First flash for K-3 II

First flash for K-3 II · 02:11 PM

Hello. I am in search of a flash for K-3, but it seems like most flash are bigger than I imagined. Could you recommend me a smaller capable and reasonably price flash? There is one I'm considering called Metz 26AF-1 on Metz 26AF-1 Digital Flash for Pentax P-TTL / Remote TTL (Slave), GN 85' MZ 2631796P but couldn't tell if its good enough.

enoeske · 08-02-2016, 02:35 PM

Originally posted by talkskiwon

Hello. I am in search of a flash for K-3, but it seems like most flash are bigger than I imagined. Could you recommend me a smaller capable and reasonably price flash? There is one I'm considering called Metz 26AF-1 on Metz 26AF-1 Digital Flash for Pentax P-TTL / Remote TTL (Slave), GN 85' MZ 2631796P but couldn't tell if its good enough.

What do you plan to use the flash for?

talkskiwon · 08-02-2016, 02:37 PM

Originally posted by enoeske

What do you plan to use the flash for?

I'm a beginner, so mostly to take portrait of my friends at night outside or low light situations.

mnaah · 08-02-2016, 02:39 PM

and the second question is whether you are comfortable working with a manual flash or want TTL

talkskiwon · 08-02-2016, 02:42 PM

Originally posted by mnaah

and the second question is whether you are comfortable working with a manual flash or want TTL

I do not have any experience with flash on DSLRs or any advanced photography. In fact, my main goal of having a flash would be learning how and when to use flash.

**eonb** · 08-02-2016, 02:55 PM

I would always want a flashgun that has tilt AND swivel in the head, as well as one that has manual as well as PTTL. Point and shoot flash is just too hard in most cases when all you want to do is just "lift" parts of the image. Personally, I'd spend the extra $10 and buy the 36AF-5. When you get into using flash and become more confident in it. having a more flexible flashgun is VERY useful. I tend to use flash on manual with wireless triggers for lots of stuff. If you can find one second-hand then a 48 AF1 or 48AF2 is also a good starting place as well. Is it a K3 or a K3 II? The K3 has a built-in pop-up flash gun which can be used to trigger other guns. The 48AF1 can act as a slave from memory (not done it for a long time and now use 58AF1s instead with cactus wireless triggers).

It comes down to what you want to do with it and how much you want to learn. Have a look on some of the strobist websites for guidance.
Strobist: Lighting 101 is a site I've found to be very useful in the past... There's lots of starter information and more advanced information on there as well.

Knowing how to use flash manually is the best way of learning as you then understand what is important in shooting flash and the different effects. It is about why you've got a K3 rather than a simple point-and-shoot.

As you admit you've got no experience of advanced protography, I'd suggest that you start shooting without flash first of all and get to grips with how aperture/ISO/shutter speed affect the image you are taking. With flash, it changes the dimensions of taking images quite a bit as the aperture tends to rule more than the other two.

Welcome to photography and the fun of making images!

talkskiwon · 08-02-2016, 03:22 PM

Originally posted by eonb

I would always want a flashgun that has tilt AND swivel in the head, as well as one that has manual as well as PTTL. Point and shoot flash is just too hard in most cases when all you want to do is just "lift" parts of the image. Personally, I'd spend the extra $10 and buy the 36AF-5. When you get into using flash and become more confident in it. having a more flexible flashgun is VERY useful. I tend to use flash on manual with wireless triggers for lots of stuff. If you can find one second-hand then a 48 AF1 or 48AF2 is also a good starting place as well. Is it a K3 or a K3 II? The K3 has a built-in pop-up flash gun which can be used to trigger other guns. The 48AF1 can act as a slave from memory (not done it for a long time and now use 58AF1s instead with cactus wireless triggers).

It comes down to what you want to do with it and how much you want to learn. Have a look on some of the strobist websites for guidance.
Strobist: Lighting 101 is a site I've found to be very useful in the past... There's lots of starter information and more advanced information on there as well.

Knowing how to use flash manually is the best way of learning as you then understand what is important in shooting flash and the different effects. It is about why you've got a K3 rather than a simple point-and-shoot.

