5 Using the Flash. Pentax K200D, K-200D

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Using the Flash

This chapter provides details on the built-in flash of x and describes how to take pictures with the external flash.

Compensating Flash Output .............................128

Allowing Shooting while Charging the Flash ..129

Flash Characteristics in Each Exposure Mode

..............................................................................130

Distance and Aperture when Using the Built-in

Flash ....................................................................132

DA, D FA, FA J, FA and F Lens Compatibility with the Built-in Flash ................................................133

Using an External Flash (Optional) ...................134

128

Compensating Flash Output

You can change the flash output in a range of –2.0 to +1.0. The flash compensation values are as follows for 1/2 EV and 1/3 EV.

Step interval

1/2 EV

1/3 EV

Flash compensation

–2.0, –1.5, –1.0, –0.5, 0.0, +0.5, +1.0

–2.0, –1.7, –1.3, –1.0, –0.7, –0.3, 0.0, +0.3, +0.7, +1.0

* Set interval of steps in [1. EV Steps] (p.101) in the [A Custom Setting] menu.

Set the flash compensation value by turning the e-dial in the [Flash Mode]

screen in the Fn menu (p.77).

• If the maximum flash output is exceeded when corrected to the plus (+) side, no compensation will be effective.

• Compensating to the minus (–) side may not effect the image if the subject is too close, aperture is low or sensitivity is high.

• This flash compensation is also effective for external flash units which support P-TTL auto flash mode.

• Pressing the Green button on the [Flash Mode] screen resets the flash exposure compensation to the default setting [0.0].

Allowing Shooting while Charging the

Flash

You can set to enable shooting while the flash is being charged.

Set [On] for [15. Release when Charging] in the [A Custom Setting] menu

(p.76). Pictures cannot be taken while the flash is charging by default.

15. R e l e a s e w h e n C h a r g i n g

O f f

O n

129

E n a b l e s s h u t t e r r e l e a s e w h i l e t h e b u i l t - i n f l a s h i s c h a r g i n g

130

Flash Characteristics in Each

Exposure Mode

Using the Flash in b (Shutter Priority) Mode

• When taking a moving subject, you can use the flash to change the blur effect.

• Any desired shutter speed 1/180 sec. or slower can be set for taking a flash photograph.

• The aperture value automatically changes according to the ambient brightness.

• The shutter speed is locked at 1/180 sec. when lens other than DA, D

FA, FA J, FA, F or A is used.

Using the Flash in c (Aperture Priority) Mode

• You can set the desired aperture to take a flash photograph when you want to change the depth of field or shoot a subject farther away.

• The shutter speed automatically changes with the ambient brightness.

• The shutter speed shifts automatically anywhere from 1/180 sec. to a

slow shutter speed (p.56) that reduces camera shake. The slowest

shutter speed depends on the focal length of the lens in use.

• The shutter speed is locked at 1/180 sec. when lens other than DA, D

FA, FA J, FA or F is used.

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Using Slow-Speed-Sync

You can use slow-speed-sync when shooting portraits with the sunset in the background. Both the portrait and the background are captured beautifully.

• Slow-speed-sync slows the shutter speed. Use the Shake Reduction function or turn off the Shake Reduction function and use a tripod to avoid camera shake. The picture will also blur if the subject moves.

• Slow-speed-sync shooting can also be performed with an external flash.

Using b (Shutter Priority) Mode

1 Set the mode dial to b.

b (Shutter Priority) mode is set.

2 Use the e-dial to set the desired shutter speed.

The background is not properly exposed if aperture value is blinking when shutter speed is set. Set the shutter speed so that aperture value does not blink.

3 Press the K button.

The flash pops up.

4 Take the picture.

Using a (Manual) Mode

1 Set the mode dial to a.

a (Manual) mode is set.

2 Set the shutter speed (under 1/180 sec.) and aperture value to obtain correct exposure.

3 Press the K button.

The flash pops up.

In a (Manual) mode, you can raise the flash at any time prior to shooting.

4 Take the picture.

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Distance and Aperture when Using the Built-in Flash

A set criteria is necessary between the guide number, aperture and distance when shooting with the flash to obtain the correct exposure.

Calculate and adjust the shooting conditions if flash output is not sufficient.

Built-in flash guide number

ISO Sensitivity

ISO 100

ISO 200

ISO 400

ISO 800

ISO 1600

Built-in flash guide number

Approx. 13

Approx. 18.4

Approx. 26

Approx. 36.8

Approx. 52

Calculating Shooting Distance from Aperture Value

The following equation calculates the distance of the flash for aperture values.

