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TTL vs P-TTL *ist flash (flash for the DL)

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jbn8

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I am looking for a flash for my DL (money is a limiting factor...wish it weren't...don't we all!). I have read multiple things about the compatability of the DL with TTL vs. P-TTL. Will they both work? What flash recommendations do you have? Thanks!
--
Pentax *ist DL (current)
Canon SD 550
Panasonic FZ5
Olympus IR-300
Rebel XT
Canon G6
Minolta A1
Canon S45
Canon A40

 
Only P-TTL for the DL. Look at the Sigma 500 DG P-TTL if money is an issue.
 
The DL supports P-TTL, Auto, and manual flashes ... old fashioned Pentax TLL is NOT supported.

Here is probably the cheapest P-TTL flash on the market:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=352107&is=REG

PTTL is basically like an auto flash except it communicates with the camera and the flash automatically sets itself to the proper output based on the ISO and aperture you set the camera to. With an auto flash you have to set the ISO and aperture on the flash to match the aperture and ISO you're using.

P-TTL also fires what is called a "monitor pre-flash" an instant before the actual flash to help the camera/flash determine the proper power output. TLL doesn't use the monitor pre-flash. Some people say that P-TTL causes people to blink, but most say it isn't a problem because the pre-flash and the actual exposure flash are so close to one another that most people think it's just one flash.
--
http://www.jjjphotography.com
 
Thanks...I just bought this.
--
Pentax *ist DL (current)
Canon SD 550
Panasonic FZ5
Olympus IR-300
Rebel XT
Canon G6
Minolta A1
Canon S45
Canon A40

 
macsisman said:
JJJPhoto said:
The DL supports P-TTL, Auto, and manual flashes ... old fashioned
Pentax TLL is NOT supported.

Here is probably the cheapest P-TTL flash on the market:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=352107&is=REG
Click to expand...
Can you tell me what the difference is btwn the ST and the Super?
Click to expand...
I've never used it, but according to B&H, the Super has the following additional functions:

Strobe Effect:

The "multi pulse" features enable reduced power setting from 1/4 to 1/64 in 6 steps and the pulse frequency of the flash can be set from 1Hz to 100Hz

High-speed sync:

High-speed sync & wireless TTL features are supported when used with applicable cameras (only supported by cameras with P-TTL capability)

Slave Flash:
Allows the flash to be triggered by the camera's built-in flash or another flash

Modeling Light:

Incorporates "modeling flash" mode to provide proper light distribution to check the shadow of the subject
--
http://www.jjjphotography.com
 
Thanks for the info JJJ. I could have sworn I saw someone say in the past couple days that the ST doesn't swivle or tilt like the Super, but now I can't find it. Maybe there's a reason I can;t fine it.
 
macsisman said:
Thanks for the info JJJ. I could have sworn I saw someone say in
the past couple days that the ST doesn't swivle or tilt like the
Super, but now I can't find it. Maybe there's a reason I can;t
fine it.
Click to expand...
Not according to the B&H description of the ST:

Bounce & swivel head:

Flash can be tilted 90° upwards and 7° downward for close-ups. Also can be swiveled 180° to the left and 90° to the right
--
http://www.jjjphotography.com
 
JJJPhoto said:
I've never used it, but according to B&H, the Super has the
following additional functions:

Strobe Effect:
Click to expand...
Works on the DL and is pretty cool. Need to have a dark background though as it requires long exposures.
JJJPhoto said:
High-speed sync:
High-speed sync & wireless TTL features are supported when used
with applicable cameras (only supported by cameras with P-TTL
capability)
Click to expand...
HSS works on the DL, need a second Sigma flash to test the wireless TTL but it should work.
JJJPhoto said:
Slave Flash:
Allows the flash to be triggered by the camera's built-in flash or
another flash
Click to expand...
*ist series - No to built in flash, yes to non-PTTL hot shoe flash. It works like an optical slave and the PTTL pre-flash triggers it.
JJJPhoto said:
Modeling Light:
Incorporates "modeling flash" mode to provide proper light
distribution to check the shadow of the subject
Click to expand...
Yes, but don't blink or you might miss it. I've not found it very useful.

--
Chris
=-=-=-=-=-
http://www.pbase.com/sinnettc
 
Forgot to mention that High Speed Sync requires at least an A series lens in A mode. Manual aperture lenses or setting a manual aperture limit it to 1/180 sec.
--
Chris
=-=-=-=-=-
http://www.pbase.com/sinnettc
 
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