As you admit you've got no experience of advanced protography, I'd suggest that you start shooting without flash first of all and get to grips with how aperture/ISO/shutter speed affect the image you are taking. With flash, it changes the dimensions of taking images quite a bit as the aperture tends to rule more than the other two.

Welcome to photography and the fun of making images!

Thank you for the link and the flash. I just learned that the flash you recommended is the cheapest one that comes with IR focus. The one I had in mind didn't have it. Before I get more mixed up though, I would like to ask...do every photographer needs a flash? I plan to take most photos in very bright day light conditions to good light indoor situations. The motivation to buy a flash only started to roll because I am going on a trip at the end of this month.

Last edited by talkskiwon; 08-02-2016 at 03:44 PM.

**eonb** · 08-02-2016, 04:23 PM

It is one of these things that is REALLY convenient to have. It can lift shots when taking them outside as you don't want your subjects to be squinting into the sun so would have the sun behing the people you're shooting. I'd spot meter off the subject's skin and then fire a small amount of flash at the subject to give "sparkle" in someone's eye's and lift shadows.
Indoor often isn't as bright as you think it actually is and being able to have some extra lighting (indirect ideally) is extremely useful.

C_Jones · 08-02-2016, 04:39 PM

The first Pentax flash that I had, which has P-TTL and wireless off camera capability, was the Pentax AF360FGZ. I have three of them now, and have never had a problem with them. It is simple to use and is fully Pentax compatible.

https://www.amazon.com/Pentax-AF360FGZ-PENTAX-Auto-Flash/dp/B000A4ZN3K/ref=s...entsx+af360fgz

**clackers** · 08-02-2016, 04:40 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by talkskiwon

do every photographer needs a flash? I plan to take most photos in very bright day light conditions to good light indoor situations.

Well, you should, if you will take portraits in sunlight, Talkskiwon.

If your subjects face into the light, they squint, if the sun's high, their eyes are hidden in the shadows of their sockets. They have to face away from the light and you fill the shadows with flash to taste. You should look for an HSS-capable flash that can deal with the shutter speeds of bright days.

talkskiwon · 08-02-2016, 05:00 PM

Originally posted by clackers

Well, you should, if you will take portraits in sunlight, Talkskiwon.

If your subjects face into the light, they squint, if the sun's high, their eyes are hidden in the shadows of their sockets. They have to face away from the light and you fill the shadows with flash to taste. You should look for an HSS-capable flash that can deal with the shutter speeds of bright days.

Thanks all. Its great to ask forums and learn about simple basics. Otherwise I'd still be lost. Will look more into the HSS flash.

**clackers** · 08-02-2016, 05:27 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by talkskiwon

Thanks all. Its great to ask forums and learn about simple basics. Otherwise I'd still be lost. Will look more into the HSS flash.

Yep, a 'normal' flash can do this shot of mine from the weekend inside a studio, but to do it outside you need HSS. The backlight is a huge softbox.

talkskiwon · 08-02-2016, 06:23 PM

All in all, AF360FGZ II looks like it gets the job done for the most part of the capabilities demanded by advises above. But, comes in much higher price than I initially anticipated.

**clackers** · 08-02-2016, 07:52 PM

Originally posted by talkskiwon

All in all, AF360FGZ II looks like it gets the job done for the most part of the capabilities demanded by advises above. But, comes in much higher price than I initially anticipated.

There are some Metzes and Sigmas that will do much the same thing cheaper, but I can't comment on any problems they might have.

Paul the Sunman · 08-02-2016, 11:01 PM

Definitely look at P-TTL capable flashes, and something that can tilt and swivel. However, if you start to get more serious, you may also want to use it off-camera. You can't do that with the K3 II because it doesn't have a pop-up flash to trigger the external (unless you fit radio triggers or use a cable). So, down the track, you may want to have two flashes, one on-camera to act as a trigger (master or controller), and one off-camera to act as a slave. Many (not all) P-TTL flashes can be slaves, but not all can be masters/controllers. The Metz 26 you mentioned can only be a slave. You would be up for more cash later if you want to add a master (e.g. Pentax 360 II or Metz 52 AF-1).

The Pentax AF360 II can do off-camera HSS; the Metzes cannot. Apart from that, they have all the same features. I have the Metz 52 AF-1; it's great, and powerful. I have a Pentax 360 II on order to be the master on my K1.

