Flash for Pentax K-30?

Hi,

I'm new to Pentax DSLR system, and just got a mint condition K-30 for pennies, so though of asking the experienced Pentax users here about the compatible flashes available for K-30? I'm only interested in those that work with TTL.

Thanks

Massao

Massao wrote:

Hi,

I'm new to Pentax DSLR system, and just got a mint condition K-30 for pennies, so though of asking the experienced Pentax users here about the compatible flashes available for K-30? I'm only interested in those that work with TTL.

Thanks

Massao

I bought a Metz 50 AF-1 for my K-30, works great, especially useful as the K-30 has the wireless flash controller.

Upgraded to K-70 which doesn't have the wireless controller but the flash works perfectly otherwise.

Metz are excellent flashes.

Hi,

Many thanks. Ok, I will search for flashes. I was just a bit confused because it seems some non OEM flashes don't work with some Pantax cameras (all functions including P-TTL) .

Here, in Norway, I found these flashes for sale:

Sigma EF-610 DG Super

Sigma EF 530 DG Super

Metz 44 AF-1

So, not sure about which of these (if any) will work on my K-30?

Regarding foild, you are absolutely correct My primary use is taking pictures of my child. So, a big setup isn't suitable. Just one powerful flash bounced off ceiling, and a 50mm 1.4 or 1.8 AF lens is pretty much all I use For videos, I use my Samsung NX camera with 18-200 lens because it has negligible focusing sound, and has optical stabilization.

Thanks for your input

Massao

Thanks Does it work with P-TTL on K-30?

Thanks. Ok, I'll look out for Metz 50 AF-1

Massao wrote:

Here, in Norway, I found these flashes for sale:

Sigma EF-610 DG Super

Sigma EF 530 DG Super

Metz 44 AF-1

I’ve been reading on internet about the issues with Sigma flashes. It seems I should avoid Sigma because they cannot be updated by users, so If I buy a better Pentax DSLR in future, it is possible that Sigma flash wouldn’t work.

On the other hand, Metz can be updated by users, so no matter how old the flash unit is (released with P-TTL for DSLRS), it can be updated for future Pentax cameras.

Please correct if I am wrong😊

KPM2 wrote:

Hello Massao

Massao wrote:

Massao wrote:

Here, in Norway, I found these flashes for sale:

Sigma EF-610 DG Super

Sigma EF 530 DG Super

Metz 44 AF-1

I’ve been reading on internet about the issues with Sigma flashes. It seems I should avoid Sigma because they cannot be updated by users, so If I buy a better Pentax DSLR in future, it is possible that Sigma flash wouldn’t work.

On the other hand, Metz can be updated by users, so no matter how old the flash unit is (released with P-TTL for DSLRS), it can be updated for future Pentax cameras.

Please correct if I am wrong😊

I did never had a Sigma flash, but I know that you can send in your flash to Sigma and you get on this way your flash up to date, if possible.

With a Metz flash you can do that for yourself, when:

- the flash has a USB interface ( new Metz flash have it, but always check that)

- Metz do publish a software update for your (than) elder flash.

- Pentax do not change too much in the flash protocol, so that an elder flash can get via a software update up to date to this new generation cameras.

Some flash (also some Metz flashes) do not fully support all the flash functions, a Pentax camera can has.

The restrictions are often find in the wireless use of the flash:

- some flash do not have a wireless P-TTL HSS mode ( or even have no HSS mode in generally)

-some flash can only act as a slave in the wireless mode, but not as a master or controller (on the hot shoe)

BTW: I love to use a flash when I take pictures of my children at home .... and use a foil when needed

When I bounce the flash, it can happens that under the eyes, you get some shadows, so maybe look at a flash, which has a built in bounce card. Via this little built in bounce card you send a little direct light to the face and that soften and illuminate a little the shadow lines, you get via the bounced main flash. My Metz 58 AF-1 has a second flash tube, so that I can do send this direct light via this second flash tube, meanwhile the main flash is bounced, but not straight...and maybe a little to the side, so that the use of a bounce card is not possible, because it looked not direct to the face than.

Ok, I did also played with a bleach bypass in PP here.

best regards KPM2

Many thanks for the detailed explanation; this is very helpful and beautiful image of your child.

Kind regards,

Massao

KPM2 wrote:

Hello Massao

Massao wrote:

Massao wrote:

Here, in Norway, I found these flashes for sale:

Sigma EF-610 DG Super

Sigma EF 530 DG Super

Metz 44 AF-1

With a Metz flash you can do that for yourself, when:

- the flash has a USB interface ( new Metz flash have it, but always check that)

I just bought the Metz 44 AF-1 (for Pentax) then. It has a USB interface (I have the same on my Samsung, so I checked:-)

I will update after I receive and try it on my K-30. Many thanks to everyone for their inputs.

Kind regards,

Massao

ddharriman wrote:

Hello

My advice: Yongnuo YN585EX.

It’s cheap and good.

Best regards,

Agreed, that is what I use.

Massao wrote:

Thanks. Ok, I'll look out for Metz 50 AF-1

There are newer versions too, what is great about the Metz is that you can plug them into a computer via USB to update the firmware. The 50 AF-1 is maybe 10 years old but Metz updated the firmware so it even works on the K-1.

It depends what strength of flash you need, 50 is pretty powerful, a 44 is strong too.

The 50 AF-1 always gave me great exposures on the K-30 and the fact I could place the flash elsewhere made it a great system. I'll need to buy remote triggers to use the remote function with the K-70, yes Pentax took out the wireless trigger, don't know why????

You need to buy a Pentax specific Metz and they are made in Germany if that helps.

Oiche wrote:

Massao wrote:

Thanks. Ok, I'll look out for Metz 50 AF-1

There are newer versions too, what is great about the Metz is that you can plug them into a computer via USB to update the firmware. The 50 AF-1 is maybe 10 years old but Metz updated the firmware so it even works on the K-1.

It depends what strength of flash you need, 50 is pretty powerful, a 44 is strong too.

The 50 AF-1 always gave me great exposures on the K-30 and the fact I could place the flash elsewhere made it a great system. I'll need to buy remote triggers to use the remote function with the K-70, yes Pentax took out the wireless trigger, don't know why????

You need to buy a Pentax specific Metz and they are made in Germany if that helps.

Many thanks. Indeed, the ability to update a Metz flash is really helpful, and it also means you never lose all the money on the flash if you plan to plan to sell it later for a stronger flash:-)

Vivitar 285 can still be found second hand, it is nearly as old as the hills,  is powerful, reliable and very controllable.                                                                                                                     BUT. make sure you get one with low trigger voltage otherwise you will fry your camera electronics.