Re: Analog TTL flash correction
Sas Gabor wrote: Does the camera's exposure correction setting affect the TTL flash operation on the SuperA, LX and SFXn? Yes from experiences on the Super Program and LX, I can't say about the SFXn, but I suspect so... Regards, Bob S. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Ricoh/Pentax TTL flash compatibility
In answer to Steve Pearson, who wrote: Will my Pentax AF200T flash provide TTL flash with this [Ricoh] body? Pentax TTL flashes like 200T and 280T (and later ones) won't go TTL on the Ricoh TTL bodies (XR-P, XR-M etc.). I remember I once put a 280T on a XR-P, trying to fit the Pentax contacts with the Ricoh hot shoe. I didn't work as TTL. I placed the 280T so that its contacts would touch the Ricoh's ones but could not be sure they were really touching. Would it work with a home-made interface ? Maybe. Would Pentax and Ricoh electronics be compatible ? From Paul Stregevsky's comment (the TTL contacts and operation don't match those of Pentax TTL), I guess they wouldn't. Nitin Garg wrote : I doubt if af200t would give you ttl with xr-m. you probably have to get a ricoh flash for that. Ricoh's normal size TTL flashes are uncommon (there is a rare GN 40 one for sure). So, apart from Paul Stregevsky's suggestion, you can go for a fabulous METZ flash with the proper SCA 364 connector. Used Metz flashes are cheap for what they give. Smallest Metz TTL flashes are the 32 series (GN is 32 and flash weights same as Pentax AF-280T with GN 28). They can go for as low as $30 depending on model and shape. Here is a 32-CT3 in box for $36. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1339456322 32CT-7 is latest (zoom head) and a bit more expensive. SCA 364 adapter is $15 if you can find it on eBay. A bit more expensive from used equipment stores, but usually available right now. Now the bad news: Metz flashes are not as cute as Pentax AF-280T and its little brother AF-200T... Hope that helps. -- - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL Flash Metering and Distance Info
You must then be talking in regard to autofocus cameras. My TTL flash experience is with an LX. Obviously, an LX doesn't take distance into account, nor would the TTL flash units that work with an LX. If I'm using TTL flash on a subject that doesn't fill frame and there is an obvious difference between it and the background, I don't get a perfect exposure without dialing in some compensation. Brendan wrote: Part of the debate is how does distance info play a part, or if it does. The reason for the whole question is lets say you have an off center subject that you focused on. Why is she ( the girl with the strapless dress ) correctly exposed when you have foreground and background ambient ETC ETC. --- Paul Stenquist [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've missed some of this, but I don't understand what the debate is about. All the TTL camera knows is how much light hits the senosr (or in the case of LX, the film plane). When there's enough for a proper exposure, the flash duration is terminated. The exposure will be correct as long as the flash's full output is sufficient for the stop and film speed you're using. Paul Bruce Dayton wrote: William, The biggest flaw I see to Tom's observations is when you bounce or diffuse the flash. How would the body go about knowing that is what you are doing? In those cases, you should see severe underexposure. My experience is that they work fine. Bruce Dayton Wednesday, March 13, 2002, 11:54:55 AM, you wrote: PWO Bruce Dayton wrote: I have often wondered what the metering pattern is for the TTL sensor - I'm guessing it is center-weighted. That could also account for some differences. PWO Hi Bruce, PWO I've wondered this same thing, and I'll bet you're right about the PWO center-weighted pattern. Somebody shot and posted links to a whole series PWO of TTL flash shots of some shiny metal object against a fairly neutral PWO background, a few months back. A bunch of different apertures, shutter PWO speeds, etc. Can't remember who it was -- I was thinking it was either you PWO or Doug Brewer, but I just can't remember. I remember the look of the PWO shots, though. As best as I can recall, those shots appeared as though the PWO TTL flash metering was center-weighted, or pretty darned close to PWO center-weighted. There were some overexposed shots at the fastest apertures PWO that were attributed to the flash not being able to quench in time. PWO I guess the way to test Tom V's idea (about the possibility that the flash PWO intensity is calculated from distance and guide number information, but not PWO controlled by an actual TTL sensor reading) is to fire a test shot with and PWO without the lens cap in place. If the TTL sensor doesn't matter, then the PWO flash intensities for both of these test shots should be about the same, and PWO the recycle times should be about the same. If the sensor really ~is~ PWO metering and controlling flash output, then the lens-cap-in-place test shot PWO should have a ~much~ longer recycle time. PWO Bill Peifer PWO Rochester, NY PWO - PWO This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, PWO go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to PWO visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . __ Find, Connect, Date! http://personals.yahoo.ca - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: super program ttl flash
Hi, Metz system parts (used) are less expensive than Pentax parts. You need a small TTL flash (30TTLi, or any other SCA compatible obscure German/Japanese flash you can find / Braun, Cullman,... often these are inexpensive as little known/). - SCA comp. flash (even as low as 30$ if lucky, high GN is NOT needed anyway in macro) - SCA adapter for Pentax TTL - SCA 372 (for SuperA, LX,...), here about 10-15$ used. - SCA off-camera cord SCA 307A - this attaches between the 372 on camera and the flash on bracket. The 307A has tripod socket on the bottom, although plastic one. 10-15$ used. (prices are as here, should be similar there g) Sum: 40-60$ For slightly more $, you can add second flash, and use SCA 305A TTL-multi-flash adapter, although this one is harder to find with all the cords used. HTH, Frantisek - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
TTL Flash Metering and Distance Info
I've noticed over the course of the last year that rolls of film that were shot with TTL flash metering (and flash) have much more consistent exposure across frames than rolls that used matrix metering and ambient light. I've come to this conclusion after proofing dozens of rolls of b+w. Seems to me the only way to explain the difference is that the flash output is determined by distance info transmitted by an FA lens. I'm not really sure what that implies...I was under the impression that TTL flash metering worked like so: - flash starts to discharge - ttl flash meter measures output - ttl flash meter determines that subject has received enough light - meter tells flash to stop However, if it's using distance info it's just using a calculation. - lens says it's focused at 10 feet - flash guide number is 40 - aperture is f/2 Fire the flash at 1/2 power and don't bother metering. Maybe it (I guess I'm talking pz-1p here) uses that calculation with FA lenses and uses quench metering with older lenses? I might have to test this Thinking out loud, tv - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL Flash Metering and Distance Info
Actually I'd also like to know since when bounced or using the omni bounce cover it still exposes correctly even with 2 stops loss. It seems that it does it something more like this ( using your theory as a template ) - lens says it's focused at 10 feet - flash guide number is 40 - aperture is f/2 Fire the flash at 1/2 power but meter just in case. --- tom [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've noticed over the course of the last year that rolls of film that were shot with TTL flash metering (and flash) have much more consistent exposure across frames than rolls that used matrix metering and ambient light. I've come to this conclusion after proofing dozens of rolls of b+w. Seems to me the only way to explain the difference is that the flash output is determined by distance info transmitted by an FA lens. I'm not really sure what that implies...I was under the impression that TTL flash metering worked like so: - flash starts to discharge - ttl flash meter measures output - ttl flash meter determines that subject has received enough light - meter tells flash to stop However, if it's using distance info it's just using a calculation. - lens says it's focused at 10 feet - flash guide number is 40 - aperture is f/2 Fire the flash at 1/2 power and don't bother metering. Maybe it (I guess I'm talking pz-1p here) uses that calculation with FA lenses and uses quench metering with older lenses? I might have to test this Thinking out loud, tv - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . __ Find, Connect, Date! http://personals.yahoo.ca - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL Flash Metering and Distance Info
tom, I was thinking that it had more to do with getting more even light do to flash fill moreso than TTL alone. On the older bodies, metering for TTL did not include ambient light at all, so most images ended up looking like dark backgrounds. With later bodies, ambient light is taken into account and shutter speeds are lowered to slowest handholding to allow as much ambient light as possible. Then the TTL is just going to fill in where necessary. That would produce more even results. Have you tried using slow films/fastest shutter speeds (1/250)? If you did I would think that you would get results that would show the inherent TTL metering problem of weddings - mostly white in frame - face gets underexposed - mostly black in the frame - face gets overexposed. I have often wondered what the metering pattern is for the TTL sensor - I'm guessing it is center-weighted. That could also account for some differences. Bruce Dayton Wednesday, March 13, 2002, 10:08:56 AM, you wrote: t I've noticed over the course of the last year that rolls of film that were shot with TTL flash metering (and flash) have much more consistent exposure across frames than rolls t that used matrix metering and ambient light. t I've come to this conclusion after proofing dozens of rolls of b+w. t Seems to me the only way to explain the difference is that the flash output is determined by distance info transmitted by an FA lens. t I'm not really sure what that implies...I was under the impression that TTL flash metering worked like so: t - flash starts to discharge t - ttl flash meter measures output t - ttl flash meter determines that subject has received enough light t - meter tells flash to stop t However, if it's using distance info it's just using a calculation. t - lens says it's focused at 10 feet t - flash guide number is 40 t - aperture is f/2 t Fire the flash at 1/2 power and don't bother metering. t Maybe it (I guess I'm talking pz-1p here) uses that calculation with FA lenses and uses quench metering with older lenses? t I might have to test this t Thinking out loud, t tv t - t This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, t go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to t visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL Flash Metering and Distance Info
