly using AF lenses and looking fo the easiest option with possibility to expand as i learn more abt the use of flash. Finally, how do both flashes communicate with the camera? do i need to keep changing settings in bothe camera nad flash or i can leave the flash on "auto/p-ttl" mode? should i consider metz 58 or AF540? they seem to be quite bulky but have more options. I have read matt's website but looking for first hand impression. Thanks in advance. g

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03-25-2010, 12:21 AM	#2
tomtor Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 382	I would skip the af360 because of the missing swivel function AND that you cannot disable auto power-off. If you grow using your flash you might want to experiment with off camera flash and radio triggers and the auto power off will drive you crazy. Also flash power is very important, so the metz 48, 58 and pentax af540 are the better choices. I don't find the metz58 and the af540 bulky, but for a first flash the metz 48 on a k-x is an excellent choice. You'll only need automatic mode on your flash if you plan on buying old lenses which don't have an A-setting on the aperture ring. Many MF lenses do have an A-setting and these will work just fine with the Metz-48. The lenses without an A-setting are the M (eg M50/1.7, M135/3.5) and K series. The A50/1.7 has an A setting.

03-25-2010, 01:17 AM	#3
Ari Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Freehold, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 856	Having owned an af360, metz 48 and 58, I would agree with tomtor - the Metz 48 is a great choice for the kx. Easy to operate and will grow into either your next body or a wide variety of lens choices.