Thanks for the review. I'm used to not having the built-in flash since I have a K1 as well as the K3iii. I've had the K5 and K3 and, at least for me, the on-camera flash is of little use. In fact on the K3 I don't ever remember using it. I'm still getting used to the menu system on mark iii (I don't think I like it), but flash wise it's just like the K1. Most high-end/pro cameras don't have a built-in flash anyway, so controlling externally is the norm. I remember your last review back in November about this subject so I'm happy for your update. Great job
Having only ever used Pentax DSLRs with built-in flashes (K-7, K-3), I found this intro quite helpful indeed, Kobie. Good to know that despite not being the most powerful flash, my AF360FGZ II would still offer me the modes in question mounted on the K-3 III.
Kobie! My main Man. I had accidentally disabled see/post comments. It was YT enhancement, which I love. My fault. Timely. Got the 540AFZ II. And did know. But you're right about a little different. I hadn't actually used an off camera flash since 80's/90's or so when did more pro stuff.
Thanks kobe. I have the same flash gun. I never new how to get the high speed sync to work before. But after watching your video and a little play about with my camera and xt trigger I got it to work. I now have flash at 1000th of a second or faster if I want. This will be great for when I shoot bugs next summer. I found at 180th there was always movement in some shots. So thanks for all that. The k3 mk3 is still out of my price range. But strangely I'd buy the k1. It all boils down to what you shoot at the end of the day. For now the k70 is the bizz for me.
Thanks for the clear overview. I've been using a StrobePro radio controller (Godox compatible) for some time so most of this looked fairly familiar. I'm curious of you have experimented with the K-3iii and manual lenses. I'd like to get the flash working with things like my Lensbabys but the work arounds that seemed to work with older bodies have not worked on the K-3iii.
I gave up on Pentax P-TTL flash a long time ago. I use old fashioned auto flash with great results(Nikon SB-28 and SB-80 and good old Vivitar 285HV) I use the Nikon SC-17 flash cord for off camera(always) which is the best sync cord ever made. For studio work it's all manual speedlights and mono lights. Very hard to find now but I have an off camera sensor cord for my Vivitar 283 were the sensor is on the camera and I get really good results either in a softbox or umbrella. Pentax P-TTL leaves a lot to be desired.
I have that same flash, for my Sony camera. I have a Vivitar TTL flash for my Pentax cameras, but I broke the cheap plastic shoe years ago using a pocket diffuser; I can’t remember the name right off hand. I recently purchased a Neewer manual flash with a metal shoe that can be used on both of my systems and it works really well. You need to bring back BOTH hand snaps KOBE! One is good, but both cracks the air with AUTHORITY!
Can you not find replacement part for the Vivitar shoe? A long time ago, I bought one of my Nikon SB-28 very cheap because of the broken shoe, but I was able to buy on Ebay the part for practically nothing, and it was very easy to replace.
@@pbyfr I haven’t looked; I probably could. I also have the older manual Vivitar flashes as well and I used those heavily with my Pentax setup for weddings, events and general indoor photography. The 283 and the 285. Those have served me well.
You can only do that with a Pentax camera that has a built in flash, or you'd need 2 Pentax flashes (one on the camera to send the signal to the off camera flash). The only other alternative is to use Cactus V6 II transceivers (one in the camera and the other attached to the flash). Cactus is no longer in business though. This is why I (and many others) switched to the Godox lighting system.
In your video, I see you are using TAv capture mode. Just purchased a K3iii and trying to use flash. The only capture mode I am able to use Is B. In any other mode, in the menu when I go to Still Image/ Exposure Setting/Flash Mode, I get a I get this message: This function is not available in the current mode. Am I doing something wrong or do I need to contact seller (B&H Photo) about this problem? Thanks @@KobieMC
@@michaelcdupree2981 HI Michael. Congrats on the purchase! Let's try something. Set the mode dial to M, Av, TV or TAv, set your drive mode to single, no HDR or any other special settings. And see if that works. This wouldn't be a case of something blaming the seller. It's a setting that isn't compatible with flash mode. Also, make sure you aren't using electronic shutter since that is not compatible with using flash.
Since the K10D, Pentax' support of flash was limited, and it is only worsening. The only advantage of the K-3III for that is the 1/200 speed instead of 1/180. I don't have any P-TTL flash, as the Pentax models are well overpriced, and I bought 3 cheap Nikon SB-28 long before cheap P-TTL alternative existed. And my Cactus 5 don't support it either. I understand that a brand is blocking the market for its product, but only if they are really useful. When you see what a modern Nikon flash can do, Pentax offering is a joke.
Nicely done. Somebody asked me about flash the other day, I sent them your way. As always, keep up the good work.
Thanks man! You as well!
Thanks for the tips. I have the same flash and now know exactly what to do when I need to use it.
Earl mentioned a double snap. Storing many of your vids I'd missed. I noticed you're Snap was back. Adds a little "SNAP" to vids. Love it.