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08-02-2016, 02:55 PM	#6
eonb Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: North-East England Posts: 73	I would always want a flashgun that has tilt AND swivel in the head, as well as one that has manual as well as PTTL. Point and shoot flash is just too hard in most cases when all you want to do is just "lift" parts of the image. Personally, I'd spend the extra $10 and buy the 36AF-5. When you get into using flash and become more confident in it. having a more flexible flashgun is VERY useful. I tend to use flash on manual with wireless triggers for lots of stuff. If you can find one second-hand then a 48 AF1 or 48AF2 is also a good starting place as well. Is it a K3 or a K3 II? The K3 has a built-in pop-up flash gun which can be used to trigger other guns. The 48AF1 can act as a slave from memory (not done it for a long time and now use 58AF1s instead with cactus wireless triggers). It comes down to what you want to do with it and how much you want to learn. Have a look on some of the strobist websites for guidance. Strobist: Lighting 101 is a site I've found to be very useful in the past... There's lots of starter information and more advanced information on there as well. Knowing how to use flash manually is the best way of learning as you then understand what is important in shooting flash and the different effects. It is about why you've got a K3 rather than a simple point-and-shoot. As you admit you've got no experience of advanced protography, I'd suggest that you start shooting without flash first of all and get to grips with how aperture/ISO/shutter speed affect the image you are taking. With flash, it changes the dimensions of taking images quite a bit as the aperture tends to rule more than the other two. Welcome to photography and the fun of making images! Last edited by eonb; 08-02-2016 at 03:16 PM.

08-02-2016, 05:27 PM - 1 Like	#12
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by talkskiwon Thanks all. Its great to ask forums and learn about simple basics. Otherwise I'd still be lost. Will look more into the HSS flash. Yep, a 'normal' flash can do this shot of mine from the weekend inside a studio, but to do it outside you need HSS. The backlight is a huge softbox. Last edited by clackers; 08-03-2016 at 03:47 AM.

08-02-2016, 07:52 PM	#14
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by talkskiwon All in all, AF360FGZ II looks like it gets the job done for the most part of the capabilities demanded by advises above. But, comes in much higher price than I initially anticipated. There are some Metzes and Sigmas that will do much the same thing cheaper, but I can't comment on any problems they might have. Last edited by clackers; 08-02-2016 at 07:57 PM.

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08-02-2016, 02:35 PM	#2
enoeske Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Surprise, Az Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,136	Originally posted by talkskiwon Hello. I am in search of a flash for K-3, but it seems like most flash are bigger than I imagined. Could you recommend me a smaller capable and reasonably price flash? There is one I'm considering called Metz 26AF-1 on Metz 26AF-1 Digital Flash for Pentax P-TTL / Remote TTL (Slave), GN 85' MZ 2631796P but couldn't tell if its good enough. What do you plan to use the flash for?

08-02-2016, 02:37 PM	#3
talkskiwon Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 90 Original Poster	Originally posted by enoeske What do you plan to use the flash for? I'm a beginner, so mostly to take portrait of my friends at night outside or low light situations.

08-02-2016, 02:39 PM	#4
mnaah Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 35	and the second question is whether you are comfortable working with a manual flash or want TTL

08-02-2016, 02:42 PM	#5
talkskiwon Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 90 Original Poster	Originally posted by mnaah and the second question is whether you are comfortable working with a manual flash or want TTL I do not have any experience with flash on DSLRs or any advanced photography. In fact, my main goal of having a flash would be learning how and when to use flash.

