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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 10 Hours Ago  
Exposure Compensation and the 360FGZII
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 203
In studio or even ambient many times I'm usually on manual, but I like to know how to use "all" the tools in my box. AV mode on the fly lets me concentrate on composition and not worry about exposure so much.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 11 Hours Ago  
Exposure Compensation and the 360FGZII
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 203
To control the fill exposure on the subject compared to the background, on the fly in AV mode, without the need to first go into manual or set anything other than the desired aperture and ISO.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 11 Hours Ago  
Exposure Compensation and the 360FGZII
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 203
Okay best way is to learn by doing. With camera in AV mode, and ISO fixed..... I can set EC compensation for camera separate which controls ambient on the whole scene, but there's actually two ways to set the EC compensation for the flash. First you can set it on the flash, or hidden as an after thought apparently in Camera Menu>1>Flash mode> enter. New screen lets you adjust with arrow pad on camera Flash or Flash plus red eye, under that it shows the slider to set the flash compensation only. Settings here don't show on the flash, but it's actually a little easier than pushing and turning that little dial on the flash. Using both in combination lets me independently adjust the difference in background and subject exposure. The caveat of course is the flash power limitation. the flash can only produce so much fill and the further away you are the less light it can provide and the limits of the flash EC.

So basically the K1MII is capable of doing the same as the Canon. Just different way to get there.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 12 Hours Ago  
Exposure Compensation and the 360FGZII
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 203
Sorry I thought I'd asked something similar, just found the thread from back in 2020 AF360FGZ II Flash & P-TTL - PentaxForums.com didn't mean to duplicate a thread. Not sure why it didn't come up in my first search.


What threw me off was a recent video about using flash in ambient light, where the video host claimed that Canon was the only camera capable of automatically adjusting for fill and background using EC in camera, which then started me questioning my own use.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 14 Hours Ago  
Exposure Compensation and the 360FGZII
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 203
Okay I thought I understood EC, but now I'm questioning my understanding. On the K1MII I've used EC with AV and TV mode frequently, with the understanding that it was adjusting exposure for the whole scene and through it's connection to the flash adjusted flash output accordingly. However now I'm wondering why the flash has independent EC and what effect using the EC adjustment on the flash does.....does it only adjust the flash or is there a corresponding adjustment in camera, or am I totally wrong that EC has to be adjusted independently on both the camera and the flash. Also is PTTL capable (via EC on either the flash or camera) of balancing the light to expose not only a bright background but subject in shadow?
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-27-2024, 03:56 PM  
How to get Pentax AF360FGZII out of wireless mode
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 401
Cleaning contacts on flash and camera was the first thing I did. No idea why it switched to wireless or why it switched back.

Been a Pentax supporter since the 60's, but this flash has been a real disappointment.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-27-2024, 02:34 PM  
How to get Pentax AF360FGZII out of wireless mode
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 401
I have no idea what I did (or if I even did anything), but after messing with settings one last time I popped it on the K1MII, turned on the camera then the flash and it automatically popped up P-TTL. Zoom is working as is Exp comp.

Now the question that will haunt me is will it do it again and when?
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-27-2024, 12:14 PM  
How to get Pentax AF360FGZII out of wireless mode
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 401
I'm getting the same responses on both the K3II and the K1MII. Strange that you mention it, I went back to the manual for the flash, It shows the only modes as P-TTL, Manual, Multi, and P-TTL W (wireless). The manual does not show a TTL only mode, but when I cycle through the modes on the flash I get TTL, Manual, Multi, and P-TTL W.

I should also mention that the flash will fire on TTL when the shutter is pushed but does not appear to communicate with the camera (it fires at whatever setting you have it at). The flash will not fire when the shutter is pushed on P-TTL W. Also the Auto Zoom doesn't work at all, you can set it manual and change the zoom but Auto isn't working.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-27-2024, 08:06 AM  
How to get Pentax AF360FGZII out of wireless mode
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 401
Tried that, P-TTL is not showing as an option, only P-TTL W, M, TTL, and MULTI?
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-27-2024, 06:23 AM  
How to get Pentax AF360FGZII out of wireless mode
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 401
Tried that and it does shift from master>control>slave, but the "W" remains. Continues to show P-TTL W . In wireless mode there's no communication on the hot shoe.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-26-2024, 05:08 PM  
How to get Pentax AF360FGZII out of wireless mode
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 10
Views: 401
Somehow I've managed to set the flash to P-TTL W. I need P-TTL. I've searched the manual which gives limited instruction primarily on setting it to wireless mode, but nothing on how to set it back.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 02-06-2023, 05:31 PM  
Paul Buff Discontinues Cyber Commander
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 4
Views: 1,127
For now I have my problem fixed. PB sent me parts free of charge. One of the biggest reasons I've stayed with them is their customer service. Hopefully it'll last long enough a few more years. By then I'll be done anyhow.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 02-06-2023, 09:02 AM  
Paul Buff Discontinues Cyber Commander
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 4
Views: 1,127
After many years of use, my Cyber Commander flash controller is starting to wear out. Unfortunately Paul Buff has discontinued it, and the new replacement HUB is camera specific. Ath this time only compatible with Nikon and Canon.

Any alternatives out there that offer individual and group light control wireless for Paul Buff Alien Bees????? PB isn't offering much help.
Forum: Post Your Photos! 05-10-2021, 04:51 AM  
Landscape Misty Mountain
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 12
Views: 432
Nice indeed, the speckled red in the foreground really holds the eye.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 05-09-2021, 06:30 AM  
Upcoming Graduation
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 32
Views: 1,575
I just shot an indoor graduation with the K1MII and a HD-D FA 70-200mm f/2.8. I was far enough back that DOF wasn't an issue at f2.8. Shot AV and used EC to adjust. ISO on most was 1600 to 3200. There is noise but as long as you get a good exposure, it isn't overly objectionable.

