TP Powerpack 3 for AF540FGZ, any comments ?

[art2d2]

Recently I have been shooting a few indoor events and I find that my AF540FGZ flash refresh rate is still not fast enough. I missed a few crucial shots as the result. Normally after the 2nd burst shot the flash stop to recharge for 3-4 seconds. I have tried the following to improve the situation but it still not good enough.

1. Shoot in higher iso like 800 and above.
2. Shoot in larger aperture (which I try not to because it will affect the DOF).
3. Tried using Eneloops, GP Recyko batts and Energizer 2700mah rechargable batts.
4. Shoot direct instead of bounce.
5. Sometimes -EV on the flash output.

Is there something wrong with my flash or it is normal for the slow recharge ? I also got the AF360FGZ and it seems the recharge rate is about the same, but of course its less powerful. So now I'm considering if getting the TR Powerpack 3 would help the slow recharge rate.

More info on the powerpack. http://www.pentaxwebstore.com/detail/PTX+37225

Any suggestions and comments are welcomed

[fengwei]

Pentax flashes are known to be slow for recharging. The powerpack will help alot from my friend's experience.

BTW, did you put any diffuser infront of the flash? Better take it out and try again next time ... Another solution is to use two cameras and two flashes ...

[istDeS]

If I'm not wrong, CY OH is using it. Maybe you can check with him also. Haven't see him here for a while.

[art2d2]

Originally Posted by fengwei Pentax flashes are known to be slow for recharging. The powerpack will help alot from my friend's experience. BTW, did you put any diffuser infront of the flash? Better take it out and try again next time ... Another solution is to use two cameras and two flashes ...

Thanks fengwei for the tips, I was only using a A6/A5 size bounce card. Yeah was thinking of getting a 2nd backup body, waiting for the K-M

[art2d2]

Originally Posted by istDeS If I'm not wrong, CY OH is using it. Maybe you can check with him also. Haven't see him here for a while.

Hmm ok thanks. Just saw Amazon.com (Adorama) selling for USD139.95. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...9AVE6&v=glance

[ftang]

I feel that the powerpack maybe very cumbersome due to its weight (6 size "C" batteries). Can someone who has use the powerpack before comment on the extra weight.

[istDeS]

Originally Posted by ftang I feel that the powerpack maybe very cumbersome due to its weight (6 size "C" batteries). Can someone who has use the powerpack before comment on the extra weight.

I was able to see and hold one during one of the outing. It's not heavy to me.

[Francis Lee]

I used it too for my work. It does no help with recycling time but do extend the life of the flash's batteries though.
Its also on the heavy side...accordingly to my non-Pentax user friends but I'm ok with it cause I use to own a Turbo 2 which felt like weights for divers.

But I do noticed that when I set flash to Manual (non-TTL) mode with controlled output power (1:4~1:16), I can shoot almost instantly for 5 shots before the recharge (1"~3") sips in.

My usual setting for on-the-move scenario is ISO200, f/4.5, 1/60 with flash on Manual, output power at 1/4 or 1/8... this works for me. You may want to try this for your own preference setting.

[art2d2]

Originally Posted by Francis Lee I used it too for my work. It does no help with recycling time but do extend the life of the flash's batteries though. Its also on the heavy side...accordingly to my non-Pentax user friends but I'm ok with it cause I use to own a Turbo 2 which felt like weights for divers. But I do noticed that when I set flash to Manual (non-TTL) mode with controlled output power (1:4~1:16), I can shoot almost instantly for 5 shots before the recharge (1"~3") sips in. My usual setting for on-the-move scenario is ISO200, f/4.5, 1/60 with flash on Manual, output power at 1/4 or 1/8... this works for me. You may want to try this for your own preference setting.

Thanks Francis for your input. Hmm normally I will shoot at iso 200 to 800 depending on the situation. Ok, probably will get this powerpack and see how it works for me

[CY_OH]

Don't find it heavy. It has a loop at the back to put through your belt or a 1cm wide strap to put hang on shoulder. When testing at full power, recharging halved from 6s to about 3s.

Below is an old thread on the powerpack.
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=340754

[Francis Lee]

... would also like to add that it doesn't take rechargeable batteries.

[art2d2]

Originally Posted by CY_OH Don't find it heavy. It has a loop at the back to put through your belt or a 1cm wide strap to put hang on shoulder. When testing at full power, recharging halved from 6s to about 3s. Below is an old thread on the powerpack. http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=340754

Thanks for you feedback CY_OH, apppreciate it.

Originally Posted by Francis Lee ... would also like to add that it doesn't take rechargeable batteries.

Thanks for the info Francis. I'm still holding back getting this at the moment, having some personal recession at the moment

[airconvent]

Hi Arthur
I noticed that all your batteries are NiMHs. Their current drain capacity may not be as good as a set of Energizer Lithiums. Even if you do not want to opt for this as primary power, good to keep them as backup.
Cheers