On 13 Mar 2002 at 11:03, Bruce Dayton wrote: tom, I was thinking that it had more to do with getting more even light do to flash fill moreso than TTL alone. On the older bodies, metering for TTL did not include ambient light at all, so most images ended up looking like dark backgrounds. With later bodies, ambient light is taken into account and shutter speeds are lowered to slowest handholding to allow as much ambient light as possible. Then the TTL is just going to fill in where necessary. That would produce more even results. I think I work a little differently...I always drag the shutter as much as I can get away with, so I'm in manual mode, with the shutter usually around 1/30 or 1/60 and the aperture at f/5.6 or f/8. So the ambient levels are fluctuating wildly, but the foregrounds are generally right on. The issue I'm referring to isn't about even lighting in one photo, it's consistent exposure across an entire roll. The thing that really made this click for me today was a shot I developed this a.mA girl with a strapless dress is down in the right lower corner, usually an area that doesn't get much meter weight. However, I'm focused on her, and she's perfectly exposed. Have you tried using slow films/fastest shutter speeds (1/250)? If you did I would think that you would get results that would show the inherent TTL metering problem of weddings - mostly white in frame - face gets underexposed - mostly black in the frame - face gets overexposed. What I'm saying is I don't get much of that with flash! I think it's got to be some sort of hybrid algorithm like Brendan says, because it's not *totally* predictable. I'm going to test it out, but I was just wondering if anyone had any info, since the FA lens distance info subject comes up now and again. tv - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re[2]: TTL Flash Metering and Distance Info
William, The biggest flaw I see to Tom's observations is when you bounce or diffuse the flash. How would the body go about knowing that is what you are doing? In those cases, you should see severe underexposure. My experience is that they work fine. Bruce Dayton Wednesday, March 13, 2002, 11:54:55 AM, you wrote: PWO Bruce Dayton wrote: I have often wondered what the metering pattern is for the TTL sensor - I'm guessing it is center-weighted. That could also account for some differences. PWO Hi Bruce, PWO I've wondered this same thing, and I'll bet you're right about the PWO center-weighted pattern. Somebody shot and posted links to a whole series PWO of TTL flash shots of some shiny metal object against a fairly neutral PWO background, a few months back. A bunch of different apertures, shutter PWO speeds, etc. Can't remember who it was -- I was thinking it was either you PWO or Doug Brewer, but I just can't remember. I remember the look of the PWO shots, though. As best as I can recall, those shots appeared as though the PWO TTL flash metering was center-weighted, or pretty darned close to PWO center-weighted. There were some overexposed shots at the fastest apertures PWO that were attributed to the flash not being able to quench in time. PWO I guess the way to test Tom V's idea (about the possibility that the flash PWO intensity is calculated from distance and guide number information, but not PWO controlled by an actual TTL sensor reading) is to fire a test shot with and PWO without the lens cap in place. If the TTL sensor doesn't matter, then the PWO flash intensities for both of these test shots should be about the same, and PWO the recycle times should be about the same. If the sensor really ~is~ PWO metering and controlling flash output, then the lens-cap-in-place test shot PWO should have a ~much~ longer recycle time. PWO Bill Peifer PWO Rochester, NY PWO - PWO This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, PWO go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to PWO visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
RE: TTL Flash Metering and Distance Info
On 13 Mar 2002 at 14:54, Peifer, William [OCDUS] wrote: I guess the way to test Tom V's idea (about the possibility that the flash intensity is calculated from distance and guide number information, but not controlled by an actual TTL sensor reading) I backed away from that...;) I'm wondering if distance info is used at all in TTL flash discharge, and if so, how. is to fire a test shot with and without the lens cap in place. If the TTL sensor doesn't matter, then the flash intensities for both of these test shots should be about the same, and the recycle times should be about the same. If the sensor really ~is~ metering and controlling flash output, then the lens-cap-in-place test shot should have a ~much~ longer recycle time. The test I have in mind involves testing A vs. FA lenses (I'm assuming A lenses have no distance info). tv - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Re[2]: TTL Flash Metering and Distance Info
On 13 Mar 2002 at 14:03, Bruce Dayton wrote: William, The biggest flaw I see to Tom's observations is when you bounce or diffuse the flash. How would the body go about knowing that is what you are doing? In those cases, you should see severe underexposure. My experience is that they work fine. You're right, though I did back off of saying no meter readings were used. Obviously it's got to be metering...but I wonder if there's some calculating going on too. I was just throwing out a theory...if anyone has another explanation for the consistency of TTL flash exposed negs, go for it. tv - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
RE: TTL Flash Metering and Distance Info
I'm sure it uses distance info some how but at the same time it doesn't warn you when you choose certain apertures like F16 pointed at something 50 ft away. --- tom [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 13 Mar 2002 at 14:54, Peifer, William [OCDUS] wrote: I guess the way to test Tom V's idea (about the possibility that the flash intensity is calculated from distance and guide number information, but not controlled by an actual TTL sensor reading) I backed away from that...;) I'm wondering if distance info is used at all in TTL flash discharge, and if so, how. is to fire a test shot with and without the lens cap in place. If the TTL sensor doesn't matter, then the flash intensities for both of these test shots should be about the same, and the recycle times should be about the same. If the sensor really ~is~ metering and controlling flash output, then the lens-cap-in-place test shot should have a ~much~ longer recycle time. The test I have in mind involves testing A vs. FA lenses (I'm assuming A lenses have no distance info). tv - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . __ Find, Connect, Date! http://personals.yahoo.ca - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
super program ttl flash
I have a Super Program and want to take advantage of the TTL flash for some Macro shots. I want the flash on a bracket and as near as I can tell from looking on the net I need a Hot shoe grip, a 4p sync cord B, and a Pentax TTL flash (Af280t,AF400t, or AF200t). Looking at prices for these items this is a lot more expensive than I was interested in. Is there a way to do this using Pentax or orther components for under a $100? - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: super program ttl flash
I have a Super Program and want to take advantage of the TTL flash for some Macro shots. I want the flash on a bracket and as near as I can tell from looking on the net I need a Hot shoe grip, a 4p sync cord B, and a Pentax TTL flash (Af280t,AF400t, or AF200t). Looking at prices for these items this is a lot more expensive than I was interested in. Is there a way to do this using Pentax or orther components for under a $100? Used AF200T USD?? Hot Shoe Adaptor FG USD36 Sync Cord F5P USD25 Off Camera Shoe Adaptor F USD43 - Total USD104+ regards, Alan Chan _ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: super program ttl flash
John, Try an Altrex 'Dup-Sync Cord', $20 new. It is a little coiled telephone cord with two hot shoe cubes on either end. The cubes have 3 contacts, pick-ups for the flash from the hot shoe, and 3 contacts on the other end to supply the flash on the remote shoe. Regards, Bob S. I have a Super Program and want to take advantage of the TTL flash for some Macro shots. I want the flash on a bracket and as near as I can tell from looking on the net I need a Hot shoe grip, a 4p sync cord B, and a Pentax TTL flash (Af280t,AF400t, or AF200t). Looking at prices for these items this is a lot more expensive than I was interested in. Is there a way to do this using Pentax or orther components for under a $100? - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Using flash meter with TTL flash was Halogen again
The Halogen lights seem fine for BW work even with it's yellowish cast. It has dawned on me that I have more than enough light with an AF500FTZ, AF330FTZ and achiever flash. I only have an older minolta auto meter III which does not have flash metering but how would one use a flash meter with TTL? Won't the TTL adjust flash out put maing the meter reading inaccurate? I know that with the AF500 set to slave and the Achiever set to auto flash with a slave eye I can calculate the exposure but how will it affect the AF330 on camera in TTL? I have a large 42 5 in one reflector to bounce with and I have the stofen omni bounce for the AF500 ( which is rather soft both bounced and direct ). I experimented and manually calculated the settings withthe other 2 flashes yes with the AF330 on camera I don't get the good exposure indication ( 1/60 F8 ) but it still exposes correctly since I calculated the output of the other 2 flashes. I'm very tempted to get another AF500, an umbrella and a flash meter to have a portable lighting setup ( or an alien bee and very long extension cord ). The recharge time with the AF500 and nimh batteries is about 3 sec at 1/2 power for 120 flashes so that doesn't seem to be an issue. __ Find, Connect, Date! http://personals.yahoo.ca - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Pentax 67-II, leaf shutter lens, TTL flash metering
