Hello all. I have not posted to this forum in quite some time, but I am now (finally) about to purchase a P67II system for use in my business.

I have need for a powerful flash in what I do, and plan to purchase the hot shoe grip, rather than build my own out as described elsewhere on this forum. The hot shoe grip info indicates that it is designed specifically for the AF500FTZ or AF330FTZ Pentax strobes. I already have a Nikon SB-28 strobe that is quite adequate for the coverage and power I need. The hot shoe looks like it has the contacts in the same place as the Nikon, however I do not have time to go and look/compare before I purchase (long story). Does anyone have any input/comments about compatibility?

If the SB-28 cannot be used, I will purchase the 500FTZ.

Thanks in advacne for any guidance.

Jim

-- Jim Korczak (korczaks@ptdprolog.net), May 19, 2001

Answers

So Jim, are you going to do a field test on the 55-100 zoom? It is badly needed. SR

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), May 31, 2001.

Instead of purchasing another flash that only works with one system, why not go the Metz route? This way the flash you buy for the Pentax can also be used on your Nikon with an inexpensive module/adapter.

I had the same problem - Pentax/Contax/Canon. Much money was saved and I didn't have to learn the nuances of three different flash systems.

Just my $.02 Hope it helps.

-- Rolf Strasheim (rolfs@thelunatech.com), May 19, 2001.

Rolf,

Thanks for the input. However, I would have to learn the Metz in addition to the Nikon anyway, so I am still leaning toward the Pentax Unit. I do like the power of the new Metz 70 MZ-5 though. The combination of the hot shoe grip and the Pentax unit is within $100 US of the Metz unit. Neither way is inexpensive.

Thanks again.

Jim

-- Jim Korczak (korczaks@ptdprolog.net), May 19, 2001.

Jim, I too have the P67II and Nikon flash units. I have not tried to use the SB-26 flash in the TTL mode on the 67II, but I have used it in the auto and manual modes. I would be surprised it the two were compatable in the TTL mode.

I mounted the SB-26 directly in the hot shoe of the 67II grip, but disconected the dedicated cord. I used a standard PC to PC cord to connect the Nikon flash to the 67II body. This works well for fill flash, but if you need TTL operation I suspect you'll have to buy a Pentax flash, or third party brand that is dedicated for Pentax. If you go with a third party unit, be careful because some units dedicated for earlier Pentax units won't work in all modes with the P67. I learned this because I have a Nissin 360TXP with a Pentax dedicated module attached. This unit was meant for manual focusing Pentax cameras of the past. When attached to the 67II, the viewfinder flash symbol lights when the flash is charged, and the flash works in the TTL mode, but when I go to the automatic mode (which uses the sensor on the front of the flash), or the manual mode, the flash still TTLs, as if it is in the TTL mode. I know there is nothing wrong with the flash because I also have a Nikon module for it, and it works fine on Nikon cameras. I've heard that Pentax has changed their TTL systems a few times over the years. Bob

-- Bobby Mahaffey (mahajen@prodigy.net), May 20, 2001.

Bobby,

I would tend to agree withyou that there is little likelihood that the TTL functions of the two systems would be compatible. In fact, I would expect them to go out of there way to make them different in order to maximize sales.

I bit the bullet this afternoon and ordered the system with the Pentax flash and hot shoe grip. I'll post a follow up after the shoot and let you know how it works (in case anyone is curious).

BTW, the "system" is a P67II with AE finder and the 55-100 zoom.

Jim

-- Jim Korczak (korczaks@ptdprolog.net), May 20, 2001.

Not only is the pin-out different but the TTL signal is the reverse polarity. I'm currently using my SB-26 on my P67II with TTL but I had to build an adapter to be able to mount the flash on the grip. The adapter is real simple but if you are not the handyman then its not worth the trouble. I faced a similar problem myself, already owning an SB-26 which is a superior flash, why should I spend more money to get another inferior Pentax flash?

-- (mbarroca@americasm01.nt.com), May 21, 2001.

I do not have the time to build such an adapter right now, but I am intrigued. Please email me the details, if you dont mind.

In what way is the Pentax unit inferior to the Nikon unit in terms of functionality and performance on the 67II?

Jim

-- Jim Korczak (korczaks@ptdprolog.net), May 21, 2001.

As promised, here is a follow up on my use of the Pentax AF500FTZ with the hot shoe grip.

The shoot was mostly indoors, documenting interior fixtures and room setups for a client. Film was Kodak T400CN shot straight. I used the strobe in TTL mode with the zoom head set to manual 28mm or 35m coverage with the 55-100 zoom lens used mostly at the wide end. The shots came out great with coverage very even and very deep. I am confident now that it will suffice in place of my SB-28 for use on the 67II. The negatives on the flash unit so far are limited to overall feel and finish. It is the same price as the SB-28, but it feels more cheaply made and the foot lock is one of the flimsiest I have seen. As I use it more, I may learn of other limitations, but for now it works well.

-- Jim Korczak (korczaks@ptdprolog.net), May 31, 2001.