Maximum flash distance L1 = Guide number ÷ Selected aperture

Minimum flash distance L2 = Maximum flash distance ÷ 5*

* The value 5 used in the formula above is a fixed value which applies only when using the built-in flash alone.

Example

When sensitivity is [ISO 100] and aperture value is F2.8

L1 = 13 ÷ 2.8 = approx. 4.6 (m)

L2 = 4.6 ÷ 5 = approx. 0.9 (m)

Therefore, the flash can be used in a range of about 0.9 m to 4.6 m.

The flash cannot be used when the distance is 0.7 m or less. When the flash is used at closer than 0.7 m, it causes vignetting in the picture corners, light is distributed unevenly and the picture may be over-exposed.

Calculating Aperture Value from Shooting Distance

The following equation calculates the aperture value for shooting distances.

Aperture value used F = Guide number ÷ Shooting distance

Example

When sensitivity is [ISO 100] and shooting distance is 3 m, aperture value is:

F = 13 ÷ 3 = 4.3

If the resulting number (4.3, in the above example) is not available as a lens aperture, the smaller number that is closest (4.0, in the above example) is generally used.

DA, D FA, FA J, FA and F Lens

Compatibility with the Built-in Flash

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Depending on the lens used with the x, even if a lens without a hood is attached, the use of the built-in flash may not be possible or may be limited due to vignetting.

DA, D FA, FA J, and FA lenses not listed below can be used without problems.

* Following are evaluated without a hood.

Unavailable due to vignetting

Lens Name

DA Fish-eye 10-17mm F3.5-4.5ED (IF)

DA12-24mm F4ED AL

DA14mm F2.8ED (IF)

FA300mm F2.8ED (IF)

FA600mm F4ED (IF)

FA250-600mm F5.6ED (IF)

Available depending on other factors

Lens Name

F Fish-eye 17-28mm F3.5-4.5

DA16-45mm F4ED AL

DA16-50mm F2.8ED AL (IF) SDM

DA18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL (IF)

FA28-70mm F2.8AL

FA Soft 28mm F2.8

FA Soft 85mm F2.8

Compatibility

Vignetting may occur if focal length is less than

20 mm.

When the focal length is less than 28 mm or when the focal length is 28 mm and the shooting distance is 1 m or less, vignetting may occur.

When the focal length is 20 mm or less or when the focal length is 35 mm and the shooting distance is less than 1.5 m, vignetting may occur.

Vignetting may occur if the focal length is less than 35 mm.

Vignetting may occur if focal length is 28 mm and the shooting distance is less than 1 m.

Built-in flash always discharges fully.

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Using an External Flash (Optional)

Using the optional external flash AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ or AF200FG enables a variety of flash modes, such as P-TTL auto flash mode, depending on the external flash being used. See the chart below for details.

(Yes: Available #: Restricted No: Not available)

Camera Function

Red-eye reduction flash

Flash

Automatic flash discharge

After the flash is charged, the camera automatically switches to the flash sync speed.

Aperture is automatically set in e (Program) mode and b (Shutter Priority) mode.

Built-in

Flash

Yes

AF540FGZ

AF360FGZ

Yes

AF200FG

Yes

Auto check in the viewfinder No No No

P-TTL auto flash (appropriate sensitivity:

ISO 100 to 1600)

Slow-speed sync

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Flash exposure compensation

AF illuminator

Trailing curtain sync

Contrast-control-sync flash mode

Yes

# *3

Yes

# *5

Slave flash

Multiple flash

Yes

High-speed flash sync

Wireless flash

# *5

Yes

Yes *4

*1 When using DA, D FA, FA J, FA, F or A lens.

*2 Shutter speed of 1/90 sec. or slower.

*3 When combined with the AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ, 1/3 of the flash discharge can be output by the built-in flash and 2/3 can be output by the external flash.

*4 Multiple AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ units or a combination of an AF540FGZ/AF360FGZ unit and the built-in flash is required.

*5 Only available when combined with the AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ.

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About the LCD Panel Display for AF360FGZ

The AF360FGZ does not have the function to set the FORMAT size to

[DIGITAL], but the difference in angle of view between standard 35 mm format and the x is automatically calculated based on the focal length of the lens used (when using DA, D FA, FA J, FA or F lenses).

The conversion indicator appears and the format size indicator disappears when the exposure metering timer of the x is on (it returns to 35 mm format display when the exposure metering timer is turned off).