On Sat, 20 Oct 2001 09:59:17 -0400, Mark Roberts wrote: Last night I was talking with the co-owner of my favorite local photo lab and he was telling me about his problems trying to get his 67-II to wirk with a leaf shutter lens and TTL flash metering. He (and, apparently, Pentax) says it can't be done. The primary reason is obviously that the flash wants to fire as soon as the focal plane shutter opens, at which point the leaf shutter is closed. I believe there's a PC flash connector on the lens itself, but of course this provides triggering only (in other words, it has only ground and one electrical contact rather than the multiple contacts of the hot shoe which send TTL metering information to the flash. Could a PC flash cable from the lens be spliced into the hot shoe wiring to solve this? Any 67 users dealt with this? Mark, I'm not a 67 user but I am into electronics (yes doing it for a living not just playing with it). Taking the trigger from the LS lens instead of from the camera MAY work. It really depends on the how Pentax do things inside the camera. It certainly won't break anything if you try. I would do it this way: 1. Get hold of a Hotshoe adaptor F 2. Remove the 4 screws from the bottom of the adaptor and carefully separate the 2 halves. 3. Remove the centre pin and the spring that holds it. Put them in a zip lock plastic bag so you don't loose them and can put them back if you ever want to. 4. Get an old PC flash sync cord that is long enough to go from the pc socket on the lens to the hotshoe of the 67. Cut off the end you don't need and strip off about 1 cm (a bit under half an inch) of the insulation. Solder the centre wire to the contact where you removed the centre pin, then insulate the braided outer wire of the pc cable and solder the end to the hot shoe ground. 5. Make a small hollow in one half of the adaptor case (I'd probably do it to the top half) to allow the PC cable to exit and then put it together. The result should look quite professional and MIGHT even work. It will even allow you to use the 5P cables to give you TTL using multiple off camera flashes with the LS lens. If it doesn't work you can remove the modification and you end up with a hotshoe adaptor with a hole in it. If you do give this a go please let me and the rest of the group know how it goes. Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Pentax 67-II, leaf shutter lens, TTL flash metering
Yes, I've already thought of this. SInce it's not my 67 I not going to try it, though! Just wondering if anyone else has actually done it. Leon Altoff [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm not a 67 user but I am into electronics (yes doing it for a living not just playing with it). Taking the trigger from the LS lens instead of from the camera MAY work. It really depends on the how Pentax do things inside the camera. It certainly won't break anything if you try. I would do it this way: 1. Get hold of a Hotshoe adaptor F 2. Remove the 4 screws from the bottom of the adaptor and carefully separate the 2 halves. 3. Remove the centre pin and the spring that holds it. Put them in a zip lock plastic bag so you don't loose them and can put them back if you ever want to. 4. Get an old PC flash sync cord that is long enough to go from the pc socket on the lens to the hotshoe of the 67. Cut off the end you don't need and strip off about 1 cm (a bit under half an inch) of the insulation. Solder the centre wire to the contact where you removed the centre pin, then insulate the braided outer wire of the pc cable and solder the end to the hot shoe ground. 5. Make a small hollow in one half of the adaptor case (I'd probably do it to the top half) to allow the PC cable to exit and then put it together. The result should look quite professional and MIGHT even work. It will even allow you to use the 5P cables to give you TTL using multiple off camera flashes with the LS lens. If it doesn't work you can remove the modification and you end up with a hotshoe adaptor with a hole in it. If you do give this a go please let me and the rest of the group know how it goes. Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Pentax 67-II, leaf shutter lens, TTL flash metering
Last night I was talking with the co-owner of my favorite local photo lab and he was telling me about his problems trying to get his 67-II to wirk with a leaf shutter lens and TTL flash metering. He (and, apparently, Pentax) says it can't be done. The primary reason is obviously that the flash wants to fire as soon as the focal plane shutter opens, at which point the leaf shutter is closed. I believe there's a PC flash connector on the lens itself, but of course this provides triggering only (in other words, it has only ground and one electrical contact rather than the multiple contacts of the hot shoe which send TTL metering information to the flash. Could a PC flash cable from the lens be spliced into the hot shoe wiring to solve this? Any 67 users dealt with this? -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.com -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Super Program/Super A, bad TTL flash program??? Need insight.
Hi Everybody, I finally got my 'puter pieced back together, (un)fortunately I had to delete the 1200+ PDML messages downloaded. I hope I didn't miss too much Need to see if I can get some help in figuring out some scans I have posted on my webspace. It's a little test I did with a multiple flash setup on the Super A. I have read somewhere(probably here) that the Super Program/Super A has a poor TTL flash program. I would appreciate any insight into the varying exposures by Super Program/Super A owners. http://personal.mia.bellsouth.net/mia/g/e/genius91/ Equipment was: Super A, SMC 135-F2.5, two 5p hotshoe adaptors, two Sunpak 444D's with the EXT-10 Extention cord. Film: TRI-X pulled to 125 (yeah I forgot to set the film speed) Setup: About 9' away from subject, Flashes on either side angled at about 30 degrees to point at subject. Flash to left had a White Omni-bounce and the one to the right had the Sunpak 20mm diffuser. These did not match well or the left flash was weak (notice shadows). Batteries fresh and both were firing. Room only lighted by sunlight through a couple of windows in front and to the right. Left flash was atop a 5p adapter thru 5p cord to 5p adapter on camera. Right was atop EXT-10 cord to 5p adapter on camera. I started at F2.5 and worked my way through a roll till F16. I Ran down(up) from 1/8 to 1/125 with a program exposure as a sort of reference for each f-stop. Page one is F2.5, two is F8 adn thre is F16. Program mode reference(no flash) are on the lower right on each page. Apretures not on line are F4 which matched F2.5 very closely, except for a better reference exposure and F11 which matched F8 exactly including reference exposure. Thumbs are small but perfectly representative, click em for a bandwidth choking jpeg(not recomended). The F8 and F11(not online) exposures are the best representative of the subject, except for the program reference. Off by a stop and the F2.5 and F16 references were better. The F16 being the closest. Hmmm. The F2.5 and F4(not online) were over exposed. My guess is a metering failure or bad TTL program with the Super A. Good references, with the F4 being closer to the F16. The F16 were underexposed. I'm thinking I hit the limits of flash power with the diffusers attached. Could be the upper(lower) limit on the Super A's TTL program? Reference exposure was close but a half over. I can live with The F8 exposures, but I would like some insight on the varying exposures. thanks in advance, Douglas E Harmon [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://personal.mia.bellsouth.net/~genius91/ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Super Program/Super A, bad TTL flash program??? Need insight.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Need to see if I can get some help in figuring out some scans I have posted on my webspace. It's a little test I did with a multiple flash setup on the Super A. I have read somewhere(probably here) that the Super Program/Super A has a poor TTL flash program. I would appreciate any insight into the varying exposures by Super Program/Super A owners. http://personal.mia.bellsouth.net/mia/g/e/genius91/ Doug, I can't tell a thing from what you have got there. Were you using the TTL feature of the Super Program at all? You should get the same exposure at all speeds from 1/8 to 1/125 based on the TTL lighting the scene. Did the TTL 'lightning bolt' flash in the viewfinder? Did the flashes show TTL confirmation? The subjects you are photographing are silver metallic and highly reflective. The background is what??? Why not pick some much simpler subjects and get rid of the diffusers and whatnot on the flash units. At least leave one of the units without modifications. How does this picture photograph with a single flash mounted on the Super Program? It IS possible that the flash will overpower the scene at f2.5 and only 9 feet distance. If you give it too much light, the Pentax AF280's I've used won't have enough time to shut down before overexposing the scene. While you may overpower things at f2.5, at f16 you need 100+ times the light to achieve the same exposure. So if those shots are underexposed, that's logical. Regards, Bob S. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
TTL-flash metering
Just wondering about the TTL-flash metering pattern of the Super A/Program. Is it centerweight or average full frame? How about the newer Pentaxes? Is there any multisegment metering done for TTL-flashes like in E-TTL for EOS? -Matti - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
FS: Sunpak G4500DX (AT555) ttl flash (potato masher)
