Comments about Metz Metz 48 AF-1 Shoe Mount Flash for for Pentax & Samsung TTL Digital Cameras, Guide Number 158':

This flash behaves as promised with my K200D. Consistent output, fast to recycle, zooms as expected and the tilt/swivel is easy. Even the little pop-out wide angle diffuser (automatically sets the focal length to 18mm) and bounce screen work well.

And the communication with the camera seems perfect - apart from pTTL etc it appears to take the functions set in the camera like red-eye and power output adjustment in addition to its own.

Some have complained about the 2 button menu and cryptic codes, but they are quickly learnt and you don't spend all the time changing things.

A hint - the zoom in the display only goes in defined steps - its not continuous.

The only real disappointment is the fairly dim and small display - my close focussing isn't what it used to be. If they could tweak that I'd be very happy!

Comments about Metz Metz 48 AF-1 Shoe Mount Flash for for Pentax & Samsung TTL Digital Cameras, Guide Number 158':

Like any piece of new electronics there is a learning curve. A menu with up,down, right, left pad like most cameras have would be an improvement. I still have a lot to learn about this unit, but I'm getting good pictures! I was disappointed that it does not allow the K10D built in flash to open for use as a fill flash, but the Metz does have a built in reflector to provide fill when bouncing. It seems more solidly built than the old Vivitar units that I'm replacing with it.

Comments about Metz Metz 48 AF-1 Shoe Mount Flash for for Pentax & Samsung TTL Digital Cameras, Guide Number 158':

I have used the Metz 48 AF-1, in a number of different lighting situations - as a fill flash, rear curtain sync,and some portraiture work. The flash recycles quickly, and the menus (once you have been through them) are easy to follow.

I haven't had any misfires, well built, dependable flash.

Comments about Metz Metz 48 AF-1 Shoe Mount Flash for for Pentax & Samsung TTL Digital Cameras, Guide Number 158':

I bought this to replace a Sigma flash that I had nothing but problems with. So far, the Metz flash has been 100 percent better than the Sigma. Powerful, fast recycling, lots of features. The little built-in bounce card looks cheesy, but it works amazingly well. Haven't had any problems at all with the Metz. I highly recommend it. I use this on a Pentax K200D.

Comments about Metz Metz 48 AF-1 Shoe Mount Flash for for Pentax & Samsung TTL Digital Cameras, Guide Number 158':

I have used the flash in a fill flash mode, rear sync, night photography and as a general purpose flash. The flash has performed very well for me, I use it on my Pentax K200D.

Menus are easy to navigate, two button operation is a bit cumbersome at the outset, but nothing to complain about.

Well made solid unit.

Comments about Metz Metz 48 AF-1 Shoe Mount Flash for for Pentax & Samsung TTL Digital Cameras, Guide Number 158':

This flash works great for me in most situations, use it on my K10D mostly off camera as a wireless slave or bounced on camera. It packs a lot of power, recycles quickly, has tilt/swivel and basically most of the functions I need.
The flash is built well enough, better than Sigma and Pentax equivalents(imho), though it could have been less bulky and a little sturdier.
I like the controls - very fast and easy to use after you get familiar with them. Be prepared to have to use both hands to control the unit - you'll have to press two buttons simultaneously a lot.
P-TTL mode is functioning predictably in most situations, it also has full manual mode which is a must-have in any flash. It's easy to make corrections on the fly - recycle times are low even with alkalines and NiMh rechargeable AAs.
The built-in bounce card is very nice to have (especially since I bounce the flash a lot).
One of the drawbacks for me is the lack of a sync port (this is solvable by using an adapter). Also, the absence of auto mode is somewhat disappointing, so if this is a problem for you, consider getting the 58 AF-1 which has this covered. Another thing that disappointed me was the fact that it doesn't come with neither a stand, nor a pouch - every manufacturer should include these IMHO.
Overall, an excellent product if you are aware of the limitations and know how to work around them.

Comments about Metz Metz 48 AF-1 Shoe Mount Flash for for Pentax & Samsung TTL Digital Cameras, Guide Number 158':

After having the older Pentax AF 330 and AF 500 I needed a new flash to go with my K20d, naturally I was going to go with another Pentax flash but after reading of poor construction and inconsistent output from the Pentax flashes I decided to look for an alternative.

I got the Metz as it had a good price/performance ratio and the USB updates mean atleast if I stay with Pentax it will be future expandable. Add to that Metz is a known good name in the flash industry with a long history of good performance flashes. Immediately on receiving the flash I noticed that the body is well made and another surprise when testing it is that it does not make the usual recharge whine most other flashes do, it's quiet.

Thus far the Flash has proven very consistent and Pttl seems to work better with it than Pentax's own flashes with a few exceptions.

First problem seems to be the interface, the 2 button setup is horrid to use, Metz really needs to change this to a 1 button menu with up and down arrows vs the 2 button set up this one has. Also be aware that while the flash does work in wireless as a slave, it can not work as a master or do auto iso flash like Pentax flashes can, nor does it seem to work as a manual dumb flash in wireless only, Pttl only wireless so far. This means you'll need to get at least a AF360 if you want to go strobist nor can you use it as a slave manual only flash but with that aside it performs and very well at that.

A good alternative to the Pentax flashes and in a way since it's price/performance ratio is between the 2 Pentax models it actually fits right in