Ok now I'm getting a bit confused. Could someone clarify a few points for me please. I currently use the AF360FGZ on the PZ-1p and PZ-1 as well as with some older cameras. I liked the fact that it is supposed to be completely backward compatible with all Pentax cameras. I am aware that this flash uses only standard TTL with these units and automatically switches to P-TTL with the newer ones. However I was under the impression that standard auto flash and manual were still available with all the cameras that were supposed to support this function including the *istD. Is this right? I bought the AF360FGZ with the idea that it would be more compatible with future Pentax cameras that might come my way plus it has slave, wireless, and high speed sync with the appropriate cameras. I realize that the AF360FGZ is not the most powerful flash on the market, but thought it should be sufficient for my needs going by the guide number.
When using the auto and manual functions does the auto zoom head function properly on autofocus cameras? Also what types of camera metering function with which flash functions? I have normally shot multisegment metering with flash in the past and have had really good results thus far. However I haven't used my Pentax gear that much with flash. I have usually been using my Minolta gear for this need. I did have to use my PZ-1 as a backup camera one time at a wedding reception as my Minolta with the lens I was using was having some major focus problems with the lighting conditions. A bit of experimentation later proved it was a lens problem and not the body. However using the PZ-1 that night impressed me greatly on how well it was locking on focus quickly without a great deal of searching. I didn't even have a external flash with me and had to use the on camera popup unit. I still got some great shots that were properly exposed with this handicap. I wish I would have had an external flash with to compare the results. Since I have a much better lens line up in Pentax, I have been strongly considering dumping the Minolta equipment to buy a *istD. However this thread is making me really wonder about the wisdom of this decision. Minolta is supposed to also be releasing a DSLR based on their "7" model. One of it's strong points is image stabilization, but I'm not feeling I need that function all that badly. I strongly suspect this will be out of my price tag zone and hate to give up my Pentax equipment to finance such a move. The questions surrounding P-TTL flash and this coming camera are being highly debated in their camp as well. The general consensus is that no one wants to have to use it and give up standard TTL flash which is highly accurate in their cameras, but fear that P-TTL will be required for digital flash. Right now the P-TTL can be controlled with either not by not using the "D" series lenses. They are also afraid that the "D" series lens will be required for flash use. Some of the Minolta camp is jumping ship to Canon to avoid the P-TTL, but I thought Canon used it too? Anyone know what the status of Nikon is with P-TTL? I feel that using multi segment metering or at the very least center weighted metering is very important to me for candid type shots. When setting up a formal posed situation all the manual ideas are great and nice to be able to work towards whatever idea you have in mind. However when doing candid shots such at a wedding reception things are happening very fast. I just don't see myself having the time to consider all the valid points of lighting existing in the situation and making the corresponding manual adjustments. I really need the camera computers to figure this out for me so I can get the shot and not still be there trying to figure it all out after the moment has passed. Maybe this is a so called Point and Shooter viewpoint, but I would rather get the shot and debate the "should haves" afterwards. I am aware the *istD will default to P-TTL, but will auto flash be available with the AF360FGZ, or will I have to use an older fl ash to get this function? Confused again! Dave ---------------------- My Metz 60 CT-2 has measured to within ± 1/10 of a stop, at ranges from 6 feet or so right out to around 25 feet with it's built in sensor. This is an amply accurate range for wedding/ general photography. When running it in TTL with the LX, the exposures were within a stop most of the time, but sometimes about 15 stops under because of the ongoing meter fault that all three of my LX have. The istD has just about the worst TTL flash control I have seen, I doubt if it is within ± 1 stop. It is certainly not accurate enough for the recording medium. On the nice side, the istD has a PC socket, so auto flash is easily done. William Robb