Similar in power and features (some more, some less) to Metz 45, this is the classic example of Potato-masher style flash. Until the very last moment, I wanted to keep it, even wanting to order some used accessories from USA. But then, although this flash is very powerful, I don't use it at full power anyway, so I want to get some smaller flash, propably a metz MZ 40. I am available light guy, I got this flash for banquet photography once, but the job didn't work out, so I don't need such powerful flash. As I am selling it, I should perhaps advertise it a bit :) This flash is IMHO actually BETTER than PENTAX AF400T !!! Much more options, .. . GN 45 @ 35mm coverage (so no artif. inflated high GN at 105mm zoom but quite lower at 35mm, flash coverage standard). TTL/AUTO/MANUAL settings. 7 AUTO apertures! From f/1.4 (100asa) to f/11 !!! AF400T starts at f/4 (phew!). f/1.4 is great for fill-in autoflash. manual down to 1/64 power setting! Precise control over aperture and power in manual mode. Bounce and Swiwel all around! 270 deg + 90 deg., let's you shoot right back into your face :) many power options... 6 AA cells (alkalines/NiCd/NiMh), many powerpacks (actually, all the TR II and 510V packs for Pentax are made by Sunpak), included is AC/DC source (input = 100/120/220/240 V - international!) for free. incl. original case, filter holder free! Hotshoe/X synch adapter for cameras without X synch socket. incl. quick-attach bracket, with twelve positions for the flash (e.g. for macro). incl. (!!!) (free!!!) is my genuine home-made bounce/softener, similar to Lumiquests'. It spreads the light for even 24mm (and possibly 20mm!) coverage, softening shadows a lot!!! Works great. Folding! TTL for Pentax cameras is possible via PT-2D module and EXT-11 cable, both are I think readily available in States (but very rare in Czech republic, that's another reason I am selling it). I was offered PT-2D for 15$ and ext-11 for 10$, myself. Can link to the seller if wanted. I have made two powerpacks for this flash, I will include one of them for free!!! It has 3500mAh capacity, NiMh batteries, enough power to keep you blasting for days. Ingenious heavy-duty outdoor connector (with lock!) and coiled cable connects it to flash via small hole in battery compartment door. You can still use AA batteries if you want to, just insert another battery holder (or unscrew the wires from the power pack's one and use it for AA cells). For easy and cheap charging, the battery pack is dual-connected: It ends in normal type high-amperes connector (which is readily available in e.g. Radioshack), and then a small adapter is fitted ending with the heavy duty outdoor connector (which has lock!), female socket with lock. Into this plugs and locks the connector at the end of the coiled cable - all very sturdy, much better than Quantum's connectors (Yes! One connector alone costs 10$ each! Quantum wouldn't make any profits using them - they being a company maximising profits much cheap out on everything possible). And this great, great, great flash can be yours! Delivered everywhere in the world, by airmail or whatever you choose! Mail me with offers! [EMAIL PROTECTED] Frantisek :) that was fun. So please mail me off-list if you want it. I can supply more information or something is at www.tocad.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Off camera TTL flash options?
Hi Rob, Recently Rob Studdert wrote: I would like to put together a remote flash connection system so that I can use up to three flashes in parallel on my LX (am maybe the MZ-S) for creative TTL flash with macro images. This is where Pentax screwed up. If you want to use an LX or a SuperProgram for TTL flash then you must stick to the 4P equipment (analog). The P/PZ and MZ/ZX bodies of course support both the 4P and 5P setups (not yet sure about the MZ-S). I am fully aware of the components which allow this for the LX system however I am tired of chasing the parts which it seems are becoming more and more difficult to find let alone ridiculously expensive. Very true... In any case I am not really pleased with height of the Flash grip and would prefer a simple low profile device with a tripod socket on its base for adaption to a macro flash bracket. I expect that to fulfil my needs I will need to modify existing components (and maybe also integrate third party products into the system). You might have to resort to this option. Can the new digital flashes be connected in parallel like the old analogue units (I have absolutely no experience with them)? Yes. The remote flash options available for the digital system look like what I am after (I saw a photo of Mark Cassinos set up on his equipment page however Bozs site has broken links and last time I looked BH had no pictures). Can the new systems be used to facilitate basic TTL off-camera flash for the LX? No, sorry. You will need to use a Z/PZ or MZ/ZX body for this. As for the broken links, I just saw that off-camera flash page is borken. Are there any others? The correct address for the off-camera page is http://www.phred.org/pentax/k/extras/offCameraFlash.html Can someone provide links to pictures of the components (especially from directly above so that I can see the contact configuration)? 4P and 5P cosrds and sockets are incompatible. You will have to use either only 4P equipment (on LX, SuperProgram and the AF bodies) or only 5P equipment (with the AF bodies). Anyone have any suggestions? Three non-TTL flashes on 3rd-party slave triggers. You will have to experiment with the distance/power settings to get the results you are after. Good luck, Boz - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Off camera TTL flash options?
Hi Rob, Yes I agree, trying to work out whats going on with the newer off camera flash adaptors is not particularly clear. I cabled up my LX, tested the setup then wrote the descriptions/setup Below is the best descriptions of each item required that I came up with. Descriptions are from BOTTOM to TOP 31046 Off Camera Shoe Adapter F Tripod female socket thread, Flash type hotshoe SLOTS for attaching to tripod Flash shoe (NO contacts) 5P Socket for cable to other adaptors Female hotshoe with 4 contacts (mates with flashgun) 31022 Hot Shoe Adapter F Male hotshoe with 4 contacts 5P Socket for cable to other adaptors Female hotshoe with 4 contacts 31045 Hot Shoe Adapter FG Male hotshoe with 4 contacts (looks like flashgun) 5P Socket for cable to other adaptors Shaped to use RTF on MZ/ZX 37347 Extension Cord F5P Coiled, 3ft max extension 37349 Extension Cord F5P (L) Straight, 9.5ft In my succesful test just now I used, LX with Hot Shoe Adapter FG and F5P Cableto... Off Camera Shoe Adapter F with cable from LX On TOP of which I STACKED Hot Shoe Adapter F with F5P cable to. Off Camera Shoe Adapter F The key thing is the STACKED Hot Shoe Adapters (of different types) The lower one has a tripod socket The upper one has a hotshoe socket BOTH have cable sockets, which allows daisychaining To use multiple flashguns simply repeat the STACKED setup and add a cable This arrangement would allow me to mount TWO analogue flashes remotely from the camera on tripods for use with LX, MZ/ZX, PZ etc etc. One could also use TWO Digital flashes with the MZ/ZX or PZ cameras. (NOT Earlier cameras) YOU CANNOT MIX DIGITAL ANALOGUE FLASHES. Regards Rob Robert Gillespie I also kept this reply from Pentax to a similar question a few years back. - Begin Included Message - Pentax said: Thank you for your email. Though none of my colleagues have attempted a multiple TTL flash setup with your ring light and macro photography, we believe that the following combination of equipment will work. One or more (up to a recommended of 3 maximum) AF220T or AF280T analog TTL flashes. I personally like the 280T for its ease of use and higher power, but that's my personal opinion. One Hot Shoe Adapter F for each additional T flash that you use. One F 5P sync cord for each additional T flash. One Off Camera Shoe Adapter F for each additional T flash. You would then mount your Hot Shoe Adapter F on your hot shoe (stack the adapters if you are using more than one), and put your ring light module on the top. Run an F 5P cord from (each) Hot Shoe Adapter F to the Off Camera Shoe Adapter F(s). Mount your other flashes onto the Off Camera Shoe Adapter F(s). The adapters will allow you to mount your other off camera flashes on a tripod. You will need a combination of the following items: 30307 AF-220T (w/case) 30381 AF-280T (w/case) 31022 Hot Shoe Adapter F (for off-camera flash). $40.00 37347 Extension Cord F5P (3ft. max.- for off-camera flash)$40.00 37349 Extension Cord F5P (L) (9.5ft. max.)$83.00 31046 Off Camera Shoe Adapter F $70.00 - End Included Message - - Begin Included Message - From: Rob Studdert Subject: Off camera TTL flash options? Date: Tue, 08 May 2001 19:04:46 -0700 Hi Team, I would like to put together a remote flash connection system so that I can use up to three flashes in parallel on my LX (am maybe the MZ-S) for creative TTL flash with macro images. I am fully aware of the components which allow this for the LX system however I am tired of chasing the parts which it seems are becoming more and more difficult to find let alone ridiculously expensive. In any case I am not really pleased with height of the Flash grip and would prefer a simple low profile device with a tripod socket on its base for adaption to a macro flash bracket. I expect that to fulfil my needs I will need to modify existing components (and maybe also integrate third party products into the system). I trust the collective wisdom of the group will provide me with the answers to the following questions which will help me to determine all the options available: Does anyone know where the conventional off camera flash components for the LX system can still be bought? ie flash grip, cables, distributor, sync cords, clamp, LX bracket Can the new digital flashes be connected in parallel like the old analogue units (I have absolutely no experience with them)? The remote flash options available for the digital system look like what I am after (I saw a photo of Mark Cassinos set up on his equipment page however Bozs site has broken links and last time I looked BH had no pictures). Can the new systems be used to facilitate basic TTL off-camera flash for the LX? Can someone provide links to pictures of the components (especially from directly above so that I can see the contact configuration)? Anyone have any
Off camera TTL flash options?
