Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
To achieve slow sync with the 280T and the LX, I had to purchase a special holder made by Pentax. You attach the 280 to the shoe atop the holder and connect it to the LX using that special synch cable made by Pentax (I recall it was an expensive cable). The holder has a switch on it for Auto Sync. Set or Slow Speed Sync. When set to Slow Speed Sync (with the flash set to TTL Auto), I can use shutter speeds below X Synch and usually get perfect exposure. Jim A. Only way I was able to shoot slow sync with that combination was to shoot on 'manual' flash setting and do the math. It always pleased me that the 280 would release the 1/80 shutter for such shooting. Jack --- William Robb [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: - Original Message - From: Godfrey DiGiorgi Subject: Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds I don't know the LX at all, but can't you just set the exposure time you want to use manually along with the aperture? Most cameras with TTL flash metering I've used will still control the flash output that way. No. Unfortunately, with a dedicated flash, the LX reverts to 1/80 second unless the control pin is covered. William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
The Pentax Flashgrip has a switch called slow sync, it disables the forced sync speed. Greetz Jos Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote: Most Canon flash units are pretty much limited to working with the Canon bodies. You might consider a Metz flash unit with an interchangeable dedicated module that would work on both. I don't know the LX at all, but can't you just set the exposure time you want to use manually along with the aperture? Most cameras with TTL flash metering I've used will still control the flash output that way. Godfrey On Mar 3, 2008, at 7:42 AM, Vic Mortelmans wrote: Hi, Using my AF280T on my LX, I notice that there's no way to combine auto/TTL functions with slow speeds. The camera always switches to the flash sync speed, and I don't find a way to override this. I can use my Spotmatic or ES combined with the same flash in auto mode to get slow speeds with flash, but it's a pity I cannot do so with the advanced metering (especially in low light) of my LX. I guess I could use any non-Pentax automatic flash to do the same on the LX, in a way 'fooling' the LX in thinking there's no flash on. But then there's the question of compatibility: the LX should at least properly sync with the flash! Any advices on what type of flash I could be looking for (preferrably a cheapish model on the second hand market)? Goeten, Vic PS. my wife will by buying a Canon DSLR shortly (don't know which model yet) --- maybe an opportunity to find a Canon flash that would both work on the DSLR and on the LX ? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
Vic Mortelmans wrote: Hi, Using my AF280T on my LX, I notice that there's no way to combine auto/TTL functions with slow speeds. The camera always switches to the flash sync speed, and I don't find a way to override this. I can use my Spotmatic or ES combined with the same flash in auto mode to get slow speeds with flash, but it's a pity I cannot do so with the advanced metering (especially in low light) of my LX. I guess I could use any non-Pentax automatic flash to do the same on the LX, in a way 'fooling' the LX in thinking there's no flash on. But then there's the question of compatibility: the LX should at least properly sync with the flash! Any advices on what type of flash I could be looking for (preferrably a cheapish model on the second hand market)? Goeten, Vic PS. my wife will by buying a Canon DSLR shortly (don't know which model yet) --- maybe an opportunity to find a Canon flash that would both work on the DSLR and on the LX ? I know this was originally sent days if not weeks ago, but I JUST received it in my mailbox on 3/7/2008 at 15:00. The list is certainly wonky... -- Christian http://photography.skofteland.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
Most Canon flash units are pretty much limited to working with the Canon bodies. You might consider a Metz flash unit with an interchangeable dedicated module that would work on both. I don't know the LX at all, but can't you just set the exposure time you want to use manually along with the aperture? Most cameras with TTL flash metering I've used will still control the flash output that way. Godfrey On Mar 3, 2008, at 7:42 AM, Vic Mortelmans wrote: Hi, Using my AF280T on my LX, I notice that there's no way to combine auto/TTL functions with slow speeds. The camera always switches to the flash sync speed, and I don't find a way to override this. I can use my Spotmatic or ES combined with the same flash in auto mode to get slow speeds with flash, but it's a pity I cannot do so with the advanced metering (especially in low light) of my LX. I guess I could use any non-Pentax automatic flash to do the same on the LX, in a way 'fooling' the LX in thinking there's no flash on. But then there's the question of compatibility: the LX should at least properly sync with the flash! Any advices on what type of flash I could be looking for (preferrably a cheapish model on the second hand market)? Goeten, Vic PS. my wife will by buying a Canon DSLR shortly (don't know which model yet) --- maybe an opportunity to find a Canon flash that would both work on the DSLR and on the LX ? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
