question about flash

**TAP** · 04-23-2010, 02:29 AM

Hey all, please excuse my dumb question, this is my first time looking into flashes.

I'm interested in purchasing a flash and among my options is a Promaster 7200EDF for my Pentax K-x. In the Google Shopping search results, it shows 7200EDF for Nikkon, 7200EDF for Cannon, 7200EDF for Pentax, etc.

My question is fairly simple: Are the flashes made for the specific brand or is that just the way they are being advertised? [would the 7200EDF for Nikkon still mount to my K-x? Or would I have to purchase the pentax-specific listing?]

Thanks,
Pat

dlacouture · 04-23-2010, 02:48 AM

Nope, they are dedicated to a brand.
The contact points are often at slightly different locations, and communication protocols are vastly differents.

MPrince · 04-23-2010, 03:50 AM

I have a Promaster 5250DX. It's a two piece flash-the flash unit itself and a module which is Pentax-compatible with Manual, Auto, and TTL modes. There is also a module for this flash which is P-TTL, and modules compatible with other camera makes.

I think all the Promasters are like that.

mattdm · 04-23-2010, 04:45 AM

Originally posted by MPrince

I have a Promaster 5250DX. It's a two piece flash-the flash unit itself and a module which is Pentax-compatible with Manual, Auto, and TTL modes. There is also a module for this flash which is P-TTL, and modules compatible with other camera makes.

I think all the Promasters are like that.

Promaster makes two lines -- the 5000 series uses modules like you describe (basically, the flash has interchangeable "feet" which contain the different protocol electronics). The 7000 series comes in different "dedicated" versions for each camera brand.

MPrince · 04-23-2010, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by mattdm

Promaster makes two lines -- the 5000 series uses modules like you describe (basically, the flash has interchangeable "feet" which contain the different protocol electronics). The 7000 series comes in different "dedicated" versions for each camera brand.

Oops, my bad. Thanks for the correction.

**TAP** · 04-23-2010, 03:04 PM

thanks guys for the responses, i figured they'd be brand specific.

I have one last question regarding flashes. At home I have a Sunpak auto 422 D. I had heard that using an incompatible flash on a DSLR could cause a major problem, but I saw in another thread that someone was using this flash with his K100D. would this flash be compatible with my Kx?

04-23-2010, 02:29 AM	#1
TAP Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 121	question about flash Hey all, please excuse my dumb question, this is my first time looking into flashes. I'm interested in purchasing a flash and among my options is a Promaster 7200EDF for my Pentax K-x. In the Google Shopping search results, it shows 7200EDF for Nikkon, 7200EDF for Cannon, 7200EDF for Pentax, etc. My question is fairly simple: Are the flashes made for the specific brand or is that just the way they are being advertised? [would the 7200EDF for Nikkon still mount to my K-x? Or would I have to purchase the pentax-specific listing?] Thanks, Pat

04-23-2010, 03:04 PM	#6
TAP Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 121 Original Poster	one final question: thanks guys for the responses, i figured they'd be brand specific. I have one last question regarding flashes. At home I have a Sunpak auto 422 D. I had heard that using an incompatible flash on a DSLR could cause a major problem, but I saw in another thread that someone was using this flash with his K100D. would this flash be compatible with my Kx?

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04-23-2010, 02:48 AM	#2
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074	Nope, they are dedicated to a brand. The contact points are often at slightly different locations, and communication protocols are vastly differents.

04-23-2010, 03:50 AM	#3
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	I have a Promaster 5250DX. It's a two piece flash-the flash unit itself and a module which is Pentax-compatible with Manual, Auto, and TTL modes. There is also a module for this flash which is P-TTL, and modules compatible with other camera makes. I think all the Promasters are like that.

04-23-2010, 04:45 AM	#4
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	Originally posted by MPrince I have a Promaster 5250DX. It's a two piece flash-the flash unit itself and a module which is Pentax-compatible with Manual, Auto, and TTL modes. There is also a module for this flash which is P-TTL, and modules compatible with other camera makes. I think all the Promasters are like that. Promaster makes two lines -- the 5000 series uses modules like you describe (basically, the flash has interchangeable "feet" which contain the different protocol electronics). The 7000 series comes in different "dedicated" versions for each camera brand.

04-23-2010, 05:28 AM	#5
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	Originally posted by mattdm Promaster makes two lines -- the 5000 series uses modules like you describe (basically, the flash has interchangeable "feet" which contain the different protocol electronics). The 7000 series comes in different "dedicated" versions for each camera brand. Oops, my bad. Thanks for the correction.