Hi Team, I would like to put together a remote flash connection system so that I can use up to three flashes in parallel on my LX (am maybe the MZ-S) for creative TTL flash with macro images. I am fully aware of the components which allow this for the LX system however I am tired of chasing the parts which it seems are becoming more and more difficult to find let alone ridiculously expensive. In any case I am not really pleased with height of the Flash grip and would prefer a simple low profile device with a tripod socket on its base for adaption to a macro flash bracket. I expect that to fulfil my needs I will need to modify existing components (and maybe also integrate third party products into the system). I trust the collective wisdom of the group will provide me with the answers to the following questions which will help me to determine all the options available: Does anyone know where the conventional off camera flash components for the LX system can still be bought? ie flash grip, cables, distributor, sync cords, clamp, LX bracket Can the new digital flashes be connected in parallel like the old analogue units (I have absolutely no experience with them)? The remote flash options available for the digital system look like what I am after (I saw a photo of Mark Cassinos set up on his equipment page however Bozs site has broken links and last time I looked BH had no pictures). Can the new systems be used to facilitate basic TTL off-camera flash for the LX? Can someone provide links to pictures of the components (especially from directly above so that I can see the contact configuration)? Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Cheers, Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 Fax +61-2-9554-9259 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications.html - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
TTL flash metering on the ZX/MZ-50 using pre-A lenses
Hi all, Here's a question I've been thinking about lately. I finally found a dedicated flash module for my Sunpak 444D flash, and I'm thinking of some things to try with my TTL-capable body (an MZ-50). I'll get an answer for myself with some upcoming experiments, but thought I'd ask the group anyway. We're all familiar with the limitations of the ZX/MZ-50 when using pre-A lenses. Regular TTL metering works properly as long as the lens aperture ring is set to wide-open aperture, and pictures are underexposed if the aperture ring is stopped down by the user. This is the case when one is metering and exposing under *ambient* lighting , but it occurred to me that shooting under TTL flash metering might be a bit different. So here's the slight twist. Suppose I want to shot some photos with a pre-A lens under very dim (or perhaps completely dark) ambient lighting. Perhaps an extremely high-magnification macro shot, for instance. Instead of using ambient light and exposing for a LONG time, however, I'm going to use an off-camera TTL flash. The MZ/ZX-50 will recognize my flash and set its shutter speed to X-sync. What happens if I now decide to manually stop down the aperture ring to give me good depth of field? I'm assuming that regardless of where I choose to set the aperture ring, the body will simply keep the flash illuminated until it sees that enough light has entered the lens. Seems like the open-aperture reading -- before the flash fires -- should be totally irrelevant in this case, and it shouldn't matter where I set the lens aperture ring. Is my assumption correct? This seems like it would be the correct way to design a TTL flash metering circuit. Anyone tried this sort of thing? Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance, Bill Peifer Rochester, NY - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Sunpak TTL flash and dedicated cord
I went up to $49. It sold for $76, bummer. Jeff - Original Message - From: Peifer, William [OCDUS] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 3:24 PM Subject: FS: Sunpak TTL flash and dedicated cord http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1231359025 Hi all, Was somebody looking for one of these recently? Not my auction -- just thought I'd pass along the information to anyone who's interested. Closes at 18:40:59 PDT, or about six hours from now as I'm writing this. Currently at USD $36, but may very likely close at $70 or thereabouts? Bill Peifer Rochester, NY - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: to PZ1-P experts. About TTL Flash
On question three, just be aware of, when using the exposure compensation system (on the back of the camera), this will, as normal is, change the cameras "knowledge" about the film ISO speed. As a result, both ambient light and flash illumination are reduced or increased respectively. The only way to compensate both independently, is to use the HyM mode and read the over/underexposure bar in the viewfinder (only PZ1p, not the non-p), and use the dedicated flash compensation menu for the flash. However, this is a very powerful combination, one that I really enjoy on this body! Arnie - Original Message - From: "O'Neill, William" William.O'[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 7:57 PM Subject: RE: to PZ1-P experts. About TTL Flash Alex, Question: 1. Is the TTL flash metering region the same as the light metering? Let me explain: if I set the exposure metering to multi-segment, will the TTL flash use the same metering mode to decide the flash exposure or will it use only spot, or something else? Answer: It is not the same. It uses an OTF sensor that provides a centre-weighted reading. This reading is not the same as the centre-weighted reading for normal exposure either. Question: 2. If I set PF-7 to program the IF button to set the exposure to the background, which metering mode will it use? Let me explain again: I set the metering exposure to spot and I pop up the flash but I would like to have the proper exposure for background. So, as I set PF-7 to do that, I press IF button. What happens? Does it shift to multi-segment to have the proper exposure for background or does it use the spot metering I choose for correction without change the flash configuration or something else Answer: This is just my hypothesis and you will have to check it out...Since the flash exposure is calculated real-time using a different sensor, it cannot be used to determine the ambient background exposure. Likewise, the multi-segment (ambient) meter cannot measure background lighting if it is in spot mode, so for things to be consistent the multi-segment meter will have to switch into multi-segment mode to determine the background exposure when you press the IF button. However, check it out. Question: 3. I am using fill flash. So, I set the exposure for background and I would like to program de flash to fill a subject that is not in the centre spot. How can I do that without change the exposure for the background Is it possible with the camera metering only? Answer: Since the ambient and flash exposure are handled in the PZ1-p by two completely separate systems. In this particular case, if I were using slide film I would set the ambient exposure compensation to -0.5 and the flash exposure compensation to about -1 and bracket a bit on the flash compensation. For print film I would not bother to bracket as a little over exposure will do not harm. Bill O'Neill - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: to PZ1-P experts. About TTL Flash
"Alexandre A. P. Suaide" wrote: Hello, I am trying to understand some features PZ1-P provides about TTL flash metering and I would like to ask some questions to the PZ-1P experts: 1. Is the TTL flash metering region the same as the light metering? Let me explain: if I set the exposure metering to multi-segment, will the TTL flash use the same metering mode to decide the flash exposure or will it use only spot, or something else? Flash metering is an entirely separate system, using a center-weighted sensor measuring illumnation on the actual film. 2. If I set PF-7 to program the IF button to set the exposure to the background, which metering mode will it use? Let me explain again: I set the metering exposure to spot and I pop up the flash but I would like to have the proper exposure for background. So, as I set PF-7 to do that, I press IF button. What happens? Does it shift to multi-segment to have the proper exposure for background or does it use the spot metering I choose for correction without change the flash configuration or something else It will meter exactly as it would if you didn't have the flash up. If you are set to spot metering, it will use spot metering. If you are set to multi-segment, it will use multi-segment metering. 3. I am using fill flash. So, I set the exposure for background and I would like to program de flash to fill a subject that is not in the center spot. How can I do that without change the exposure for the background Is it possible with the camera metering only? Again, the flash metering is center-weighted. If you know that the item that will be illuminated by the flash is far enough off- center that it will be reduced in significance by the flash metering, you want to adjust the flash balance. you can do this by setting the flash exposure compensation (a Pentax Function). -- John Francis [EMAIL PROTECTED] Silicon Graphics, Inc. (650)933-82952011 N. Shoreline Blvd. MS 43U-991 (650)932-0828 (Fax) Mountain View, CA 94043-1389 Hello. My name is Darth Vader. I am your father. Prepare to die. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
RE: to PZ1-P experts. About TTL Flash
