flash compatibility query

jesa · Sep 30, 2007

I am a relative beginner and I am trying to start out on the right path. I am thinking about getting a new camera; the one I am using now is a Pentax MV. I'd like to be able to only replace the body and still use my lens and flash but I am not quite sure about flash compatibility. I have a Pentax AF200S flash and I'd like to know if it is possible to use it with other cameras, and if there are any internet resources I can use to answer similar questions to this in the future. Google searches are oftentimes not the most efficient way to get information.

Thanks, and if this is a very simple question please know that I only ask because I couldn't really seem to find any information today otherwise. I learn quickly so I shouldn't be asking too many noob questions in the future.

-Jesa

Ole · Sep 30, 2007

I'm using that same flash one a Pentax MZ-5n. No problems (so far).

Nick Zentena · Sep 30, 2007

Pentax USA has all their manuals online. Going back to the 1950s or at least they did last time I looked.

jesa · Sep 30, 2007

Nick Zentena said:
Pentax USA has all their manuals online. Going back to the 1950s or at least they did last time I looked.

So they do! Thanks.

in the manual is says: "may be used with all cameras featuring direct hotshoe contact"
Is that something that I will be able to easily find out about a camera? Are all hotshoes the same? Are there some cameras that have hotshoes that arent 'direct contact'?

Nick Zentena · Sep 30, 2007

jesa said:
Are all hotshoes the same?

All basic hotshoes are the same. The problem is when you start talking about ones with special features. You can normally expect Pentax flashes to work with Pentax cameras. It gets tricker if you want to use say Pentax with somebody other companies flash.

dslater · Sep 30, 2007

jesa said:
I am a relative beginner and I am trying to start out on the right path. I am thinking about getting a new camera; the one I am using now is a Pentax MV. I'd like to be able to only replace the body and still use my lens and flash but I am not quite sure about flash compatibility. I have a Pentax AF200S flash and I'd like to know if it is possible to use it with other cameras, and if there are any internet resources I can use to answer similar questions to this in the future. Google searches are oftentimes not the most efficient way to get information.

Thanks, and if this is a very simple question please know that I only ask because I couldn't really seem to find any information today otherwise. I learn quickly so I shouldn't be asking too many noob questions in the future.

-Jesa

Hi Jesa,
Just out of curiosity why are you looking to replace your camera? From reading your posts, I get the impression you are starting out and don't have much equipment. I freely admit I know next to nothing about Pentax cameras, so you could easily have a very good reason for wanting a new camera. I only wanted to say that unless there is a very good reason for needing a new camera, you might get more bang for your buck buying things like lenses, tripods, filters, etc. Of course you may simply want a different camera. I consider this a completely valid reason as well - fact is I have 4 or 5 35mm bodies - I didn't need them all, but I wanted them.

jesa · Sep 30, 2007

dslater said:
Hi Jesa,
Just out of curiosity why are you looking to replace your camera? From reading your posts, I get the impression you are starting out and don't have much equipment. I freely admit I know next to nothing about Pentax cameras, so you could easily have a very good reason for wanting a new camera. I only wanted to say that unless there is a very good reason for needing a new camera, you might get more bang for your buck buying things like lenses, tripods, filters, etc. Of course you may simply want a different camera. I consider this a completely valid reason as well - fact is I have 4 or 5 35mm bodies - I didn't need them all, but I wanted them.

Two reasons: I can't set the shutter speed with my mv (a 'feature' that has annoyed me for years). I've had my mv for 10+ years - its the only non-toy/plastic 35mm camera I own.

But you do make a good point about all the other gear I need/could be getting.

Ole · Oct 1, 2007

That's the same "feature" that made me sell my ME (not Super): Lack of manual shutter speeds.

I bought a second-hand P30T to replace it, but that had been heavily (ab)used before I bought it. If I lifted it by the strap the back popped open...

Instead of repairing it I bought a new MZ-5n. While this is auto-everything and more, it still works great in full manual. It also works great with all my old K-mount lenses.

Since there are now d*g*t*l Pentax cameras, a good second-hand film one should be quite affordable as the gadget-buyers "upgrade".

flash compatibility query

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