Strobist Flash and Pentax

[gtl1987]

Was looking at getting a cheap manual flash for strobist photography and saw many good reviews on the Yongnuo 560ii, but then I saw this thread on PF.

mounted YN-560 flash problem - PentaxForums.com

So does the yongnuo flash work properly? What alternatives do you guys use/recommend? Thanks!

I use a K5 btw...

 

[sunnycamera]

Tumax Wireless TTL HIgh Speed Sync Flash is quite cheap and full features.

TTL Flash

I use yongnuo 460II, never got a problem yet. and it is less than 80 sgd, with 7 stops of light control

Addon: I use it both on-camera and off-camera

 

[Baracus]

Was looking at getting a cheap manual flash for strobist photography and saw many good reviews on the Yongnuo 560ii, but then I saw this thread on PF.

mounted YN-560 flash problem - PentaxForums.com

So does the yongnuo flash work properly? What alternatives do you guys use/recommend? Thanks!

I use a K5 btw...

I have 4 of them and they perform well until they meet concrete. :bsmilie: (1 has broken plastic hotshoe and 1 has overheating problem. Still usable though) I pair them with the K10D and PT-04/Phottix Strato.

From the other thread, it seems that the problem only occurs when mounting the YN560 directly on the K5. But since you are strobing, that's the last place you should stick it on.

 

[Silverback84]

I'm interested as well..

 

[zoom3]

Yes, the Yongnou is an excellent manual flash. It is robust, powerful, can fire all day long and recharges really fast, especially when used with the optional battery pack. And it is so easy to adjust the output setting. No complicted menu to navigate.

However, it does have the freezing problem when mounted on the K5. To unfreeze, many times I have to remove the batteries from the flash as well as from the K5. Will then work okay or may freeze again. It freezes more often when in Av mode. Less when in M mode.

Good news is that when used off camera, there is no issue at all. Fires everytime. Also no problem when mounted on my other camera (not Pentax)

For the price, this flash is an excellent buy :thumbsup:

 

[Supersimon27]

Anyone try the latest YN-560 II with K5 latest firmware ?

Some reported fine while some say it still freeze .

My Yn-560 just can't work with K5 , Yn-460ii no issue so far .

Thinking to get the 3rd flash

 

[pinholecam]

Anyone try the latest YN-560 II with K5 latest firmware ?

Some reported fine while some say it still freeze .

My Yn-560 just can't work with K5 , Yn-460ii no issue so far .

Thinking to get the 3rd flash

It may be more complicated, but maybe you can use a sync cord or fire off via optical trigger

 

[zoom3]

Just to clarify, mine is the YN560 but with the metal mounting feet. Not the YN-560 II

 

[Supersimon27]

It may be more complicated, but maybe you can use a sync cord or fire off via optical trigger

I got wireless trigger for strobe . But I can't possible hold it with one hand while doing event mah . Ha . Unless maybe I get a flash bracket .

I considering to get a auto flash for events . Easier also . Now considering either Metz or sigma 610 super . But then again YN price are just too good

Just to clarify, mine is the YN560 but with the metal mounting feet. Not the YN-560 II

Yeah same problem . With version 1.1 , plastic leg YN 560 still can use . But with the recent upgrade now even plastic YN560 also cannot use le

 

[gtl1987]

Thanks for your replies. Would the pt04 and phottix strato be better than cactus v5s? I am currently looking at that. And where do you guys get umbrellas, grids, light stands and stuff? A basic strobing kit would be good. Thanks!

 

[Baracus]

Thanks for your replies. Would the pt04 and phottix strato be better than cactus v5s? I am currently looking at that. And where do you guys get umbrellas, grids, light stands and stuff? A basic strobing kit would be good. Thanks!

I wanted to get the Cactus actually, but nobody bought it in, so I settled for the Strato. The Strato has good range and hasn't misfired, as compared to the basic PT-04. The Strato is also rather compact compared to the Cactus, but the plastic hotshoe receiver is the only con I can think of.

I buy my stuff at the stores advertising on CS. (Independent/retail) Others get it cheaper from China/HK. Worth it if you buy bulk and save on shipping.

If you need further help/lessons, you can approach me or pinholecam.

 

[Moonlightsg]

Hi,

for the Strato...
i have to buy the model for nikon?
if i have 2 sigma flash, one canon hotshoe, the other one is pentax hotshoe, can i buy 1 transmiter and 2 'nikon' receive to use? anyway no TTL... will it work?

in short... a canon flash can mount on nikon receiver?

 

[Baracus]

Hi,

for the Strato...
i have to buy the model for nikon?
if i have 2 sigma flash, one canon hotshoe, the other one is pentax hotshoe, can i buy 1 transmiter and 2 'nikon' receive to use? anyway no TTL... will it work?

in short... a canon flash can mount on nikon receiver?

I don't remember if mine was for canon or nikon. (Grabbed whatever was available) But as long as the flash has middle contact pin, should be able to "dumb" fire. However, bring along your gear to test on site just in case.

 

[poseur]

Hi,

for the Strato...
i have to buy the model for nikon?
if i have 2 sigma flash, one canon hotshoe, the other one is pentax hotshoe, can i buy 1 transmiter and 2 'nikon' receive to use? anyway no TTL... will it work?

in short... a canon flash can mount on nikon receiver?

why bother buy the more expensive photix or strato. when u can buy other more "neutral " triggers at less eg those oem PT04. also avaliable in 16channel if thats your concerns. u just wasting money buying those ttl receiver when u cant even use them.

 

[Baracus]

why bother buy the more expensive photix or strato. when u can buy other more "neutral " triggers at less eg those oem PT04. also avaliable in 16channel if thats your concerns. u just wasting money buying those ttl receiver when u cant even use them.

Range, reliability, build.

The PT04 served me well for a while until it showed its shortcomings in slightly complex shoots. ( Flash hidden behind walls, out of sight in general)
The Strato has performed without fail in such situations and the use of AAA batteries in TX + RX is much welcomed. The price is also comparable to the "dumb" Cactus V5, but in a smaller package. The only con is the plastic mount on the TX.

 

[poseur]

Range, reliability, build.

The PT04 served me well for a while until it showed its shortcomings in slightly complex shoots. ( Flash hidden behind walls, out of sight in general)
The Strato has performed without fail in such situations and the use of AAA batteries in TX + RX is much welcomed. The price is also comparable to the "dumb" Cactus V5, but in a smaller package. The only con is the plastic mount on the TX.

hmmm. i heard some good review for Cactus v5. not that cheap tho.

 

[zoom3]

Actually I also have problems with the remote trigger not firing. I have tried a number of different triggers and they all have this problem with the K5. I believe it is a camera problem affecting some K5.

 

[zoom3]

Just to add that I never have a problem with the Pentax AF-540 flash mounted. Fires everytime.

 

[gtl1987]

I was set on the cactus v5s... What do you experts think???

 

[poseur]

Just to add that I never have a problem with the Pentax AF-540 flash mounted. Fires everytime.

curtain Sync speed problem? pentax is 1/180.
If u try to shoot at faster speed like 1/200. it might not trigger.