Comments on: What is a good but affordable flash for a Pentax K100D SLR camera?

By: Steve P

Steve P — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:40:59 +0000

A small correction to Edwins answer. The Vivitar 285HV is not 100% manual. It has 4 automatic fstop ranges. You set the flash to one of these f stops, and your camera to the matching f stop. The flash then uses a built in sensor to read reflected light and output the correct power for a proper exposure. I find it works as well, and often times better, than the dedicated through the lens flashes that cost MUCH more money.

By the way, the reason you do NOT want to use the earlier 285 or 283 flashes is they have very high trigger voltage at the hot shoe contacts and can damage the camera. The 285HV is a newer design and has lower trigger voltage, safe for modern digital cameras.

steve
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I have the 285HV

By: Edwin

Edwin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:07:59 +0000

Take a look at the Vivitar 285HV. Its about $90.00 at B&H ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com ).

NOTE: There is an older Vivitar 285 which you DO NOT want. Make certain you order the 285HV.

This flash is 100% Manual but since your husband is an "advanced amateur" he shouldn’t have any problems figuring it out. A careful reading of the Manual that comes with the flash should have him happily flashing away in no time.

****** EDIT ******

When I used the term "manual" to describe the flash it was in reference to there being no TTL interface between camera and flash.
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By: Thomas

Thomas — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:19:59 +0000

I suggest

Precision Design DSLR300 Universal High Power Auto Flash with Zoom/Bounce/Swivel Head

http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Design-DSLR300-Universal-Digital/dp/B001Q918QO?tag=yahanswer-20
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