PentaxLife Forum: Other accessories

mattdm on "Pentax P-TTL options: a comparative overview"

mattdm — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:40:59 +0000

I've put some more work into this, and moved from the google knol to a much-expanded site on its own domain. Please see the new Pentax Flash Guide at http://pttl.mattdm.org instead of the above link.

mattdm on "Pentax P-TTL options: a comparative overview"

mattdm — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:00:55 +0000

I've created a Google Knol page about the various Pentax and third-party options for P-TTL flashes. Please visit:

http://knol.google.com/k/matthew-miller/-/3jwk7bitq8i8/1#

This is a work in progress. More description of features is planned (and more in-depth discussion of which flashes have which features). And I welcome your comments and contributions!

rvannatta on "P-TTL"

rvannatta — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:33:00 +0000

what I have been hoping that someone--anyone would come up with a solution for getting a ringlite or other solution for macro photography.

We seem to have retrogressed 30 years in macro work. I'm back using my Pentax ringlite in manual mode on my K10 like I did with the K2 eons again.

photomad2007 on "P-TTL"

photomad2007 — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:38:49 +0000

Hi Ratcatcher,

Pentax flashes are AF 360 and AF 540 FGZ.
I just purchased a Sigma EF500 DG Super with P TTL, and the other ones I know of are Sigma EF 530 DG SUPER, METZ MEABLITZ 48 AF-1, METZ MECABLITZ 58 AF-1 DIGITAL P/S.

I am currently researching the compatibility of the METZ MECABLITZ 58 AF-1 DIGITAL, (WITHOUT SUFFIX P/S WHICH ACTUALLY MEANS PENTAX / SAMSUNG) as the MECABLITZ 58 AF-1 DIGITAL P/S is not availabe in the market in Dubai. Hope some Pentaxian will clarify my doubt.

Hope this was helpful.
KRIS

ratcatcher on "P-TTL"

ratcatcher — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 09:58:18 +0000

Is it possible for someone do a list of Pentax (or third party) flash units that are P-TTL.
_________________

Vitali on "Battery grips for K100???"

Vitali — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:44:17 +0000

There are some third-party battery grips for K100D from the Chinese and Korean manufacturers. Search eBay.

Mauricio1969 on "Battery grips for K100???"

Mauricio1969 — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 02:41:27 +0000

Anyone knows if there is a battery grip for K100d or plans to sell any?

Vitali on "Soligor DG-420Z P-TTL flash for Pentax K10D, K100D/K110D"

Vitali — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:53:57 +0000

Thank you for information, Sunbird.

>>Praktica DPZ 38AF / Exacta DPZ 38AF seems to be the same

Usually, flashguns manufacturers using guide number (biggest) in the model name. Soligor DG-420Z GN = 42. And this Praktica / Exacta seems to be GN = 38

sunbird on "Soligor DG-420Z P-TTL flash for Pentax K10D, K100D/K110D"

sunbird — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 05:59:03 +0000

Seems like this flash is produced bij pentacon-dresden. They used to make the Exacta camera's and nowdays produce the digital cameras for Praktica.

Their flash unit :Praktica DPZ 38AF / Exacta DPZ 38AF seems to be the same (cheapest price in germany = 89 euro's against 139 euro's for the Soligor)
I tried to read about te pentax version on the german dslr-forum. And most users seem very content. The red Af-assist light has been praised for not blinding like pantax' internal flash.

"Was mir am besten gefällt, ist das rote AF Hilfslicht, nun kann ich wieder ruhigen Gewissens mit Blitz arbeiten, ohne das ich gleich verflucht werde wie beim internen Blitz der Pentax."

wheelgate on "Photographer's Vest"

wheelgate — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:04:51 +0000

Cabelas, www.cabelas.com (1-800-237-4444), is offering their photographer's vest on sale, normally $49.95, for $29.95. Product # FW-90-3804.

I don't have one nor want one. I'm just passing on what appears to be a good buy. I have purchased other products at Cabelas and been satisfied with the quality.

Vitali on "K10d + Sigma 500 super vs Pentax 360 / 540 experience"

Vitali — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 09:36:49 +0000

And the 360 does swivel e.g. as wireless you can bounce it wherever yuou like, can´t yu?

Yes. Vertically. Up to 90º upwards and 10º downwards. It can't be turned left or right.

vasfotograf on "K10d + Sigma 500 super vs Pentax 360 / 540 experience"

vasfotograf — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 09:28:48 +0000

Hi Vitali. Thanks for your thoughts .... Its pitty, you don§t have the k10d instead. Iheard that e.g. wireless doesn¨t work with Sigma ... And the 360 does swivel e.g. as wireless you can bounce it wherever yuou like, can´t yu?

Vitali on "K10d + Sigma 500 super vs Pentax 360 / 540 experience"

Vitali — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 09:14:06 +0000

SIGMA EF 500 DG SUPER PA PTTL works pretty good with K100D. And should be with K10D. But people says that Sigma flashguns are less reliable than Pentax. Also this new P-TTL Sigma usually costs a little more than Pentax AF-360FGZ. But Sigma's head can be swiveled in horizontal axis.