Alex, Question: 1. Is the TTL flash metering region the same as the light metering? Let me explain: if I set the exposure metering to multi-segment, will the TTL flash use the same metering mode to decide the flash exposure or will it use only spot, or something else? Answer: It is not the same. It uses an OTF sensor that provides a centre-weighted reading. This reading is not the same as the centre-weighted reading for normal exposure either. Question: 2. If I set PF-7 to program the IF button to set the exposure to the background, which metering mode will it use? Let me explain again: I set the metering exposure to spot and I pop up the flash but I would like to have the proper exposure for background. So, as I set PF-7 to do that, I press IF button. What happens? Does it shift to multi-segment to have the proper exposure for background or does it use the spot metering I choose for correction without change the flash configuration or something else Answer: This is just my hypothesis and you will have to check it out...Since the flash exposure is calculated real-time using a different sensor, it cannot be used to determine the ambient background exposure. Likewise, the multi-segment (ambient) meter cannot measure background lighting if it is in spot mode, so for things to be consistent the multi-segment meter will have to switch into multi-segment mode to determine the background exposure when you press the IF button. However, check it out. Question: 3. I am using fill flash. So, I set the exposure for background and I would like to program de flash to fill a subject that is not in the centre spot. How can I do that without change the exposure for the background Is it possible with the camera metering only? Answer: Since the ambient and flash exposure are handled in the PZ1-p by two completely separate systems. In this particular case, if I were using slide film I would set the ambient exposure compensation to -0.5 and the flash exposure compensation to about -1 and bracket a bit on the flash compensation. For print film I would not bother to bracket as a little over exposure will do not harm. Bill O'Neill - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL flash
At 07:43 PM 3/22/01 +1200, you wrote: Within the Z-1p I believe the TTL flash sensor is centre-weighted. So if you're trying to flash a small object close to the lens, where the background is comparatively much further away, the flash ends up overpowering the subject to try and achieve an acceptable average over both foreground and background, within the coverage of the sensor. There has long been a rumor that F and FA lenses transmit subject distance to the camera body in the Pz and new er series (I'm not sure about the SF series.) If so, I've never seen any real point to that except in use of flash. I do a lot of work with flash and the A* 200 macro, and it does operate as you describe. Fortunately the PZ-1p has a very easy to use flash compensation control, and I just dial in compensation based on geusstimates of the flash and background distances. BTW - so far Pentax bodies have used off the film metering for TTL flash. The light from the flash bounces off the film and then into the TTL sensor. Obviously, the reflectivity of the film stock can make a difference here. It's a moot point for print film, since the film's latitude can easily accommodate slight mis-exposure, but it becomes material for slide film, especially formulations with very narrow latitude. See here for more info: http://www.markcassino.com/essays/ttlflash.htm - MCC - - - - - - - - - - Mark Cassino Kalamazoo, MI [EMAIL PROTECTED] - - - - - - - - - - Photos: http://www.markcassino.com - - - - - - - - - -
RE: TTL flash
Mark Cassino wrote: There has long been a rumor that F and FA lenses transmit subject distance to the camera body in the Pz and newer series (I'm not sure about the SF series.) If so, I've never seen any real point to that except in use of flash. Isnt the subject distance info useful when the multi program bodies eg SFXn MZ7 are choosing an auto program? Peter - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
RE: TTL flash
At 11:46 PM 3/25/01 +0100, Peter Smith wrote: Mark Cassino wrote: There has long been a rumor that F and FA lenses transmit subject distance to the camera body in the Pz and newer series (I'm not sure about the SF series.) If so, I've never seen any real point to that except in use of flash. Isnt the subject distance info useful when the multi program bodies eg SFXn MZ7 are choosing an auto program? That makes sense - though I thought that the Mz-7 was the first body to have the feature of selecting the optimum program mode. - MCC - - - - - - - - - - Mark Cassino Kalamazoo, MI [EMAIL PROTECTED] - - - - - - - - - - Photos: http://www.markcassino.com - - - - - - - - - -
RE: TTL flash
The ZX (MZ)-10 chooses optimum program mode using distance info as well. Doug At 7:15 PM -05003/25/01, Mark Cassino caused thus to appear: At 11:46 PM 3/25/01 +0100, Peter Smith wrote: Mark Cassino wrote: There has long been a rumor that F and FA lenses transmit subject distance to the camera body in the Pz and newer series (I'm not sure about the SF series.) If so, I've never seen any real point to that except in use of flash. Isnt the subject distance info useful when the multi program bodies eg SFXn MZ7 are choosing an auto program? That makes sense - though I thought that the Mz-7 was the first body to have the feature of selecting the optimum program mode. - MCC - - - - - - - - - - Mark Cassino Kalamazoo, MI [EMAIL PROTECTED] - - - - - - - - - - Photos: http://www.markcassino.com - - - - - - - - - - -- Douglas Forrest Brewer Ashwood Lake Photography [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alphoto.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL flash
Bojidar Dimitrov writes: This is a common problem with center-weighted metering, not just with TTL flash with a center-weighted sensor. Common solutions are (I am sure not new to you) matrix metering and manualy setting an exposure compensation value. My older bodies have centre-weighted meters and I only believe them when I know I can. Uneven lighting can be a pain with them, and flash is very rarely even lighting! What you just described is "modern" auto-flash operation. The only difference is that by "body" you mean "camera body," and by "body" I mean "the photographer's body." What I was describing was basically doing all the manual calculations you'd normally have to do using a flash with manual power settings. However I've since realised my lack of thought. What I was proposing would not account for flash dispersion/bounce or filters (as you mentioned). I guess I'm stuck with TTL :) I really should use my flash meter more often. Cheers, - Dave David A. Mann, B.E. email [EMAIL PROTECTED] * http://www.digistar.com/~dmann/ "Why is it that if an adult behaves like a child they lock him up, while children are allowed to run free on the streets?" -- Garfield - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL flash
Hi David, Within the Z-1p I believe the TTL flash sensor is centre-weighted. This is the case with all Pentax bodies with TTL flash. So if you're trying to flash a small object close to the lens, where the background is comparatively much further away, the flash ends up overpowering the subject to try and achieve an acceptable average over both foreground and background, within the coverage of the sensor. This is a common problem with center-weighted metering, not just with TTL flash with a center-weighted sensor. Common solutions are (I am sure not new to you) matrix metering and manualy setting an exposure compensation value. I figure that a better way of doing this would be to control the flash by making the lens communicate its focus distance back to the body, and the flash communicate its GN. The body can then figure out exactly how much flash power to apply for a correct exposure at that distance, as a fraction of what the flash can actually provide. For consistent results the flash power would have to be controlled by the flash itself, perhaps using a sensor behind the tube used in a similar fashion to the old auto-flash sensors (I wouldn't want a totally open-loop system). What you just described is "modern" auto-flash operation. The only difference is that by "body" you mean "camera body," and by "body" I mean "the photographer's body." In this setup you completely lose the advantages of TTL flash: correct metering with filters, tilting and swiveling flash, etc. Has anyone actually implemented such a system? I'd totally love it for my macro work, and any portraiture where the subject doesn't totally dominate the frame. I guess that what you really trying to describe is a TTL flash with a matrix meter controlling the flash burst. Of course, for such a thing one needs to compose the photo, then fire the flash once without opening the shutter, determine the matrix of constants to use for each metering segment, and then change the shot (flash once again and shutter also). There are two problems that I see with this, and both are bad but not enough to spoil the idea completely. First, your subject needs to sit still between the pre-flash and the actual flash. Second, you need a very powerful flash in order to be able to fire it twice within a very short time. One simplification can be done, however: use a TTL-flash matrix meter and couple it to the active AF point. Then you will at least have the subject that is in focus exposed the same as 18% gray. In this case there will be no need for a pre-flash. Just my "random" thoughts... Cheers, Boz - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL flash
David wrote: DAM If noone's done it then I'd like my name on the patent please, Pentax :) Too late David, everybody but Pentax have already flash systems that make use of distance focus. Hopefully, MZ-S and its flash companion might use the D focus encoder that's been available in F/FA lenses for decades now. Until then, we're stuck with good old flash compensation... Servus, Alin - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re[2]: TTL flash
Today's state-of-the-art flash exposure system basically combines the matrix metering with pondering the flash output according to focus distance info. The pre-flash - required to compute main flash output - is very short (likely less than 1/100 of the total power) and very close to the main burst (possibly less 1/1000 sec). As it doesn't significantly affect the guide number, even a small integrated flash can employ this technology. Anyway, all of the above may be crucial for photo journalism or sports photography. To me it doesn't matter much as long as I still have to compensate to avoid getting 16% grays out of deep blacks tuxedos or pure white petals. And, as long as I have to think about colour reflectivity, why not take the time and do the compensation trick for too eccentric or too small subjects, or too prominent foregrounds. Servus, Alin Boz wrote: BD I guess that what you really trying to describe is a TTL flash with a BD matrix meter controlling the flash burst. Of course, for such a thing one BD needs to compose the photo, then fire the flash once without opening the BD shutter, determine the matrix of constants to use for each metering BD segment, and then change the shot (flash once again and shutter also). BD There are two problems that I see with this, and both are bad but not BD enough to spoil the idea completely. First, your subject needs to sit BD still between the pre-flash and the actual flash. Second, you need a very BD powerful flash in order to be able to fire it twice within a very short BD time. BD One simplification can be done, however: use a TTL-flash matrix meter and BD couple it to the active AF point. Then you will at least have the subject BD that is in focus exposed the same as 18% gray. In this case there will be BD no need for a pre-flash. BD Just my "random" thoughts... Cheers, - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Re[2]: TTL flash
