The AF160FC HAS LANDED

[Craig]

Hello,

The world of macro has just become more interesting for me with the D FA 100. I just got this today, and snapped a few for insurance purposes. Thought I would share them because some of you may have been waiting for this to be available also. I don't have time right now to give it a proper inspection, but everything looks good to me so far.
I will supply more information and post some test shots soon.

Craig

Coming to a store near you!

[spyglass]

My Precious......   Ironshot, you are Lord of the Ring 


Spyglass

[calsan]

I like the straight forward dial on the back - looks easy to use.

How's the battery cover?
[My AF360 battery cover is a bit suspect!]

[Craig]

Calsan,

Seems like it will be adequate, altough it is a little exposed. The battery door snaps tight and feels secure, as it should, because the door is located top back above the controls. The batteries fit snug in their slots, so there is no pressure on the door from the inside. I hope this answered your question.

Craig

[tcom]

That is great news, Craig! Where are you located?

I ordered mine in October, so I hope to get one soon... I wonder how long it takes to come to Switzerland.

[mannesty]

Excellent news, just what I've been waiting for. AF140C going spare if anybody wants one.

What size adapter rings are included?

[Craig]

Dominique,

My location is in the middle of the U.S. I wish you luck in getting your ringflash soon, as I know you could give it a proper test more so than I can. It was you I had in mind when posting the shots of this new rig. I hope this becomes available for everyone soon because I'm sure it will be a very usefull tool for macro photography.

Peter,

The adapter rings are well constructed and remind me of my B+W circular polarizer filters. Sizes are 49,52,58,67mm.
The macro adapter for the D FA 100mm is perfect. It replaces the dedicated lens hood and the flash head is attached very easily. Just press in on the release buttons, turn on, and let the fun begin.

Although it is 60 degrees Farhenheit this morning, it's sad that everything is either dead or dormant around here.
The wind is blowing 20-30 mph, so testing it outside is not my best option right now. I think I will be taking it to the Butterfly House soon and I will post pics if and when I go. Another idea would be to buy flowers for my girlfriend. That might turn out to be the best of both worlds. That may also backfire...maybe not...she's not used to me buying her flowers for no reason.

[tcom]

Thank you Craig.

I could certainly do a few shots with it if I would already have it, but it will be much more useful in spring. So, at the moment, it is not too urgent. But it is good to know that the delivery seem to have started.

[mannesty]

Craig,

Could I ask you to check the documentation please, and tell me if the AF160FC will work properly with TTL film and digital bodies? I have a *istD which is TTL, not P-TTL, that I use for macro work.

[Craig]

Peter,

I believe you are good to go sir. Under the compatability chart it states: "For lenses with aperature ring,P-TTL auto is used if the lens is set to A, and TTL auto is used for all other settings. P-TTL auto is used for lenses(DA, DA L
 and FAJ) that do not have an aperture ring." The camera model column included *istD, Ds, and Ds2 are all compatible in this fashion. I hope this answered your question, and you understand what this means. This is all new to me. Let me know if I can be of further assistance even though I have limited knowledge.

Craig

[mannesty]

Perfect. Thank you.

[Mike Pearson]

Craig,

Thanks for sharing all the information and the photos - I look forward to seeing some butterfly shots. 

Time for me to start saving.... >D

Mike

[LaRee]

Wow! Oh my. This is the one accessory that I really would love to have. I really don't have any desire for any other lenses etc. but I do desire this flash.  I look forward to hearing how you like it. I just wonder if I will struggle to use it as much as I do the other flashes I use with my Pentax.

[blackcloudbrew]

I'm loving my ring flash for sure and to me it was clearly designed to work well with Pentax's 50 and 100mm macro lenses. However, in thinking that it would be an easy test, I plopped my AF160 on top of my daughter's Canon 40D (hey, I tried to get her to use Pentax stuff, but she is at a university studying photojournalism were they push Canon and Nikon stuff). Could not get it to fire, in fact the exceedingly complicated canon menu told me that it there was some problem recognizing the flash. I didn't have much time to fuss with it, but the ring flash should work on other cameras, right? Any thougths?

Tim

[Craig]

Tim,   I have searched the net for info on compatibility with the ring flash and I can't find any encouraging info.  You would think it would work to some extent.  I'm not too slick with lighting or flashes.  We will have to wait and see if someone else has any input.  Sorry I couldn't help with this issue.

Craig