AF-540FGZ is the best choice but it's expensive.

vasfotograf on "K10d + Sigma 500 super vs Pentax 360 / 540 experience"

vasfotograf — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 08:51:59 +0000

PLEASE, any suggestions and information how these are compared in real life ??

Vitali on "Sigma DG500 Super or Pentax 540FGZ (experiences)?"

Vitali — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 17:25:50 +0000

Pentax AF540FGZ - $329 - just $100 more than Sigma
http://astore.amazon.com/penta-20/detail/B000B8AFUG/102-4773034-4044118

Also, not all Sigmas support P-TTL.

What about Pentax AF 540 FGZ? Does it always fires correct or misses sometimes too?

I haven't heard any complaints on 540FGZ.

Fantocci on "Sigma DG500 Super or Pentax 540FGZ (experiences)?"

Fantocci — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:47:24 +0000

For K100D:

1.) Does anybody have negative (or only positive) experiences with this Sigma flashgun? Does it works always or misses sometimes (on bouncing especially)?

And for original Pentax flash users:

2.) What about Pentax AF 540 FGZ? Does it always fires correct or misses sometimes too?

360 FGZ comes out since it doesn�t have swivel�
The budget is also important (otherwise I would just take 540 FGZ without questions).

Vitali on "Metz to introduce P-TTL flash this year"

Vitali — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:24:42 +0000

Oops! I forgot Sigma...

Vitali on "Metz to introduce P-TTL flash this year"

Vitali — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:20:49 +0000

PDML subscriber Thibouille has contacted German photo accessories manufacturer Metz and got the response from Lutz Goeschel, Metz's technical support guy:

P-TTL flash control is in planning with Metz and will be introduced during this year. Unfortunately, an exacct date of availibility is still not fixed but I'm under the impression that it will be launched at Mai probably.

So, probably in May, Metz will become the third manufacturer (after Pentax itself and Soligor) offering P-TTL flash units for Pentax and Samsung cameras.

Vitali on "The best evidence that D-LI50 and NP-400 batteries are the same"

Vitali — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 04:32:15 +0000

Pentax France website used Konica Minolta NP-400 battery image to show the Pentax K10D's proprietary battery D-LI50. Isn't it the best evidence of NP-400/D-LI50 interchangeability?

Click here to check it out by yourself.

Vitali on "Soligor DG-420Z P-TTL flash for Pentax K10D, K100D/K110D"

Vitali — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:53:56 +0000

Peggy Melters of Soligor GmbH confirmed that the new Soligor DG-420Z flash fully supports the Pentax P-TTL flash system:

The DG-420Z Flash Unit supports Pentax P-TTL and functions with the models listed below in the AUTO mode. More information can be found on our website - English version - select accessories for digital cameras, then your brand and finally the model. Here you will find a listing of products recommended for your particular camera. You can also write in "DG-420Z" for product information.
Best regards,
SOLIGOR GmbH
Peggy Melters
International Sales

Specifications:
� for digital & analog Pentax AF cameras
� guide no. 24 to 42 at ISO 100
� P-TTL flash control

� power zoom for focal lengths 24, 28, 35, 50, 70 and 85mm
� bounce angle vertical 0�/45�/60�/75�/90�
� swivel head max. 270�
� flash recycling time 0.5�8s
� slave-Adaptor
� flash duration: app. 1/1,000s�1/20,000s
� number of flashes: app. 150 to 1,500 flashes with 1 set of fresh alkaline batteries
� color temperature: 5600K (in accordance with daylight)
� autofocus illumination 1�8m
� thyristor circuitry
� 5 power ratios: full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16
� auto power off
� glash ready indicator
� exposure control display
� power supply: four 1.5V AA batteries Mignon type or NiCad rechargeable batteries of the same size
� 172x72x57mm
� weight approx. 278g (w/o batteries)

MSRP is 160 EUR (around US$206)

Vitali on "K10D battery grip reviewed at The Online Photographer"

Vitali — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:43:43 +0000

Carl Weese at The Online Photographer have reviewed the D-BG2 battery grip for pentax K10D digital SLR camera.

He likes the ability to quickly install or remove the grip depending on your shooting plans. Wants more juice and beter ergonomics with the heavy lenses - attach the grip within a seconds. Wants more portability and compactness - remove the grip and use one of the "pancake" lenses. "Same camera, two configurations"

Vitali on "Two new Pentax spotting scopes"

Vitali — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 17:06:35 +0000

PENTAX Imaging Company has announced two new series of spotting scopes that offer exceptional image performance for outdoor observation.

The Pentax PF-65ED II/PF-65EDA II spotting scopes can be used as telephoto lens for a camera with a focal length of 780mm with the PF-CA35 adaptor (sold separately) and any Pentax SLR body.