Recently Alin Flaider wrote: To me it doesn't matter much as long as I still have to compensate to avoid getting 16% grays out of deep blacks tuxedos or pure white petals. And, as long as I have to think about colour reflectivity, why not take the time and do the compensation trick for too eccentric or too small subjects, or too prominent foregrounds. I agree with that. My only pet-peeve is that flash comp on the Pentax bodies is not as easy or as intuitive as is it can be. Cheers, Boz - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
TTL flash
Hi guys, I've been thinking about TTL flash recently. Within the Z-1p I believe the TTL flash sensor is centre-weighted. So if you're trying to flash a small object close to the lens, where the background is comparatively much further away, the flash ends up overpowering the subject to try and achieve an acceptable average over both foreground and background, within the coverage of the sensor. I figure that a better way of doing this would be to control the flash by making the lens communicate its focus distance back to the body, and the flash communicate its GN. The body can then figure out exactly how much flash power to apply for a correct exposure at that distance, as a fraction of what the flash can actually provide. For consistent results the flash power would have to be controlled by the flash itself, perhaps using a sensor behind the tube used in a similar fashion to the old auto-flash sensors (I wouldn't want a totally open-loop system). Has anyone actually implemented such a system? I'd totally love it for my macro work, and any portraiture where the subject doesn't totally dominate the frame. If noone's done it then I'd like my name on the patent please, Pentax :) Cheers, - Dave David A. Mann, B.E. email [EMAIL PROTECTED] * http://www.digistar.com/~dmann/ "Why is it that if an adult behaves like a child they lock him up, while children are allowed to run free on the streets?" -- Garfield - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Z-1p TTL flash question
On Sat, 24 Feb 2001 18:35:52 -0800, Alan Chan wrote: I have never used TTL flash in program mode much so I have never paid much attention to this feature. Until yesterday, I have discovered the auto aperture would be set quite differently by two different flashes - Metz 40MZ3i and Pentax AF200T. With the 40MZ3i, the chosen aperture was f2 while the AF200T chose f8. The lens was 43/1.9. Any idea why? Alan, Analogue Pentax flashes feed back information to the camera on what it recommends as the correct aperture for program shooting. I don't know if the Metz doe this or not, but I suspect it doesn't and the program line takes over and it goes into slow sync mode. Or maybe the Metz is set to shoot wide open (f2 being what the Z1p displays for wide open on the 43 Limited). Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Z-1p TTL flash question
In a message dated 2/26/01 12:22:33 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The AF200T was set to ISO 640 (f/8)? TTL flashes set up on the ISO # so ISO 800 = f/11, with some lenses sometimes f/9.5. ISO400. Unfortunately, I do not have the AF200T manual with me so I do not know why. Maybe that's the limitation of this flash? regards, Alan Chan Alan, my input you quoted above^ was pure speculation because as you related the situation, it seemed to me as if the flashes were not set equally (as you've confirmed). I've never handled the AF200T, but it surely should go to ISO 800/1000. My AF400T does. Mafud [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
RE: Z-1p TTL flash question
At 09:11 PM 2/25/01 -0800, you wrote: How do you guys cheat the PZ1-p to do Slow Flash? You need to shoot in manual. Set the shutter and aperture to what you want, and shoot. (See pg 93 of the manual.) You can simplify this by setting Pentax Function 6 to 1, which leaves the aperture value fixed and changes the shutter value when you hit the IF button. Also set Pentax function 7 to 0, so the camera does not automatically set the shutter to a high enough speed to allow hand holding. I do this when shooting birds. The body won't take the shutter speed below 1/60th when using the A-400 lens, so if it gets cark enough I switch to hypermanual and use the IF button to shoot with flash at speeds below 1/60. Hope this helps. - MCC - - - - - - - - - - Mark Cassino Kalamazoo, MI [EMAIL PROTECTED] - - - - - - - - - - Photos: http://www.markcassino.com - - - - - - - - - -
RE: Z-1p TTL flash question
Hmmm. I also have two flashes, an AF500FTZ and a Metz 45CT4 (with module and converter for full TTL). I'll have to see what happens. What shutter speed does your PZ-1p select? There's a Pentax Function that tells the camera to either meter for ambient light or set shutter speed at 1/250th. I suspect that yours is set up to meter for ambient and chooses 1/30th at f/2 in low light. I'll try to set up the same conditions with my stuff. I also have a 43mm f/1.9 Ltd. Len --- -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Alan Chan Sent: Saturday, February 24, 2001 8:36 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Z-1p TTL flash question I have never used TTL flash in program mode much so I have never paid much attention to this feature. Until yesterday, I have discovered the auto aperture would be set quite differently by two different flashes - Metz 40MZ3i and Pentax AF200T. With the 40MZ3i, the chosen aperture was f2 while the AF200T chose f8. The lens was 43/1.9. Any idea why? regards, Alan Chan __ ___ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
RE: Z-1p TTL flash question
Hello It's not quite that simple. I have done some tests. When a dedicated flash is turned on, the PZ-1p chooses an exposure, that consideres the ambient light. But it still chooses an exposure that will undeerexpose the backgound a little: If you turn off the flash, you'll se that it chooses an EV a little larger. I have an SB mode on my dedicated Metz AF Spot Beam adaptor (which I BTW also use with a Metz 45 CT4+converter). When I select the SB mode, the Z1-p acts as if no flash was connected, allowing more exposure to the background. I use this for "Slow Flash" (a feature that is missing on the Z1-p!!!???): It means, that the shutter speed is determied by the ambient light, the aperture by the flash (also known as "BBB" or "3B" = Blitz Besstimt Blende). Translated to English it could be something like "FDA" - Flash Determins Aperture). How do you guys cheat the PZ1-p to do Slow Flash? Jens Len WROTE: Hmmm. I also have two flashes, an AF500FTZ and a Metz 45CT4 (with module and converter for full TTL). I'll have to see what happens. What shutter speed does your PZ-1p select? There's a Pentax Function that tells the camera to either meter for ambient light or set shutter speed at 1/250th. I suspect that yours is set up to meter for ambient and chooses 1/30th at f/2 in low light. I'll try to set up the same conditions with my stuff. I also have a 43mm f/1.9 Ltd. Len --- -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Alan Chan Sent: Saturday, February 24, 2001 8:36 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Z-1p TTL flash question I have never used TTL flash in program mode much so I have never paid much attention to this feature. Until yesterday, I have discovered the auto aperture would be set quite differently by two different flashes - Metz 40MZ3i and Pentax AF200T. With the 40MZ3i, the chosen aperture was f2 while the AF200T chose f8. The lens was 43/1.9. Any idea why? regards, Alan Chan __ ___ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
RE: Z-1p TTL flash question
How do you guys cheat the PZ1-p to do Slow Flash? I think I can answer that. I checked the manual and it mentioned, with F and FA lenses, the Z-1p can determine the focal length and chose the slowest shutter speed. For instance, with FA43/1.9, Z-1p chose 1/30x. With A35/2.8 or 50/1.7, it chose 1/60x instead. What shutter speed does your PZ-1p select? There's a Pentax Function that tells the camera to either meter for ambient light or set shutter speed at 1/250th. I suspect that yours is set up to meter for ambient and chooses 1/30th at f/2 in low light. I think it's function 7. I tried both option and did not work quite well. f2 and f3.5 were selected respectively (but still far from f8 with the AF200T). I set the camera to HyperProgram mode and 1/30x f2 (40MZ3i with SCA3701?) was chosen automatically. I tried it in my room which is quite dim. However, with AF200T, 1/30 f8 was chosen. ISO was 400. regards, Alan Chan _ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Z-1p TTL flash question
The AF200T was set to ISO 640 (f/8)? TTL flashes set up on the ISO # so ISO 800 = f/11, with some lenses sometimes f/9.5. ISO400. Unfortunately, I do not have the AF200T manual with me so I do not know why. Maybe that's the limitation of this flash? regards, Alan Chan _ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Z-1p TTL flash question
I have never used TTL flash in program mode much so I have never paid much attention to this feature. Until yesterday, I have discovered the auto aperture would be set quite differently by two different flashes - Metz 40MZ3i and Pentax AF200T. With the 40MZ3i, the chosen aperture was f2 while the AF200T chose f8. The lens was 43/1.9. Any idea why? regards, Alan Chan _ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Z-1p TTL flash question
In a message dated 2/24/01 9:37:35 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Until yesterday, I have discovered the auto aperture would be set quite differently by two different flashes - Metz 40MZ3i and Pentax AF200T. With the 40MZ3i, the chosen aperture was f2 while the AF200T chose f8. The lens was 43/1.9. Any idea why? The AF200T was set to ISO 640 (f/8)? TTL flashes set up on the ISO # so ISO 800 = f/11, with some lenses sometimes f/9.5. Mafud [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL Flash for Macro?
