[K-9]

Anyone know of any other P-TTL compatible flashes? I know there is one by Sigma, but I am not sure about some of the other cheaper brands like Vivitar or Rokinon:

Rokinon TTL Pentax-compatible Digital Camera Flash from Overstock.com

I'm just trying not to have to spend over $300 for the 56FGZ, as I don't use flash enough, but would like a PTTL version. These Rokinon flashes have "digital" in their name, but I am not positive they actually work with Pentax PTTL or not.

[MrApollinax]

Start here with forum member Matt's page:

Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison: The Definitive Guide

[K-9]

Thanks for the link. Lots of info there. I guess the Rokinon falls under the "other cheap brands" category.

[Duck Dodgers]

The "cheapest" I'd go is the Sigma EF 530 DG ST. A basic, no-frills strobe with decent power.


edit: Both Sigmas are under your $300 limit by a fair amount.

[kevinschoenmakers]

This is a very modestly priced yet powerful flash with which I've not found any fault so far: Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison: Metz Mecablitz 48 AF-1 Digital

[K-9]

I'm confused at the difference between the two Sigmas?

sigma 530 pentax | B&H Photo Video

**Update - I just called Sigma and the difference is the Super has an LCD screen, and more creative and manual controls than the ST. I also confirmed that you have to get the flashes with the serial numbers that start with PA-PTTL, because a lot of sellers on ebay have the EO-ETTL and E-TTL listed as Pentax flashes, but they are not. Those are Canon. No wonder why those sellers have less than perfect feedback ratings on ebay.

[Duck Dodgers]

I'm confused at the difference between the two Sigmas?

sigma 530 pentax | B&H Photo Video

**Update - I just called Sigma and the difference is the Super has an LCD screen, and more creative and manual controls than the ST. I also confirmed that you have to get the flashes with the serial numbers that start with PA-PTTL, because a lot of sellers on ebay have the EO-ETTL and E-TTL listed as Pentax flashes, but they are not. Those are Canon. No wonder why those sellers have less than perfect feedback ratings on ebay.

Yes, the "non-Super" Sigma strobe is a basic, bare-bones swivel-bounce P-TTL flash. It lacks the LCD, all but minimal manual modes, and wireless modes of the Super. (It also lacks about $80-$100 off the Super's price. )

It's my "on-camera" strobe (coupled with a Lumiquest Pocket Bouncer); I use a pair of wired left-over Canon strobes in manual mode for off-camera.

[K-9]

Yes, the "non-Super" Sigma strobe is a basic, bare-bones swivel-bounce P-TTL flash. It lacks the LCD, all but minimal manual modes, and wireless modes of the Super. (It also lacks about $80-$100 off the Super's price. )

It's my "on-camera" strobe (coupled with a Lumiquest Pocket Bouncer); I use a pair of wired left-over Canon strobes in manual mode for off-camera.

Yes, I have a Lumiquest PB for my 500FTZ, so if I just add velcro to whatever flash I get, I can just use it on that, too. I never found myself using too much of the 500's advanced features, so the ST might be alright. An LCD screen is nice, though, just to quickly check settings. BandH has the ST for $169.99 and the Super for $239.99 so a $70 difference. I guess I'll have to decide if the other features and LCD are worth $70.

Will these Sigmas work in normal TTL on older Pentax film bodies? If so, I can probably sell my 500FTZ toward the cost of the Sigma and then I could upgrade to the Super with extra cash from the FTZ.