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06-26-2015, 01:30 PM   #1
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What do you get if you want a small and cheap flash for K-3ii?

What do you get if you want a small and cheap flash for K-3ii?

06-26-2015, 01:42 PM   #2
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How basic? Does it need to support P-TTL or auto thyristor or just plain manual?
Does it need to be a wireless controller?
06-26-2015, 01:42 PM   #3
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Holga 12S Flash with 5 Color Filter

Or get the more professional version, which costs 17.99
06-26-2015, 01:45 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by Conqueror Quote
What do you get if you want a small and cheap flash for K-3ii?
I love my 540fgz II but its neither small nor cheap.

The 201 is small and cheap
PENTAX - AF201FG

compare it to the metz 24 or 26
26AF-1 Digital Pentax P-TTL / Remote TTL (Slave) MZ 2631796P - 26AF-1 Digital | Metz
24 AF-1 Digital Pentax. P-TTL Flash Mode. MZ 24317PS - 24AF-1 Digital | Metz

the 360 is a big step up in usability
PENTAX - AF360FGZ II

compare it to the metz 52
Metz 52AF-1 Digital Flash/Pentax-Guide Number 52m/170ft MZ 52317PS - 52AF-1 Digital | Metz

06-26-2015, 01:51 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
How basic? Does it need to support P-TTL or auto thyristor or just plain manual?
Does it need to be a wireless controller?
Closest thing to the built in flash in K-3 mk1 or K-5 m1/mk2.
06-26-2015, 02:00 PM   #6
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It appears that the Pentax AF 201FG (~$150) was introduced to replace the onboard for the K-3II. It was announced in February, but didn't actually start shipping until about the same time as the K-3II. A couple PF members have them, but haven't posted any reviews yet.

PF review page:
PENTAX AF 201FG reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database
06-26-2015, 02:05 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by THoog Quote
It appears that the Pentax AF 201FG (~$150) was introduced to replace the onboard for the K-3II. It was announced in February, but didn't actually start shipping until about the same time as the K-3II. A couple PF members have them, but haven't posted any reviews yet.

PF review page:
PENTAX AF 201FG reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database
Ah interesting... thats a similar price to the OGPS-1

I'd probably rather have the GPS for its astrotracer ability, but was trying to figure out what a flash would cost.

Don't know if I will get the K-3ii... I do like the idea of the improved SR and built-in astrotracer... but the FF might also have these and the K-5iis I have is no slouch

06-26-2015, 02:43 PM - 1 Like   #8
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Yongnuo YN-560 MkIII, if you like manual and can make do without HSS and P-TTL.

Cheap, sturdy, reliable.

Has been tested by a forum member and doesn't fit in the camera because of the gps hump :-/

Last edited by LensBeginner; 08-10-2015 at 11:56 PM.
06-26-2015, 02:53 PM - 1 Like   #9
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Pentax AF 201FG

QuoteOriginally posted by THoog Quote
It appears that the Pentax AF 201FG (~$150) was introduced to replace the onboard for the K-3II. It was announced in February, but didn't actually start shipping until about the same time as the K-3II. A couple PF members have them, but haven't posted any reviews yet.

PF review page:
PENTAX AF 201FG reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database
I have it and just posted a review after I saw your post. Its a great little flash. and am very happy with it.
06-26-2015, 06:20 PM   #10
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Vivitar 285HV Vivitar 285HV Flash 233965 B&H Photo Video
06-27-2015, 06:47 AM   #11
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I got the Pentax AF201FG at the same time as the K-3 II because it is small, simple, very portable (truly shirt pocket), well built (sturdy), and importantly is weather resistant. As I have said before, I use GPS most of the time so prefer it built in, I don't use flash a lot so it stays in my pocket or bag if I take it with me. I wouldn't like to have to permanently attach the 0-GPS to a K-3 but that's just me.

The AF201FG is a good substitute for the onboard flash of the K-3, and being tilt-able offers bounce flash and with a cord can be used off camera. Bill's review and sample shots demonstrate that it helps create really nice photographs.

If you want cheaper, consider the AF200FG, but you loose WR and tilt. I use the AF360FGZ when I need better performance, but it big and relatively expensive. Actually now I don't envisage using it much at all - the small AF201FG provides most of what I need, but then for me photography is just a hobby and I prefer to shoot outdoors. I stick with Pentax to ensure compatibility, but there are third party alternatives.

In short I'm happy with the AF201FG WR and recommend it.
06-27-2015, 01:11 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by mdave13 Quote
I have a Vivitar 285HV from my film days. I've never used it on any digital body, due to my fears of it damaging my digital cameras due to the 285HV having too much voltage. It's a great flash, but my particular era 285HV was designed and built for film cameras. I bought it about 25 years ago or so.

I'm not an expert and know little to nothing about digital or electronic devices, or how they work.

But I've read and heard all sorts of opinion whether this is a valid concern....both of the don't worry...it's ok and the don't do it variety.

So to be on the safe side, I don't use my 285HV or any of my other flashes from the film era.....on my digital cameras.

I use a modern Pentax 360 on my Pentax bodies and a modern Canon 430EX ll flash on my Canon. The Pentax flash works well with my digital Pentax bodies and my Canon flash works well with my Canon body.

I recommend a 360 Pentax flash for the Pentax DSLR. Just my opinion.
06-27-2015, 01:40 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by ronniemac Quote
I got the Pentax AF201FG at the same time as the K-3 II because it is small, simple, very portable (truly shirt pocket), well built (sturdy), and importantly is weather resistant. As I have said before, I use GPS most of the time so prefer it built in, I don't use flash a lot so it stays in my pocket or bag if I take it with me. I wouldn't like to have to permanently attach the 0-GPS to a K-3 but that's just me.

The AF201FG is a good substitute for the onboard flash of the K-3, and being tilt-able offers bounce flash and with a cord can be used off camera. Bill's review and sample shots demonstrate that it helps create really nice photographs.

If you want cheaper, consider the AF200FG, but you loose WR and tilt. I use the AF360FGZ when I need better performance, but it big and relatively expensive. Actually now I don't envisage using it much at all - the small AF201FG provides most of what I need, but then for me photography is just a hobby and I prefer to shoot outdoors. I stick with Pentax to ensure compatibility, but there are third party alternatives.

In short I'm happy with the AF201FG WR and recommend it.
How do you find the K-3ii vs whatever you had before?
06-28-2015, 09:06 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by lesmore49 Quote
I have a Vivitar 285HV from my film days. I've never used it on any digital body, due to my fears of it damaging my digital cameras due to the 285HV having too much voltage. It's a great flash, but my particular era 285HV was designed and built for film cameras. I bought it about 25 years ago or so.

I'm not an expert and know little to nothing about digital or electronic devices, or how they work.

But I've read and heard all sorts of opinion whether this is a valid concern....both of the don't worry...it's ok and the don't do it variety.

So to be on the safe side, I don't use my 285HV or any of my other flashes from the film era.....on my digital cameras.
It has been redesigned to be safe for DSLRs. So purchase it new from a reputable company and you would be okay.
06-28-2015, 09:46 AM   #15
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How small/cheap exactly? In the past I bought the Rokinon 2AA flash and it did nicely. Tilt but no swivel, and quite small. Overstock.com has always carried them for under $50. Link For a bit more they have a 4AA model, and they carry the Pentax 200FG for $100ish.
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