I use the AF500FTZ, which I'vae had sincce my PZ-1 days. It overexposes at ASA 800-3200. (It's the camera, that has a problem, not the flash, I believe). And it doesn't have a sesor of it's own (yes it's true), so TTL or manual are the only options. If you can live with using a flash only at 200-400 ASA the AF500FTZ it's fine (who needs a flash at 800 ASA anywway). It's a darned fine flash BTW - I believe the design was actually awarded sometime in the past.
I have made test, that show, that all flashes (that I have used, that is Metz or Pentax) with a red light AF assist doesn't do TTL properly, especially above 400ASA on the *ist D. On the other hand, I simply can't live with the RTF AF-assist light. It's a PITA to have to turn on on off the RTF-flash (stupid feature - like a toyish P&S camera). Manual focus would actually be easier and faster. I wish the *ist D had red laser AF assist light - like my SONY DSC F717, which worked brilliantly! The AF280T is fine at 200-800 ASA, but NOT at 1600-3200 ASA. I don'tknow the 360. P-TTL is not for me. I simply hate preflash. If I had to buy a new flash for my *ist D, I guess I'd buy a Metz. They are usually excellent. Jens Bladt mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt -----Oprindelig meddelelse----- Fra: Anders Hultman [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 17. februar 2005 18:19 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: Which flash? I'm considering bying a flash for my *istD. Which one is best of the 500 and the 360? It seems to me that both have functions that the other do not. Which functions are more useful, and which functions are less important? Advantages of the AF 500 FTZ * more powerful (higher GN) * possible to turn in two directions * faster flash time * can be used as slave Advantages of the AF 360 FGZ * P-TTL * wireless TTL * can zoom out more * EV compensation * automatic mode (does the 500 really lack this???) * contrast control with 4 units (2 more than the 500) * lighter The 500 cost more but I can get it used at the same cost as a new 360, so price is not (that) important. anders ------------------------- http://anders.hultman.nu/ med dagens bild och allt!
