Pentax compatible flash

[tjlemkuil]

Looking for some advice on updating my off camera flash. I have a ZX-7 that I have been using with a vivitar 270 zoom flash. I also have a K200D that I want to get an off camera flash for. Is there a unit available similar to the 540FGZ that would work on both? I am not looking to spend the price of the 540 but, I would like similar features.

 

[gokenin]

Not 100% sure but I believe that the flash will not work for an older film camera they use a different voltage than the new DSLR's

You might find this thread of interest if you are looking for a flash for your Pentax camera

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/43215-pentax-p-through-lens-flash-comparison.html

 

[Groucho]

Metz and Sigma (and probably some others) make P-TTL flashes - but I would stick with the OEM ones. I've got an AF360 and am quite happy with it. I had an AF540 for a few hours but it had an issue with zooming. (It was a Craigslist buy and I was able to return it.) I have an older flash that has a swivel head if I need that - but usually if I want to shoot in portrait, I'll just have the onboard flash trigger the AF360 wirelessly.

The AF360 is a good bit cheaper so I would give that consideration over a third-party flash, even though you give up the swivel head and possibly some strength over the top third-party ones. You also may have issues with third-party flashes when Pentax introduces a new body - some flashes have needed firmware updates in the past; not the case with the OEM ones.