08-02-2016, 03:22 PM	#7
talkskiwon Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 90 Original Poster	Originally posted by eonb I would always want a flashgun that has tilt AND swivel in the head, as well as one that has manual as well as PTTL. Point and shoot flash is just too hard in most cases when all you want to do is just "lift" parts of the image. Personally, I'd spend the extra $10 and buy the 36AF-5. When you get into using flash and become more confident in it. having a more flexible flashgun is VERY useful. I tend to use flash on manual with wireless triggers for lots of stuff. If you can find one second-hand then a 48 AF1 or 48AF2 is also a good starting place as well. Is it a K3 or a K3 II? The K3 has a built-in pop-up flash gun which can be used to trigger other guns. The 48AF1 can act as a slave from memory (not done it for a long time and now use 58AF1s instead with cactus wireless triggers). It comes down to what you want to do with it and how much you want to learn. Have a look on some of the strobist websites for guidance. Strobist: Lighting 101 is a site I've found to be very useful in the past... There's lots of starter information and more advanced information on there as well. Knowing how to use flash manually is the best way of learning as you then understand what is important in shooting flash and the different effects. It is about why you've got a K3 rather than a simple point-and-shoot. As you admit you've got no experience of advanced protography, I'd suggest that you start shooting without flash first of all and get to grips with how aperture/ISO/shutter speed affect the image you are taking. With flash, it changes the dimensions of taking images quite a bit as the aperture tends to rule more than the other two. Welcome to photography and the fun of making images! Thank you for the link and the flash. I just learned that the flash you recommended is the cheapest one that comes with IR focus. The one I had in mind didn't have it. Before I get more mixed up though, I would like to ask...do every photographer needs a flash? I plan to take most photos in very bright day light conditions to good light indoor situations. The motivation to buy a flash only started to roll because I am going on a trip at the end of this month. Last edited by talkskiwon; 08-02-2016 at 03:44 PM.

08-02-2016, 04:23 PM	#8
eonb Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: North-East England Posts: 73	It is one of these things that is REALLY convenient to have. It can lift shots when taking them outside as you don't want your subjects to be squinting into the sun so would have the sun behing the people you're shooting. I'd spot meter off the subject's skin and then fire a small amount of flash at the subject to give "sparkle" in someone's eye's and lift shadows. Indoor often isn't as bright as you think it actually is and being able to have some extra lighting (indirect ideally) is extremely useful.

08-02-2016, 04:39 PM	#9
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	The first Pentax flash that I had, which has P-TTL and wireless off camera capability, was the Pentax AF360FGZ. I have three of them now, and have never had a problem with them. It is simple to use and is fully Pentax compatible. https://www.amazon.com/Pentax-AF360FGZ-PENTAX-Auto-Flash/dp/B000A4ZN3K/ref=s...entsx+af360fgz

08-02-2016, 04:40 PM - 1 Like	#10
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by talkskiwon do every photographer needs a flash? I plan to take most photos in very bright day light conditions to good light indoor situations. Well, you should, if you will take portraits in sunlight, Talkskiwon. If your subjects face into the light, they squint, if the sun's high, their eyes are hidden in the shadows of their sockets. They have to face away from the light and you fill the shadows with flash to taste. You should look for an HSS-capable flash that can deal with the shutter speeds of bright days.

08-02-2016, 05:00 PM	#11
talkskiwon Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 90 Original Poster	Originally posted by clackers Well, you should, if you will take portraits in sunlight, Talkskiwon. If your subjects face into the light, they squint, if the sun's high, their eyes are hidden in the shadows of their sockets. They have to face away from the light and you fill the shadows with flash to taste. You should look for an HSS-capable flash that can deal with the shutter speeds of bright days. Thanks all. Its great to ask forums and learn about simple basics. Otherwise I'd still be lost. Will look more into the HSS flash.

08-02-2016, 06:23 PM	#13
talkskiwon Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 90 Original Poster	All in all, AF360FGZ II looks like it gets the job done for the most part of the capabilities demanded by advises above. But, comes in much higher price than I initially anticipated.

08-02-2016, 11:01 PM	#15
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	Definitely look at P-TTL capable flashes, and something that can tilt and swivel. However, if you start to get more serious, you may also want to use it off-camera. You can't do that with the K3 II because it doesn't have a pop-up flash to trigger the external (unless you fit radio triggers or use a cable). So, down the track, you may want to have two flashes, one on-camera to act as a trigger (master or controller), and one off-camera to act as a slave. Many (not all) P-TTL flashes can be slaves, but not all can be masters/controllers. The Metz 26 you mentioned can only be a slave. You would be up for more cash later if you want to add a master (e.g. Pentax 360 II or Metz 52 AF-1). The Pentax AF360 II can do off-camera HSS; the Metzes cannot. Apart from that, they have all the same features. I have the Metz 52 AF-1; it's great, and powerful. I have a Pentax 360 II on order to be the master on my K1.