Pentax AF 360 FGZ Flash for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras (w/ case)

 

Pentax AF 360 FGZ Flash for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras (w/ case)

 

Price : $221.95

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
The Pentax AF360FGZ Flash features a guide number of 119 (feet/ISO 100), 24 millimeter lens coverage, and bounce head. The flash requires four AA size batteries. It is compatible with Pentax PZ, ZX, SF, LX, MZ, ist, 645NII, 67II series cameras. Also comes with case.
PENTAX 30333 AF540FGZ Flash with Case

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 3.5 x 3.1 inches ; 8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00007EE00
• Item model number: B00007EE00
  

Technical Details

• Guide number of 119, ISO 100
• 24-millimeter lens coverage
• Bounce head
• Requires 4 AA batteries
• Compatible with Pentax PZ, ZX, SF, LX, MZ, ist, 645NII, 67II series cameras
• AF540FGZ Flash with case

Customer Reviews

This Pentax flash offers all stuff you'd expect from a basic AF flash (power zoom, bounce, AF illuminator), plus a bit more.
Like most of the camera companies, Pentax offers a basic and more advanced (or powerful) flash. As basic flashes go, this one only lacks "swivel" (side-to-side adjustment) from ranking 5-stars. In terms of exposure accuracy, this flash ranks equal to the best.
Useful features included that aren't typically found in cheaper flashes are:
1) Built-in wide angle diffuser. Need a bit more width in the coverage? A pull out panel is located in the top of the flash;
2) Built-in "catch light". This small, white card is in the same space as the diffuser. If using bounce, this will help elimate shadows caused by the bounce, and puts a little gleam in the eye;
3) High-Flash synch. Most useful for outdoor portrait photography, this allows you to set the shutter speed to faster than normal, allowing you to control the depth-of-field;
4) "Spot Beam" function. In low light situations, the AF illuminator in the flash fires to help the AF system of the camera. The SB features allows the illuminator to work even when the flash is not used for exposure (such as in a museum);
5) Command functions. Unlike the Nikon SB-600 or Canon 430EX, this flash can be used to control and trigger multi-flash operations.
A very good basic flash, only a swivel away from 5-star perfection!

It is a very compact flash with outstanding built quality.
Some people complain about lack of horizontal movement.
I do not have any problem with this, as I can always use it off-camera with my K10D in wireless mode.
I have also the Pentax AF540FGZ flashgun, so I can compare both units.
Unless I really need the power of the AF540FGZ, I prefer the 360 over the 540 for the reasons below:
- design and built quality is superior to the ones of 540 (changing batteries in the AF540FGZ is a nightmare due to poor design of the battery compartment cover - difficult to open and especially to close it)
- it is compact and fits in my smaller bag