Hi, Using my AF280T on my LX, I notice that there's no way to combine auto/TTL functions with slow speeds. The camera always switches to the flash sync speed, and I don't find a way to override this. I can use my Spotmatic or ES combined with the same flash in auto mode to get slow speeds with flash, but it's a pity I cannot do so with the advanced metering (especially in low light) of my LX. I guess I could use any non-Pentax automatic flash to do the same on the LX, in a way 'fooling' the LX in thinking there's no flash on. But then there's the question of compatibility: the LX should at least properly sync with the flash! Any advices on what type of flash I could be looking for (preferrably a cheapish model on the second hand market)? Goeten, Vic PS. my wife will by buying a Canon DSLR shortly (don't know which model yet) --- maybe an opportunity to find a Canon flash that would both work on the DSLR and on the LX ? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
- Original Message - From: Vic Mortelmans Subject: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds Hi, Using my AF280T on my LX, I notice that there's no way to combine auto/TTL functions with slow speeds. The camera always switches to the flash sync speed, and I don't find a way to override this. I can use my Spotmatic or ES combined with the same flash in auto mode to get slow speeds with flash, but it's a pity I cannot do so with the advanced metering (especially in low light) of my LX. I guess I could use any non-Pentax automatic flash to do the same on the LX, in a way 'fooling' the LX in thinking there's no flash on. But then there's the question of compatibility: the LX should at least properly sync with the flash! Any advices on what type of flash I could be looking for (preferrably a cheapish model on the second hand market)? Remember with the LX you are dealing with relatively old technology, and flash was it's Achilles heel, so to speak. I never liked the way the LX handled flash, as it has an annoying habit of not firing the flash in backlit situations. Having said that, the LX does sync properly with your 280T, but Pentax chose to lock the way the camera works with dedicated flash units. If you don't like the way it works with a dedicated flash, then go to a basic auto flash instead. I believe you can disable the forced sync by covering the small pin to the left of the sync terminal on the hot shoe. My own advice would be to use a good quality non dedicated flash such as a Vivitar 285. William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
- Original Message - From: Godfrey DiGiorgi Subject: Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds I don't know the LX at all, but can't you just set the exposure time you want to use manually along with the aperture? Most cameras with TTL flash metering I've used will still control the flash output that way. No. Unfortunately, with a dedicated flash, the LX reverts to 1/80 second unless the control pin is covered. William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
On Mar 3, 2008, at 9:09 AM, William Robb wrote: I don't know the LX at all, but can't you just set the exposure time you want to use manually along with the aperture? Most cameras with TTL flash metering I've used will still control the flash output that way. No. Unfortunately, with a dedicated flash, the LX reverts to 1/80 second unless the control pin is covered. Well, that was a bad design decision. Yuck. G -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
Vic Mortelmans wrote: Hi, Using my AF280T on my LX, I notice that there's no way to combine auto/TTL functions with slow speeds. The camera always switches to the flash sync speed, and I don't find a way to override this. Isn't this the behavior that Cotty was able to defeat with his AF280T modification? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
