Comprehensive Pentax Flash Guide

A look at flash features, shooting modes, and lighting techniques

By PF Staff in Articles and Tips on Jul 21, 2015

Today we're happy to be bringing you an in-depth guide covering the features of modern Pentax DSLR flashes. This 73-page compilation has been written by forum member mcgregni (Nigel McGregor) for just about every Pentax digital camera owner: any photographer in fact who uses his or her built-In camera flash, a Pentax accessory flashgun, or any number of system-dedicated third-party flashguns. It's also a good read for those considering their options for an accessory flashgun.

This guide and exploration is designed to support and encourage confidence and ease of use when taking flash photographs with Pentax cameras. Due to the longstanding nature of the Pentax system there are many legacy manual focus lenses in common use, and these interact with the camera and flash system in different ways to modern autofocus lenses from the digital era. As well, the way we combine our camera exposure and flash modes has an impact on available functions. This guide looks at all of these combinations and aims to help with the most efficient and reliable practical settings and approaches, taking into account the type of lenses and modes you choose.

You will learn about every aspect of flash operation as implemented within the Pentax proprietary digital camera system. This includes the camera modes and camera custom settings, flash modes and accessory flashgun features, practical flash photography steps and special flash operations such as High Speed Sync and Wireless (off-camera) flash. Also covered are the variations to flashgun functioning caused by different lens types (i.e. DA and older autofocus types, A series types, M & K series types).

Download the Pentax Flash System Guide - PDF (30Mb)

Download the Pentax Flash Guide 2017 Supplement - PDF (6 Mb)

If you still have questions about how something works, don't hesitate to ask in our flash and lighting forum, or leave a comment below. We hope you enjoy the read!

More Pentax flash and lighting resources on PentaxForums.com: