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03-23-2011, 06:07 AM   #1
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Pentax AF080C Ring Flash Questions

Hi all,

This question is directed to members who have used the AF080C ring light on digital cameras – in my case a Pentax K10. I just picked this used ring light at a good price (I think) on EBAY and I have a few questions.

I intend to use it with my A 100/2.8 macro. This lens has a 58mm filter diameter and it seems the flash comes with 49mm diameter. This could be an issue. I’m pretty sure I can get 58~49mm step down rings but I’m wondering if the lens will fit in the hole. Time will tell. I have an M 50/4 macro which accepts 49mm filters so I’ll still be able to work with it but I would prefer to use the 100mm. I guess I’ll find out when it arrives.

In either case I understand I shall have to use the flash in manual mode on the K10. I have a fair bit of manual experience so this doesn't really concern me but I'm open to any advice to get me started from those who have more experience with this flash. Any tips, techniques, trial and error ideas etc.?

Thanks in advance

Tom G


Last edited by 8540tomg; 03-23-2011 at 06:13 AM.
03-23-2011, 07:23 AM   #2
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The original kit came with 3 different sized rings (up to 58mm) that allowed you to attach the the ringflash to the front of the lens. So if you just use a stepping ring you won't have any problem.

Also, I have tested this ringflash using the 58mm ring + stepping ring to 67mm on a 200mm macro and taken pics at macro distance. There is no vignetting.
03-23-2011, 08:34 AM   #3
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Good to know.

The step up rings were not mentioned in the add so I don't know if they are included. I'll find out when the item arrives.

Tom G
03-23-2011, 04:36 PM   #4
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I've used this combination with film with good success, so I can't imagine using it with digital will cause any vignetting problems.
You already know you don't have TTL flash control on the K10, so you will be doing some trial and error regarding exposures.
I've had real problems with the A100/2.8 macro with sensor reflections, which is annoying because it is such a good performer on film. It annoys me that it's imaging ability is untrustworthy on digital.

03-23-2011, 06:00 PM   #5
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Thanks Wheatfield,

I recall your mentioning this (sensor reflections) before and I seen it a few times myself. I don't use this lens often enough but plan to get it real test when the flash arrives.

Tom G
03-25-2011, 08:23 AM   #6
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I’ve been looking through the forum and the net for information on the K10 and AF080C ring flash. From what I’ve been able to glean so far it looks like the best results with the A 100/2.8 macro come with the following manual settings:

180sec

f11~f13

¼ power

ISO 100

Any experienced users out there care to comment. I’m still waiting for the flash to arrive and I’d kind of like to have some good benchmark settings to start with.

Thanks

Tom G
03-30-2011, 07:42 PM   #7
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AF080C Ring flash arrived today. Seems to be in good order.

Doing a little trial and error and it seems to work well.

I'll have to get a 58 to 49mm step down ring to use my 100mm macro but that's not a big deal. I'll post some images later on.

Tom G

04-18-2011, 04:31 PM   #8
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Got the 58 to 49mm step down ring today and immediately went to the

workbench to try out the ring light. The old AF080C seems to work just

fine with the A 100/2.8 macro. I guess all my questions have been answered.





Not an artistic success but it get the light where it needs to be.

Tom G

Last edited by 8540tomg; 04-18-2011 at 05:11 PM.
05-02-2011, 05:44 PM   #9
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I was hoping someone could tell me if this ring flash is safe to use on my K7. (Won't hurt the camera) I've been looking around for the info, but I have it in my hands right now and wanna play with it.
05-03-2011, 01:32 PM   #10
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No problem, my K7 (before it die) worked with AF080C (before I sold it) flawlessly.
08-31-2011, 05:40 AM   #11
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Ditto for the K5

My old Pntx AF080C ring flash works just fine on the K5 too - 1/4 power output and stopped down.
08-31-2011, 07:43 PM   #12
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I had to add a 4x ND filter to get it to expose in a workable range with a 50mm macro, but with the 100, I could use it with out an ND filter.
I have just however bought a new AF160FC and will be disposing of my 080C soon as I don't care for the all manual approach.
09-10-2011, 05:27 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by allart Quote
My old Pntx AF080C ring flash works just fine on the K5 too - 1/4 power output and stopped down.

This is good news. I'm about to pull the trigger on a K5.

Tom G
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