Pentax AF 360 FGZ Flash for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras (w/ case) by Pentax
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Digital camera reviews of Pentax AF 360 FGZ Flash for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras (w/ case)
Digital camera Review: 360 is not a good name for this flash!
Summary: 3 Stars
I mistakenly purchased this flash thinking it would give me more bouncing flexibility than it actually delivers. The name "360" belies the fact that it does NOT rotate even 1 degree. I just upgraded from a total Olympus digital SLR system to a total Pentax with the K10D as the camera. I now wish I had not ordered the flash as, though it delivers nice light directly and with the strobe angled upward at 45, bounced off of the built-in diffuser, it does not allow you to turn it sideways or to the rear to take advantage of larger surfaces to give a softer and more diffuse light. The integration with the camera is o.k., but it does not go to sleep when the camera does, and has a manual slide switch to turn it on. The boost for the flash is built into the flash and not the camera. I liked controlling the brightness from the camera in my Olympus. I love the K10D but not this flash!Digital camera Review: Great Flash for the Cash
Summary: 5 Stars
To expand your creative needs this is a great flash that does everything well.Digital camera Review: Great flash for basic needs
Summary: 4 Stars
I was looking for a basic flash to use instead of the built-in "straight-in-the-face"-flash. This one is just that. Missing a swivel. I will most probably compensate that with a hot shoe and extension cable when shooting in portrait orientation.
Otherwise I can just say it's a great flash for the money.
Digital camera Review: Very nice choice for Pentax Digital SLRs
Summary: 4 Stars
This Pentax flash offers all stuff you'd expect from a basic AF flash (power zoom, bounce, AF illuminator), plus a bit more.
Like most of the camera companies, Pentax offers a basic and more advanced (or powerful) flash. As basic flashes go, this one only lacks "swivel" (side-to-side adjustment) from ranking 5-stars. In terms of exposure accuracy, this flash ranks equal to the best.
Useful features included that aren't typically found in cheaper flashes are:
1) Built-in wide angle diffuser. Need a bit more width in the coverage? A pull out panel is located in the top of the flash;
2) Built-in "catch light". This small, white card is in the same space as the diffuser. If using bounce, this will help elimate shadows caused by the bounce, and puts a little gleam in the eye;
3) High-Flash synch. Most useful for outdoor portrait photography, this allows you to set the shutter speed to faster than normal, allowing you to control the depth-of-field;
4) "Spot Beam" function. In low light situations, the AF illuminator in the flash fires to help the AF system of the camera. The SB features allows the illuminator to work even when the flash is not used for exposure (such as in a museum);
5) Command functions. Unlike the Nikon SB-600 or Canon 430EX, this flash can be used to control and trigger multi-flash operations.
A very good basic flash, only a swivel away from 5-star perfection!