- Original Message - From: Godfrey DiGiorgi Subject: Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds On Mar 3, 2008, at 9:09 AM, William Robb wrote: I don't know the LX at all, but can't you just set the exposure time you want to use manually along with the aperture? Most cameras with TTL flash metering I've used will still control the flash output that way. No. Unfortunately, with a dedicated flash, the LX reverts to 1/80 second unless the control pin is covered. Well, that was a bad design decision. Yuck. They pretty much all worked that way back then. They could have made an easy fix by putting a switch onto the flash to disable the contact that forced X-Sync. I believe Cotty may have done such a thing. William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
On Mar 3, 2008, at 10:18 AM, William Robb wrote: .. They pretty much all worked that way back then. .. None of my AE capable Nikons of that era (FE2, F3) forced a shutter speed when I set them on manual exposure control. They metered the flash TTL for the aperture I chose and ran the exposure time per my setting. They would only set the shutter speed using a dedicated flash when I left them set on auto exposure. The same was true for my Contax 139ma and Minolta XD-11. Godfrey -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
Yes it was, and I'm sure he'll post it again... Mark Roberts wrote: Vic Mortelmans wrote: Hi, Using my AF280T on my LX, I notice that there's no way to combine auto/TTL functions with slow speeds. The camera always switches to the flash sync speed, and I don't find a way to override this. Isn't this the behavior that Cotty was able to defeat with his AF280T modification? -- Vote for Cthulhu. Why settle for a lesser evil... -- Dr. Jerry Pournelle -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
William Robb wrote: I believe you can disable the forced sync by covering the small pin to the left of the sync terminal on the hot shoe. A nice experiment... will this also disable the TTL capabilities? My own advice would be to use a good quality non dedicated flash such as a Vivitar 285. Probably a better advice on the longer term. Non-Pentax side question: will this type of flash also be of use on a modern Canon DSLR? Thanks for the advice! Groeten, Vic -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
Only way I was able to shoot slow sync with that combination was to shoot on 'manual' flash setting and do the math. It always pleased me that the 280 would release the 1/80 shutter for such shooting. Jack --- William Robb [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: - Original Message - From: Godfrey DiGiorgi Subject: Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds I don't know the LX at all, but can't you just set the exposure time you want to use manually along with the aperture? Most cameras with TTL flash metering I've used will still control the flash output that way. No. Unfortunately, with a dedicated flash, the LX reverts to 1/80 second unless the control pin is covered. William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
On Mar 3, 2008, at 11:13 AM, Vic Mortelmans wrote: My own advice would be to use a good quality non dedicated flash such as a Vivitar 285. Probably a better advice on the longer term. Non-Pentax side question: will this type of flash also be of use on a modern Canon DSLR? I agree with this too. The modern Vivitar 285 HV or a Sunpak 383 have very low trigger voltage ( 6V) and can be used on any modern DSLR or fixed lens digicam safely. I use the Sunpak 383 ... it lacks the zoom head but I is easier to fit with the Lumiquest diffusers and bounce attachments. Godfrey -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
On 3/3/08, William Robb, discombobulated, unleashed: They could have made an easy fix by putting a switch onto the flash to disable the contact that forced X-Sync. I believe Cotty may have done such a thing. I did indeed. A very simple mod, really. Just involved a simple switch on the right wire, popped through the plastic casing and voila. I sold the flash years ago to someone, I forget who. I still have the schematics and photos of the op somewhere if anyone is desperate... -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds
- Original Message - From: Vic Mortelmans Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 1:13 PM Subject: Re: Pentax LX, auto/TTL flash and slow speeds William Robb wrote: I believe you can disable the forced sync by covering the small pin to the left of the sync terminal on the hot shoe. A nice experiment... will this also disable the TTL capabilities? I'm pretty sure TTL is off the other contact, and the left one just forces the shutter speed. Boz's site should have a good explanation of this. My own advice would be to use a good quality non dedicated flash such as a Vivitar 285. Probably a better advice on the longer term. Non-Pentax side question: will this type of flash also be of use on a modern Canon DSLR? It should be just fine. William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