Lens focal length

AF360FGZ

LCD panel

Exposure metering timer

Off

Exposure metering timer

85mm 77mm 50mm 35mm 28mm 24mm 20mm 18mm

85mm

58mm

70mm 50mm

48mm 34mm

35mm

24mm

28mm 24mm

19mm 16mm *

* Using wide-angle panel

Using P-TTL Auto Mode

Use this flash mode with the AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ or AF200FG flash unit. When the flash mode is set to [P-TTL auto], the flash pre-flashes before the actual flash and confirms the subject (the distance, brightness, contrast, whether it is backlit, etc.) using the camera 16-segment metering sensor. The flash output for the actual flash is adjusted based on the information obtained from the pre-flash, enabling flash photography with more appropriate exposure for the subject than with normal TTL auto.

P-TTL auto is available in wireless flash mode when two or more

AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ units are used.

1 Remove the cover of the hot shoe and attach the external flash

(AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ).

2 Turn on the camera and the external flash.

3 Set the external flash mode to [P-TTL auto].

4 Confirm that the external flash is fully charged and then take the picture.

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• P-TTL auto is only available with the AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ or AF200FG flash unit.

• The b will light in the viewfinder when the flash is ready (fully charged).

• For details such as operation method and effective distance, please read the external flash manual.

• The flash does not discharge when the subject is bright enough when Flash

Mode is g or i. Therefore, it may not be suitable for daylight-sync shooting.

• Never press the K button when any external flash unit is attached to the camera. The built-in flash will hit the external flash. If you want to use both at

once, see p.140 for the connection method.

Using High-Speed Flash Sync Mode

With the AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ, you can discharge the flash to take a picture at a shutter speed faster than 1/180 second. High-speed flash sync can be used with the flash attached to the camera, or wireless.

Attaching and Using the AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ

1 Remove the cover of the hot shoe and attach the external flash

(AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ) to the camera.

2 Turn the mode dial and set the exposure mode to b or a.

3 Turn on the camera and the external flash.

4 Set the external flash sync mode to HSb (high-speed flash sync).

5 Confirm that the external flash is fully charged and then take the picture.

• The b will light in the viewfinder when the flash is ready (fully charged).

• High-speed flash sync is only available when the shutter speed is faster than

1/180 sec.

• High-speed flash sync is not available when the exposure mode is set to p

(Bulb).

Using in Wireless Mode

By using two external flashes (AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ) or using the built-in flash with an external flash, you can shoot in P-TTL flash mode without connecting the flash units with a cord. High-speed sync mode is also available for wireless shooting.

• Set the power switch of the external flash to WIRELESS.

• Set the wireless mode of the external flash not directly connected to the camera to SLAVE.

Setting the Channel for the External Flash

First set the channel for the external flash unit.

1 Set the channel for the external flash unit.

2 Attach the external flash to the camera hot shoe.

3 Turn on the camera and the external flash, and press the shutter release button halfway.

The built-in flash is set to the same channel as the external flash unit.

• When set to r mode, the channel currently set for the built-in flash is displayed on the LCD panel for 10 seconds.

• Be sure to set all the flashes to the same channel. Refer to the AF540FGZ or

AF360FGZ operating manual for details on how to set the channel on the external flash.

Using the Built-in Flash in Wireless Mode

Set the camera to wireless flash mode when using an external flash in combination with the built-in flash.

1 Press the { button and press the four-way controller (3).

The [Flash Mode] screen appears.

2 Use the four-way controller (45) to select r mode.

Press the 4 button to return to Capture mode.

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When Drive Mode is set to i or the lens aperture is not set to the s position, r appears gray and cannot be selected.

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Changing the Built-in Flash Discharge Method

You can change the built-in flash discharge method in wireless mode.

Off

Discharges the built-in flash.

Discharges the built-in flash as a control flash.

Set in [16. Flash in Wireless Mode] in the [A Custom Setting] menu (p.76).

HSb (High-speed sync) is not available when the camera is set to discharge the built-in flash.

Wireless Shooting

Using a Combination of the Built-in Flash and an External Flash

Unit

1 Remove the external flash unit after the channel was set on the camera, and place at the desired location.

2 Set the camera flash to r mode, and pop up the built-in flash.

3 Confirm that both flashes are fully charged and then take the picture.

Using a Combination of External Flash Units

1 Set the wireless mode of the external flash directly connected to the camera to [MASTER] or [CONTROL].

MASTER

CONTROL

Discharges both the flash directly connected to the camera and the wireless flash unit.

