A better method is via Pentax's newer flashes -- the AF330FTZ, AF500FTZ, and I assume the 360 as well -- where there's a setting just for focus assist via the infrared beam that doesn't enable the flash itself. But of course, that's not built into the body of the camera ...
Joe
I never tried to switch the RTF off after using it as a focussing aid. But there is no function as far as I know to switch it off, so it is probably correct.
I have used my Metz 40MZ-2, and the IR LED on that flash also works as an AF assist beam with the *ist D.
I guess it is not much of a problem to push the RTF back after focussing before you make the exposure? But you need to keep the shutter half down way during that.
On Wednesday 11 August 2004 21:52, Jens Bladt wrote:
FJW> www.dpreview says:
FJW> The other disadvantage is that there appears to be no way to stop the flash
FJW> from firing once up so you can't for instance use the flash for AF assist
FJW> and then take a normal long exposure (without pushing the flash back down
FJW> again manually).
FJW> http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxistd/page9.asp
FJW>
FJW> Is this true?
FJW>
FJW> Jens Bladt
FJW> mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
FJW> http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt
FJW>
FJW>
FJW>
FJW>
FJW>
-- Frits Wüthrich