Flash help - suggestions, etc

egordon99 · 12-05-2007, 04:53 PM

The Sigma 500 Super can do HSS up to 1/4000s. I would think the 530 Super would be the same.

Tom M · 12-05-2007, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by egordon99

The Sigma 500 Super can do HSS up to 1/4000s. I would think the 530 Super would be the same.

Where did you find that information for the 500? I ask because although I think you're right about the 530 too, I'd like to see something from Sigma on that fact.

egordon99 · 12-05-2007, 07:08 PM

I used to own the 500 Super and regularly used it in HSS outdoors. I've since sold it to my friend and purchased the Pentax 540 for myself. Nothing really wrong with the 500 (at least on my *ist DS), I just liked the UI on the Pentax much better.

mattdm · 12-05-2007, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by egordon99

I used to own the 500 Super and regularly used it in HSS outdoors. I've since sold it to my friend and purchased the Pentax 540 for myself. Nothing really wrong with the 500 (at least on my *ist DS), I just liked the UI on the Pentax much better.

That's interesting to hear. Can you describe what you liked better?

egordon99 · 12-05-2007, 07:22 PM

The UI just seemed more intuitive. It's REALLY easy to adjust the FEC, switch modes (between P-TTL/Manual/AF-assist beam only/Auto), and switch into HSS. Once the flash fires, I'd say there is no difference in the "quality" of the light, so it was entirely a usability issue.

Do you have either of the flashes?

mattdm · 12-08-2007, 02:02 PM

No, I'm just considering getting one (and eventually two). I've basically been hearing mediocre ("good but not great") feedback on the Pentax flash and generally more positive things about the Sigma models. There's really no where around here that I can try them in person so I'm relying on you folks.

jarnos · 12-13-2007, 08:42 AM

Some people have reported that they had to do some engineering to the Pentax 540. See the thread at dpreview.
I have also read about the zoom head stucking in some position.

However, I also think that the UI of the Pentax flashes is better than e.g. Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital Pentax/Samsung. Some people claim that the Metz can not give full flash light output when using shutter speed 180 in K10D, though.

kurt · 12-13-2007, 12:43 PM

I have a Metz 58 AF-1 and I have been happy with this flash. No problems with 1/180 ... I don't know do I get the full power, but I get properly exposed pictures which is the main thing. I also agree that the P-TTL is not working in all conditions, but the A mode does a nice job.

jarnos · 12-13-2007, 01:12 PM

kurt, I just posted instructions how to test if you get the full power at shutter speed 180 in thread named Metz SuperMegaLightningBlitz.

jarnos · 12-13-2007, 01:15 PM

Well, I post it here also, since the other thread seem to be moderated.

You could test if the flash gives maximum output at shutter speed 180 by doing some test shots: Choose an object that is in dim light or in complete darkness. Put your camera on a tripod few meters away from the object and attach the flash. Select the manual mode in camera and flash. Set flash to full power. Choose ISO 100 and aperture so that it is the guide number of the flash divided by the distance between the flash and object in meters (or do test shots to determine usable aperture setting). Then do some test shots changing only shutter speeds: 180, 125 and 60 (available when you select 1/2 stop EV steps). From these samples you should be able to see, if there is difference. Well, I would like to see your results.

jarnos · 12-18-2007, 04:22 AM

See here for the new thread.

stewart_photo · 12-18-2007, 06:43 AM

Good grief. The info is all over the place in this thread. First, the K10D is indeed capable of high speed sync to the fastest shutter speed with either the AF-540FGZ, the AF-360FGZ, or a compatible flash unit. The non-high speed sync mode and built-in flash are limited to 1/180 second. The wireless mode also does not support high-speed sync.

Referring to the owners manual for the K10D, page 182 explains how the wireless mode works with a series of flash pulses. Do remember the manual does not reflect later firmware updates which added wireless control capability to the built-in flash. As explained, the on-camera flash (either built-in or mounted on top) can serve as either the Master (firing during exposure) or Controller (not firing during exposure). Multiple flash units can be used with the output of each adjusted using the power level settings on each flash unit. Based on my experiance using three AF-540FGZ flash units remotely with the built-in flash as controller, the wireless system works superbly overall.

Finally, the AF-540FGZ flash unit has a maximum full-power recycling time of six seconds. However, since thyristor-style flash units often draw less than than full power in most flash situations, recycling times are often far less as well. The Pentax TR Power Pack III (AF-540FGZ only) will reduce the maximum full-power recycling time to 4.5 seconds.

stewart

12-13-2007, 08:42 AM	#37
jarnos Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Finland Posts: 31	Not everyone is happy with any flash compatible with Pentax Some people have reported that they had to do some engineering to the Pentax 540. See the thread at dpreview. I have also read about the zoom head stucking in some position. However, I also think that the UI of the Pentax flashes is better than e.g. Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital Pentax/Samsung. Some people claim that the Metz can not give full flash light output when using shutter speed 180 in K10D, though.