The flash directly connected to the camera is discharged as a control flash only and does not discharge as main flash.

2 On the wireless remote flash unit, set the wireless flash mode to

[SLAVE] and set the channel to the same channel as the flash directly connected to the camera. Then, place at the desired location.

3 Confirm that both flashes are fully charged and then take the picture.

Shake Reduction is not available in Wireless mode.

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Wireless Flash Control (P-TTL Flash Mode)

When using external flash units (AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ) for wireless shooting, the following information is exchanged between the flash units before the flash is discharged.

Press the shutter release button fully.

1 The flash unit directly connected to the camera emits a control flash (relays the flash mode of the camera).

2 The wireless remote flash unit emits a test flash (relays confirmation of subject).

3 The flash unit directly connected to the camera emits a control flash (relays flash output to the wireless remote flash unit).

* The flash unit directly connected to the camera will emit a control flash one more time after this to relay the flash duration time when

HSb (High-speed sync) is set.

4 The wireless remote flash unit discharge as main flash.

When the wireless mode of the external flash directly connected to the

camera is set to [MASTER] or [16. Flash in Wireless Mode] (p.138) is set

to [On] for the built-in flash, all the flash units will discharge simultaneously.

Red-Eye Reduction

As with the built-in flash, red-eye reduction is available with an external flash. This may not be available on some flashes or may have restrictions

for usage conditions. See the chart on p.134.

• The red-eye reduction feature works even when only an external flash is

used. (p.66)

• If red-eye reduction of the built-in flash is used when the external flash is set as the slave unit or with the wireless function, the preflash for red-eye reduction will trigger the external flash. Do not use red-eye reduction when using a slave unit.

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Trailing Curtain Sync

When using the built-in flash with an external flash (AF540FGZ or

AF360FGZ) that is set to the Trailing curtain sync function, the built-in flash will also use this mode. Confirm that both flash units are fully charged before shooting.

Using the Built-in Flash with the External Flash

As shown in the illustration below, attach the Hot Shoe Adapter F

(optional) to the camera hot shoe and an Off-Camera Shoe Adapter F

(optional) to the bottom of the external flash, and connect these with the

Extension Cord F5P (optional). The Off-Camera Shoe Adapter F can be mounted using the tripod screw to your tripod.

Only the P-TTL auto flash can be used in combination with the built-in flash.

5 When combining with the built-in flash

Discharging Multiple Flashes

You can combine two or more external flashes (AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ or

AF200FG) or you can use two or more external flashes in combination with the built-in flash. You can use the extension cord connection terminal on the flash to connect the AF540FGZ. You can connect AF360FGZ or

AF200FG units as shown in the illustration below. Connect an external flash and the Hot Shoe Adapter F (optional) to the Off-Camera Shoe

Adapter F (optional) and then connect another Off-Camera Shoe Adapter

F with external flash using the Extension Cord F5P (optional).

Refer to the flash manual for details.

• Do not combine with accessories that have a different number of contacts such as a Hot Shoe Grip as a malfunction may occur.

• Combining with flashes from other manufacturers may cause equipment breakdown. We recommend using the AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ or AF200FG.

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When combining two or more external flashes

When using multiple external flashes or an external flash with the built-in flash,

P-TTL is used for flash control.

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Contrast-Control-Sync Flash

Combining two or more external flashes (AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ or

AF200FG) or using an external flash in combination with the built-in flash allows multiple flash photography (contrast-control-sync flash photography). This is based on the difference between the amounts of light discharged from multiple units.

• The AF200FG must be combined with the AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ.

• Do not combine with accessories that have a different number of contacts such as a Hot Shoe Grip as a malfunction may occur.

• Combining with flashes from other manufacturers may cause equipment breakdown. We recommend using PENTAX automatic flashes.

1 Connect the external flash to the camera indirectly. (p.140)

2 Set the sync mode for the external flash to the contrast-control-sync mode.

3 Turn the mode dial and set the exposure mode to e, b, c or a.

4 Confirm that both the external flash and built-in flash are fully charged and then take the picture.

• When using two or more external flashes and the contrast-control-sync mode is set on the external master flash unit, the flash output ratio is 2 (master unit)

: 1 (slave units). When external flash is used in combination with the built-in flash, the flash output ratio is 2 (external flash) : 1 (built-in flash).

• When using multiple external flashes or an external flash with the built-in flash, P-TTL is used for flash control.