Thanks for the review. I'm used to not having the built-in flash since I have a K1 as well as the K3iii. I've had the K5 and K3 and, at least for me, the on-camera flash is of little use. In fact on the K3 I don't ever remember using it. I'm still getting used to the menu system on mark iii (I don't think I like it), but flash wise it's just like the K1. Most high-end/pro cameras don't have a built-in flash anyway, so controlling externally is the norm. I remember your last review back in November about this subject so I'm happy for your update. Great job
Having only ever used Pentax DSLRs with built-in flashes (K-7, K-3), I found this intro quite helpful indeed, Kobie. Good to know that despite not being the most powerful flash, my AF360FGZ II would still offer me the modes in question mounted on the K-3 III.
Thanks Kobie
Thanks Kobie I need to experiment with flash on my K3-11 now that you brought that to my attention all my other Pentax cameras have built in flash
Kobie! My main Man. I had accidentally disabled see/post comments. It was YT enhancement, which I love. My fault. Timely. Got the 540AFZ II. And did know. But you're right about a little different. I hadn't actually used an off camera flash since 80's/90's or so when did more pro stuff.
It's all good. Welcome back lol
Thanks kobe. I have the same flash gun. I never new how to get the high speed sync to work before. But after watching your video and a little play about with my camera and xt trigger I got it to work. I now have flash at 1000th of a second or faster if I want. This will be great for when I shoot bugs next summer. I found at 180th there was always movement in some shots. So thanks for all that. The k3 mk3 is still out of my price range. But strangely I'd buy the k1. It all boils down to what you shoot at the end of the day. For now the k70 is the bizz for me.
Thanks for the clear overview. I've been using a StrobePro radio controller (Godox compatible) for some time so most of this looked fairly familiar.
I'm curious of you have experimented with the K-3iii and manual lenses. I'd like to get the flash working with things like my Lensbabys but the work arounds that seemed to work with older bodies have not worked on the K-3iii.
I haven't used any manual lenses on the K-3 III yet. I need to set enough time aside to really go through it all with a manual lens.
I gave up on Pentax P-TTL flash a long time ago. I use old fashioned auto flash with great results(Nikon SB-28 and SB-80 and good old Vivitar 285HV) I use the Nikon SC-17 flash cord for off camera(always) which is the best sync cord ever made. For studio work it's all manual speedlights and mono lights. Very hard to find now but I have an off camera sensor cord for my Vivitar 283 were the sensor is on the camera and I get really good results either in a softbox or umbrella. Pentax P-TTL leaves a lot to be desired.
I have that same flash, for my Sony camera. I have a Vivitar TTL flash for my Pentax cameras, but I broke the cheap plastic shoe years ago using a pocket diffuser; I can’t remember the name right off hand. I recently purchased a Neewer manual flash with a metal shoe that can be used on both of my systems and it works really well. You need to bring back BOTH hand snaps KOBE! One is good, but both cracks the air with AUTHORITY!
Can you not find replacement part for the Vivitar shoe? A long time ago, I bought one of my Nikon SB-28 very cheap because of the broken shoe, but I was able to buy on Ebay the part for practically nothing, and it was very easy to replace.
@@pbyfr I haven’t looked; I probably could. I also have the older manual Vivitar flashes as well and I used those heavily with my Pentax setup for weddings, events and general indoor photography. The 283 and the 285. Those have served me well.
Thank You !
Hi
Can i used the 540fgz ii in wireless slave mode
Like the k5
You can only do that with a Pentax camera that has a built in flash, or you'd need 2 Pentax flashes (one on the camera to send the signal to the off camera flash). The only other alternative is to use Cactus V6 II transceivers (one in the camera and the other attached to the flash). Cactus is no longer in business though. This is why I (and many others) switched to the Godox lighting system.
what setting do you have on your camera ? i e AV TV Sv etc ? thanks
I was using TAv but when I'm out on a shoot, I use M.
In your video, I see you are using TAv capture mode. Just purchased a K3iii and trying to use flash. The only capture mode I am able to use Is B. In any other mode, in the menu when I go to Still Image/ Exposure Setting/Flash Mode, I get a I get this message: This function is not available in the current mode. Am I doing something wrong or do I need to contact seller (B&H Photo) about this problem? Thanks @@KobieMC
@@michaelcdupree2981 HI Michael. Congrats on the purchase! Let's try something. Set the mode dial to M, Av, TV or TAv, set your drive mode to single, no HDR or any other special settings. And see if that works. This wouldn't be a case of something blaming the seller. It's a setting that isn't compatible with flash mode. Also, make sure you aren't using electronic shutter since that is not compatible with using flash.
thanks for this ! :-) :-)
Just real quick. I got 540 flash because it's Wireless, just like the K-3 III!
Since the K10D, Pentax' support of flash was limited, and it is only worsening. The only advantage of the K-3III for that is the 1/200 speed instead of 1/180.
I don't have any P-TTL flash, as the Pentax models are well overpriced, and I bought 3 cheap Nikon SB-28 long before cheap P-TTL alternative existed. And my Cactus 5 don't support it either.
I understand that a brand is blocking the market for its product, but only if they are really useful. When you see what a modern Nikon flash can do, Pentax offering is a joke.