12-18-2007, 04:22 AM	#41
jarnos Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Finland Posts: 31	New thread about the flash test See here for the new thread.

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12-05-2007, 04:53 PM	#31
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	The Sigma 500 Super can do HSS up to 1/4000s. I would think the 530 Super would be the same.

12-05-2007, 05:53 PM	#32
Tom M Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lincoln Park, NJ Photos: Gallery Posts: 780 Original Poster	Originally posted by egordon99 The Sigma 500 Super can do HSS up to 1/4000s. I would think the 530 Super would be the same. Where did you find that information for the 500? I ask because although I think you're right about the 530 too, I'd like to see something from Sigma on that fact.

12-05-2007, 07:08 PM	#33
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	I used to own the 500 Super and regularly used it in HSS outdoors. I've since sold it to my friend and purchased the Pentax 540 for myself. Nothing really wrong with the 500 (at least on my *ist DS), I just liked the UI on the Pentax much better.

12-05-2007, 07:18 PM	#34
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	Originally posted by egordon99 I used to own the 500 Super and regularly used it in HSS outdoors. I've since sold it to my friend and purchased the Pentax 540 for myself. Nothing really wrong with the 500 (at least on my *ist DS), I just liked the UI on the Pentax much better. That's interesting to hear. Can you describe what you liked better?

12-05-2007, 07:22 PM	#35
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	The UI just seemed more intuitive. It's REALLY easy to adjust the FEC, switch modes (between P-TTL/Manual/AF-assist beam only/Auto), and switch into HSS. Once the flash fires, I'd say there is no difference in the "quality" of the light, so it was entirely a usability issue. Do you have either of the flashes?

12-08-2007, 02:02 PM	#36
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	No, I'm just considering getting one (and eventually two). I've basically been hearing mediocre ("good but not great") feedback on the Pentax flash and generally more positive things about the Sigma models. There's really no where around here that I can try them in person so I'm relying on you folks.

12-13-2007, 12:43 PM	#38
kurt Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hyvinkää, Suomi (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 669	I have a Metz 58 AF-1 and I have been happy with this flash. No problems with 1/180 ... I don't know do I get the full power, but I get properly exposed pictures which is the main thing. I also agree that the P-TTL is not working in all conditions, but the A mode does a nice job.

12-13-2007, 01:12 PM	#39
jarnos Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Finland Posts: 31	kurt, I just posted instructions how to test if you get the full power at shutter speed 180 in thread named Metz SuperMegaLightningBlitz.

12-13-2007, 01:15 PM	#40
jarnos Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Finland Posts: 31	Well, I post it here also, since the other thread seem to be moderated. You could test if the flash gives maximum output at shutter speed 180 by doing some test shots: Choose an object that is in dim light or in complete darkness. Put your camera on a tripod few meters away from the object and attach the flash. Select the manual mode in camera and flash. Set flash to full power. Choose ISO 100 and aperture so that it is the guide number of the flash divided by the distance between the flash and object in meters (or do test shots to determine usable aperture setting). Then do some test shots changing only shutter speeds: 180, 125 and 60 (available when you select 1/2 stop EV steps). From these samples you should be able to see, if there is difference. Well, I would like to see your results.

12-18-2007, 06:43 AM	#42
stewart_photo Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Heidelberg, Germany Posts: 1,864	Good grief. The info is all over the place in this thread. First, the K10D is indeed capable of high speed sync to the fastest shutter speed with either the AF-540FGZ, the AF-360FGZ, or a compatible flash unit. The non-high speed sync mode and built-in flash are limited to 1/180 second. The wireless mode also does not support high-speed sync. Referring to the owners manual for the K10D, page 182 explains how the wireless mode works with a series of flash pulses. Do remember the manual does not reflect later firmware updates which added wireless control capability to the built-in flash. As explained, the on-camera flash (either built-in or mounted on top) can serve as either the Master (firing during exposure) or Controller (not firing during exposure). Multiple flash units can be used with the output of each adjusted using the power level settings on each flash unit. Based on my experiance using three AF-540FGZ flash units remotely with the built-in flash as controller, the wireless system works superbly overall. Finally, the AF-540FGZ flash unit has a maximum full-power recycling time of six seconds. However, since thyristor-style flash units often draw less than than full power in most flash situations, recycling times are often far less as well. The Pentax TR Power Pack III (AF-540FGZ only) will reduce the maximum full-power recycling time to 4.5 seconds. stewart