Hi Leon, Hello, Yes this is a pain of a setup but it gives plenty of light and at 7 times magnification to the film I want all the depth of field I can get! Wow. 7X? Well it's actually about 6.8 - Pentax bellows M with 50 mm f 1.4 reverse mounted at full extension and a 2 time teleconverter between camera and bellows. When I want to travel light I have actually made a double headed flash from a Pentax AF240FT and a Mecablitz 34BCT. I simply removed the Is the Mecablitz flash tube wired in parallel with the flash tube in the AF240, using the electronics in the 240 to control both tubes, or are the two flash units just powered in parallel with the electronics from each controlling their respective tubes? The Mecablitz tube is just in parallel with the AF240 and all the controlling is done by the AF240. When I was putting it together I was slightly worried about the extra drain being too much for the components in the AF240 but it's been used for over 100 pictures so far and test fired several hundred times on a Z1p and SF1n. I can easily correctly expose at 1:1 at f32 with a Sigma 105 f2.8 EX using this setup, and the lighting looks good too. That sounds good to me. Do you have any pix on your site you can point me to done with this setup? How do you figure exposure once you get over 1:1? No pics as yet, but I intend to at some point. The setup is not really pretty but it does work well - I built it as a prototype but unless it physically falls apart I probably won't change it. All exposure control is done TTL, I haven't got hold of a flash meter to test manual modes. Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL Flash for Macro?
On Tue, 6 Feb 2001 22:38:23 -0600, Dan Scott wrote: I've never used on an off camera flash. Which small TTL flash would be most suitable for macro work? I'm interested in assisting available light, but not replacing it (and ringflashes look flat to me). Any suggestions? Do I actually want TTL? I'm not %100 sure, being new at this. Hi Dan, I've used various flash setups and I agree with you that the ring flash can look flat, but it's also the most easily transported flash setup. The main reason for using flash for macro photos is to increase your depth of field, particularly on subjects that wont be nice and sit still for you! Lately I have been using a 2 flash setup and this works quite well. Depending on where I am going and what I am doing I either take 2 flashes (AF400FTZ and Sigma EF430) and use both off camera mounted on separate stands. Yes this is a pain of a setup but it gives plenty of light and at 7 times magnification to the film I want all the depth of field I can get! When I want to travel light I have actually made a double headed flash from a Pentax AF240FT and a Mecablitz 34BCT. I simply removed the flash tube and housing from the Mecablitz put a long cable on it and put the flash tube in parallel with the one in the AF240. I used cable with enough wires in it so I can add modeling lights later if I want and I probably will. The flash I bought cheap from a list member because the hotshoe had broken off but as I don't need it for this setup it didn't matter. I have the AF240 connected to the camera via a 5p cable and a hotshoe adaptor F and the heads aligned vertically (assuming landscape format pictures) on either side of the lens at about 30 to 45 degrees of the lens axis. The whole unit is quite light and easily transported with the camera, though you do still have to ensure both flash heads are pointed at the subject. I plan on shooting flowers, bugs, assorted vermin (but nothing politico-sized), fish in aquariums, and various small organic things at magnifications from 1:4 on down to about 5:1, indoors and out. Cheap is good, BTW. I'll most likely be making my own brackets and using paper or cloth for reflectors. If you have some technical skill you can try making the setup I did. It was quite cheap, the brackets I used cost me AU$4 from a camera fair, the Mecablitz I got for nothing because it was broken and the AF240FT I bought along with a broken SF1n (which is now working thanks to me having another broken one that I got for nothing) for US$50 (I'm not sure how to figure out what each cost me). The expensive part was the 5p cord and adaptor that I bought new about 2 years ago. I can easily correctly expose at 1:1 at f32 with a Sigma 105 f2.8 EX using this setup, and the lighting looks good too. Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL Flash for Macro?
Hi Flavio, Thanks for the feedback. So I'm looking for a used Fg hotshoe adapter now. :-) Any expererience with any of the flashes I mentioned, or alternate suggestions? The AF240T is looking like my optimal flash at the moment, since it has the 5P Sync port on it. I was thinking of rubberbanding an index card or two over the end of the flash if it turned out the light bursts were too intense. Good idea or not. Your idea of using the gooseneck part of a gooseneck lamp (that's we call it, here) sounds excellent. I had planned on making something along the lines of the brackets Mark Cassino shows on his website, but your idea sounds more adjustable and lighter. It would probably be pretty easy to fabricate something using thinwall aluminum conduit, squashing one end flat and drilling it to make the part that goes under the camera body, and then shaping it in a tube bender and either slipping the gooseneck over the conduit or vice versa. I'm not much at soldering, so I'd probably just run a couple small sheet metal screws in there to hold it together. Some spraypaint and padded handlebar tape or foam would dress it up and make it comfortable to hang on to. Thanks, Dan Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] I don't have specific suggestion but any TTL flash should do, as long as it is capable of very short, low power bursts. Yes, absolutely. When you'll start adding extension, compensation, background/foreground lighting and ambient light thing get a little complicated and TTL flash is too good not to use it (IMO, of course). You still need an Hot Shoe Adapter Fg (if you go with an AF500FTZ) or two. I'm currently thinking about making a bracket soldering to a common straight bracket one of those flexible metal arms used for desk lights. Adding a small ballhead on top should give me the necessary mobility. Hope it helps, Flavio - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: TTL Flash for Macro?
Hi Leon, Yes this is a pain of a setup but it gives plenty of light and at 7 times magnification to the film I want all the depth of field I can get! Wow. 7X? When I want to travel light I have actually made a double headed flash from a Pentax AF240FT and a Mecablitz 34BCT. I simply removed the flash tube and housing from the Mecablitz put a long cable on it and put the flash tube in parallel with the one in the AF240. I used cable with enough wires in it so I can add modeling lights later if I want and I probably will. The flash I bought cheap from a list member because the hotshoe had broken off but as I don't need it for this setup it didn't matter. I have the AF240 connected to the camera via a 5p cable and a hotshoe adaptor F and the heads aligned vertically (assuming landscape format pictures) on either side of the lens at about 30 to 45 degrees of the lens axis. The whole unit is quite light and easily transported with the camera, though you do still have to ensure both flash heads are pointed at the subject. Is the Mecablitz flash tube wired in parallel with the flash tube in the AF240, using the electronics in the 240 to control both tubes, or are the two flash units just powered in parallel with the electronics from each controlling their respective tubes? I can easily correctly expose at 1:1 at f32 with a Sigma 105 f2.8 EX using this setup, and the lighting looks good too. That sounds good to me. Do you have any pix on your site you can point me to done with this setup? How do you figure exposure once you get over 1:1? Thanks, Dan Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