The downside, is this combo is HEAVY. Without a tripod my arms were feeling the burn before the event was over.
Forum: Photo Critique 05-08-2021, 07:47 AM  
Landscape Some of that Blue Ridge magic
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 22
Views: 1,381
Sun Flares are like the Forrest Gump line, "Life's like a box of chocolate, you never know what you're gonna get". Each one is different, and you can't always predict the final outcome. That said, looks good to me.
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II 05-07-2021, 05:03 AM  
Sensor Cleaning Advise K1MII
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 33
Views: 3,868
I've read reports of this happening before, and in thinking back on last year's problems. Even with a sensor scope I couldnt determine for sure what the remaining stubbon spots were. There's been times when I questioned if the spot from Hell might not have been the same thing. I would be very reluctant to use it again.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 05-07-2021, 04:51 AM  
Pentax AF 360FGZII underexposing on P-TTL
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 24
Views: 1,280
I have a few odd speed lights for location shots where I don't want to lug studio equipment around. Primarily I used Youngnu with simple wireless triggers and a light meter to set them up, worked well for years. The whole purpose of going with the Pentax flash was to simplify and speed up the process, unfortunately it's not been anything close.

The first problem I encountered was moving off camera. A simple cable should have been the solution, but two different inexpensive Vello cables (despite working on the FGZ) refused to work on the FGZII. Calls to customer service at both Vello and Pentax had everyone scratching their heads, with the final solution...use the 5P cable. To this day having thoroughly inspected both cables I am clueless as to why one works and the cheaper one doesnt.

Supposedly another advantage of the 360FGZII is the ability to do ratios with multiple lights which would be great, but this old dog isn't going there, not after all the problems I've had.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 05-05-2021, 03:51 PM  
Pentax AF 360FGZII underexposing on P-TTL
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 24
Views: 1,280
Well I should've known there's no shortcuts. Went to manual on the camera, flash on P-TTL and camera EC to get consistent repeatable results. Then added a modifier to the flash raising the EC on the flash to compensate. Think I have a workable solution now.

---------- Post added 05-05-21 at 04:07 PM ----------



I think based on marketing hype, I mistakenly believed the communication was a two-way street, when in reality it's not. Once I understood how it worked it didn't take long to dial it in.

Thanks for the help everyone.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 05-05-2021, 06:16 AM  
Pentax AF 360FGZII underexposing on P-TTL
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 24
Views: 1,280
Doing a little reading last night on how P-TTL actually works. Apparently there's more user input required then the marketing hype leads you to believe. Haven't had the opportunity to test it out, but it seems using both camera EC and flash EC is necessary. I also suspect that it is somewhat dependent on what your camera exposure metering mode is set to. Normally I leave it on Spot, but I was recently at an event where I switched to Matrix, and forgot to change it back.

The same writeup I was reading also mentioned using camera manual and setting the flash to P-TTL. I was unaware that was possible. I had erroneously assumed that you had to use both on Manual. I forsee more experiments ahead.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 05-04-2021, 02:27 PM  
Pentax AF 360FGZII underexposing on P-TTL
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 24
Views: 1,280
actually closer to the lighter. If the second shot was about -1/2 it would be close
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 05-04-2021, 11:39 AM  
Pentax AF 360FGZII underexposing on P-TTL
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 24
Views: 1,280
Yeah I thought that initially, but here's a shot of the wall. Distance is 5' set to program mode, ISO 200, 83mm, f/3,2, 1,/125. and it's under by a good 2 stops.
IMGP8195.jpg by William Raber, on Flickr

now the same on all manual ISO 200, 83mm, f/2.8, 1/125, with the flash on manual at 1/32 power.

IMGP8200.jpg by William Raber, on Flickr
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 05-04-2021, 09:43 AM  
Pentax AF 360FGZII underexposing on P-TTL
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 24
Views: 1,280
K1MII
Pentax 70-200 f/28
I don't believe it has, but attributed the underexposure to user error.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 05-04-2021, 09:25 AM  
Pentax AF 360FGZII underexposing on P-TTL
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 24
Views: 1,280
My 360FGZII seems to be underexposing by anywhere from 1-2 stops when in P-ttl mode. Tried AV, P, and Auto, does the same thing. At first I thought it was the modifier, but even with bare flash. Using EC on the flash doesn't seem to make any difference, but using EC on the camera does if I up it to +2 or more. I'm out of ideas.....any suggestions
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 04-23-2021, 06:19 AM  
I need to move on from Adobe LR 6, but need advice
Posted By Smoke665
Replies: 71
Views: 3,849
Being in the older category, I doubt that I'll move away from Adobe till I'm done with photography. After many years with their products I'm well versed in the use, and don't relish the idea the idea of relearning a new software. Plus I have extensive libraries of everything from presets, profiles, actions, textures, Flypapers, and instructional videos that have been accumulated over the years, that would take forever to recreate. Finally the only thing I see even close to Adobe products is Capture One. At $9.99/mo for the Adobe subscription I can "rent" for 2-1/2 yrs before it equals the one time cost of the full version of Capture One. At the end of the 2 1/2 yrs I'll have the latest, up to date versions of Adobe, but Capture One will be dated and ready for an upgrade. To each their own.
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