Even though many sites stated that the Yongnuo radio triggers are compatible with Pentax, I had a difficult time looking for reviews on its use specifically with Pentax flashes. So the next best thing is to just buy a pair and try it out.
Before I get to the functions and settings, let's tackle the problem I encountered first. I was very excited when I received the package in the mail. I put batteries in the units, mount the Pentax AF540FGZII on one of them and switch them on. So far so good, until I tried to trigger the flash - nothing! After half an hour of troubleshooting, I discovered that the forward right contact was the culprit.
The solution is to tape up that contact. According to Nikon hot-shoe pin out that is the SP pin that monitors the Speedlite. (I know this is somewhat confusing as this is a Canon specific unit but I shall clear that up later). The same pin on a Pentax digital flash transmit digital signals. When two incompatible systems meet, the flash gets 'confused' and refuses to fire. Once I am comfortable with the system I may open up the trigger and cut the wire to that offending pin.
I emailed Yongnuo Hong Kong and received a quick reply. Basically they apologized and claimed that they had not tested their devices with Pentax equipment and so cannot guarantee compatibility.
Now on to the good stuff. The triggers do work for Pentax flash and camera after the modification. There are a couple of things to take note of.
1. Try to purchase the Canon version with C1 cable. C1 cable is the one with 2.5mm stereo jacks on both ends (see the 1st photo). This will work with Pentax DSLRs.
2. The difference between the Canon and Nikon versions is the hot-shoe foot mount pin out. The hot-shot on top of both versions is still Nikon pin out. (Even more
)3. The RF605 supports both RF602 and RF603 mode, and both will work but the RF603 is smarter and has better compatibility so that is the mode of choice.
4. If you use RF602 mode to trigger both camera shutter and flash, it may at first look like it is working but actually the sync is way off. The flash fires first followed by the shutter.
Without getting verbose, this is how things work.
For use as a shutter trigger, connect one unit to the DSLR with that C1 cable. Both units set to RF603 TRX mode. Half press the remote button to auto focus, fully depress to fire the shutter. If camera is on bulb mode, holding down the button will keep the shutter open. :thumbsup:
For use as a flash trigger, set the one with the flash to RF-603 TRX and set the remote trigger unit to TX. You will notice that you can only trigger a camera or a flash but not both together, since they each needs different mode to operate. I was puzzled and disappointed at first, until I found the correct way of doing things.
To trigger both camera and flash, mount one to the flash, one onto the hot-shoe of the camera AND connect the C1 cable to the camera's remote socket. All three devices, including the remote trigger, have to be set to RF603 TRX mode. The handheld remote will trigger the camera's shutter, the camera hot-shoe will in turn trigger the mounted unit and it being a transceiver, will trigger the remote flash. There! That is how things should work. I have to admit, I do not have a third unit to test this hypothesis. But with the logic from deductive reasoning there is no reason for it not to work. Also if you look at the tiny diagram on page 9 in the manual it does show such a configuration. :angel:
Conclusion? Like most China products, they are cheap, they do work most of the time but are confusing like he**. The user interface and protocol could use some polishing. However in the end, considering the price and built quality, I am one happy camper.
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