Pentax AF540FGZ Flash for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras (Includes Case) by Pentax
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Digital camera reviews of Pentax AF540FGZ Flash for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras (Includes Case)
Digital camera Review: Great flash for a great set of cameras
Summary: 5 Stars
As usual Pentax has managed to give us a great accesory for the digital line of cameras that we love.Digital camera Review: Not enough quality for the money
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought this flash here in the USA because it is twice as cheap as in Russia. But I might have made a wrong decision anyway. This flash might produce beneficial results and be great in use (I haven't yet tested it or used it). BUT the quality of the build itself has a great flaw.
When you insert batteries the battery compartment door won't close. When it's not closed the batteries are not fully pressed in there and, consequently, the flash won't start. You have to either always keep your fingers tightly pressing the door, or use lots of adhesive material to keep it shut, otherwise the flash is totally inoperable.
What do I do now? Even if I send it back and they take it, by the moment anything is repaired or exchanged I might be out of country for good. And I highly doubt that Pentax authorised dealers in Russia take it for repairs or exchange there, since it was bought in the USA.
I am very disappointed not even having started to use it.
Digital camera Review: Pentax AF-360FGZ flash
Summary: 1 Stars
Purchased AF-360FGZ after being assured it will work in P-TTL auto zoom with Pentax K100D Super. First unit stuck in P-TTL manual zoom straight out of box, and will not recognize 18-55mm kit lens in manual zoom. Dealer was excellent in replacing it after Pentax Customer Service believe unit was defective. Brand new replacement unit behaved in exacly same manner staight out from box. Reading two of your owners reviews, I am satisfied, I am not the only person to have the same problem. Would have given it 5 star if it worked properly, as it is feature packed.Digital camera Review: Pentax AF540 FGZ flash
Summary: 3 Stars
All electronic features of this flash are excellent. I use most of them. The manual really does suck.
The wireless feature is awesome for macro work with my 90mm Tamron 1:1 macro lens. I can hold the flash in any position for sidelighting , etc.
The system has a tendency to under-expose flash shots with backlighted subjects (like windows with sunlight) unless care is take to select multi-segment exposure mode using PTTL. This is exactly when you want it to work perfectly to brighten the foreground. I love the -3 stop adjustment for delicate fills.
The one serious problem I have is with the shoe mount which became defective within a week. I use this flash a lot and haven't considered sending it back for repair because I can't do without it for 2 months. I have a hard time getting the flash out of the hot-shoe because of this. Weddings are hectic enough without fooling with the flash. I find my self using available light with reflectors more because I hesitiate to use the flash. I hate to cuss while at a wedding! The swivel head position stops aren't strong enough to hold my Gary Fong LightSphere in position either. I have to steady it constantly. I own the K10d and K20d for weddings and love the cameras and the many Pentax lenses I have for them. But I'm greatly disappointed by the build quality of the flash though. For $340 I expected much better quality. I haven't see a flash for Pentax that has a better feature list though.
Digital camera Review: Pentax AF540FGZ
Summary: 5 Stars
Great features and the remote feature is awesome. The smart zoom functions quite well and auto recognizes the use of internal defusers. All in all, a great flash.