Pentax TTL on another flash

[msknight]

Right - this one is complicated.

Long story short, MPEX is currently offering a cheap but good quality manual flash - The LumoPro LP120. http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,12311.html

Now, this one isn't TTL, but I'll get my grubby hands on one for a week in the near future to put it through its paces.

Here's the deal ... I've been talking with the guy who's behind this flash and he is planning Nikon and Canon TTL verisons. I asked him, why not P-TTL? He said, no demand. I've asked him, well, what about the other side of the coin, if it isn't there, people won't ask for it.

Now - I'm not asking for people here to go pestering the guy to make something that may not sell; - please DON'T pester Mpex, their TTL units aren't even in existance yet - but I think it is something that the Pentax community needs to discuss.

We're suffering with lack of quality P-TTL devices at reasonable cost but the question is, do Pentax shooters want non-Pentax flash units that can handle P-TTL?

Personally, I'd love a cheaper alternative to the 540FGZ.

So, chat away ... and in a week or so's time, I'll have a review of the fully manual LP120 for those who are interested. There will also be sellers of the LP120 in Europe, by the way.

If you want to pester anyone about P-TTL, make it Radio Popper ... their stuff rocks.  By the way, when Radio Popper finish the JrX units for the UK, I'll be scrabbling for a set, so I'll be able to report on those as well at some point.

Michelle.

[spyglass]

Michelle way to point out both sides of the coin to the manufacture. Hopefully he can see the third side (the edge), the niche market. If manufactures all battle and cater to N & C, once market share is carved up, I wonder if they realize that a lone player in a smaller market might not find equal or greater sales, not to mention some pricing freedom. I personally do not mind paying slightly above market average for a product that my own brand (Pentax) can not, or will not, supply.
When it comes to flash units I wonder why 3rd party manufactures do not make a standard unit that is programmable / up datable via USB. That way they could manufacture one model, and supply it with a different mounting feet to suit the different brands. The consumer would simply pop the appropriate foot on the flash, connect the flash via USB to their computer and upgrade the operating firmware to suit the make and model of the camera. I realize that it can be difficult to make a one shoe fits all product..... but in this day and age with computers, USB, and updates, the shoe can walk by itself.

Spyglass 

[terrytootall]

Hi.
I am with Tim on his comments. I don't understand why third party manufacturers cannot come up with comparable flash units to the original manufacturers units. I especially like Tim's idea of having a USB or similar interface to update the internal firmware. I have an old HANIMAX flash unit (TTL) I bought years ago for my Pentex ME-super, and I bought the adapter made for the Pentax (3 pins). This is an awesome flash and I still use as a remote slave with external triggers.

My 2-bits worth. Cheers!
TerryTooTall

[msknight]

Well, I've sent him another mail and pointed to the Metz http://www.srsmicrosystem...l-Flash---Pentax-Fit.html - so Ill see what he thinks about the function list and the price.

Secondary reflector with 3 light output ratios.
Vertical (-7/+90°) and horizontal (270°) swivel reflector.
Easy operating concept.
Illuminable dot matrix LC display.
Motor zoom for 24 - 105 mm illumination.
Integrated wide-angle diffuser for 18 mm illumination.
Reflector card that can be flipped open for soft flash illumination.
Modeling light (permanent light for checking the photo).
Integrated autofocus multi-zone measuring flash.
Flash readiness and exposure control indicators on the unit and camera.
Flash range indicator.
Automatic unit switch-off and manual key lock.
Firmware update via integrated USB port.
TTL flash mode.
Automatic flash mode with 12 automatic apertures.
Manual flash mode with 25 partial lighting levels.
Stroboscope mode.
HSS – high speed synchronization.
1st and 2nd shutter curtain synchronization.
Manual flash exposure correction for TTL or. Automatic flash mode.
Automatic fill-in flash.
Flash bracketing.

Flash output: high max. GN of 58 for ISO 100/21° and 105 mm.
Power supply: 4 x AA batteries(not included).
Included accessories: Belt case and slave mounting foot.

[terrytootall]

Hello.
Wow! Very detailed specifications. Can I add a few ideas?
X-sync socket
Wireless operations, multi-channel
Power supply: connector for optional external power source
Reasonably priced

[msknight]

Hi Terry,

Those were the specs for the Metz.

The LumoPro one is here http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,12311.html

.. the current one does have sync sockets, both PC and 3.5mm jack. They are also talking with Quantum about extra power, but there are always the usual DIY mods to pack more AA cells into external packs.  Personally, my thoughts are that if you're after mains powered strobes, then you're better off getting mains powered strobes.

The flash is aimed at being cheap, which is why it doesn't have any wireless, but it does have an optical trigger as well as the hot shoe and the jack and PC.  Being fully manual, though, this is aimed at off-camera use so this version doesn't have any TTL at all.

I'll have a full run down when I get my paws on one.

Michelle.

[Ben_Tax]

Metz makes a now quite complete range of P-TTL flashes:
- mecablitz 48 AF-1 digital / Pentax/Samsung
- mecablitz 58 AF-1P
- mecablitz 76 MZ-5 digital
- mecablitz 45 CL-4 digital
- mecablitz 54 MZ-4i
Promaster has some and then there are the Chines modells sold under many different brand names, like Vivitar etc. So, there are some choices already at very different price tags. I have been using Metz flashes with Pentax film and digital gear for the last 25 years and lately retired all my original Pentax flashes.


EDIT: I nearly forgot: There are also the Sigma 530 and 530 Super flash guns: You will find a very good source of information on Matt's website: http://pttl.mattdm.org/

Ben

[spyglass]

Metz makes a now quite complete range of P-TTL flashes:
- mecablitz 48 AF-1 digital / Pentax/Samsung
- mecablitz 58 AF-1P
- mecablitz 76 MZ-5 digital
- mecablitz 45 CL-4 digital
- mecablitz 54 MZ-4i
Promaster has some and then there are the Chines modells sold under many different brand names, like Vivitar etc. So, there are some choices already at very different price tags. I have been using Metz flashes with Pentax film and digital gear for the last 25 years and lately retired all my original Pentax flashes.

Ben

Ben thanks for bringing some 3rd party flash options to us. Like you stated, these options may offer different pricing levels, and possibly different features or build quality.

Spyglass