Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Though I've only just begun to experiment with flash use, this unit offers everything one could ask for in an intermediate flash. Pentax's integration of flash features with camera features is impeccable.While I prefer to shoot in natural light, this flash unit has the versatility and functional diversity to make it well worth the expense, expecially since the next step up is nearly three times the cost. I was a bit apprehensive of the build quality on reading some disparaging reviews, but my unit seems to have addressed those issues. The battery cover fits well, doesn't slop about or threaten to pop open when releasing the swivel lock. It offers a wide range of choices in power, zoom and effect and is a must for anyone not willing or able to plunk down the extra for the 540. Bottom line: Excellent value for the money. I buy few Pentax branded items because Sigma and a few others often beat them for price and sometimes quality, but this flash unit is an absolute must for the enthusiast/semi-pro who can't afford to step up to the 540.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

I started with one for use on and off camera. The wireless function is fantastic and adds a lot of flexibility to your setup. After buying another for my light box, I have never had such consistent results. Using the pop-up with a diffuser and the two 360s with diffusers gives me full control over the lighting I want on the products I photograph. The wireless feature is again fantastic. I can only begin to talk about some of the other features of the 360. All in all it is the perfect setup for MY needs. Hopefully it will do the same for you. Great Flash system

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Does everything and more that it says it does. Excellent fill flash. Has a good range of extras that complement the original product. It could come with a little better manual.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

I have two AF-540s that I use for off-camera applications and use this to trigger those units from my *istDS - the system works consistently. I really like the combination.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

The instructions for the flash does not list the same information as stated in the Pentax camera manual. The wireless doesn't work for me.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

I bought two of these to use in my studio and travel. The radio control flashes are a winner. Not wires to mess with. I am thinking about buying one more.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

wireless function is great

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Good flash, easy to use, good quality , good price. [...]

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

If this had a PC outlet and a swivel it would be the perfect flash. It has enough power, and enough versatility for almost any situation. I just wish all the adapters and cables didn't cost so much, Pentax gets your pocket book with accessories. The hot shoe and off camera adapters with cables cost like 150+... The wireless is great when you have line of sight and don't need more than ten feet of seperation from the camera. So if it had a PC jack, it would easier to hook it up with pocket wizards or whatever.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

I used cheap fixed-output flashes for a long time and never knew what I was missing... TTL, variable power, fast cycle times, built-in wireless - I can finally take pictures with a flash without any math or test shots. Wireless TTL is easy to use (requires a little setup) and very reliable at close range.

There are a few more features you could ask for in a flash, namely a swivel head, sync connection or external battery option, but it's been very good to me. If they're important to you, there's always the 540.

Also of note, I had some trouble syncing the flash using a cheap RF wireless system that had worked OK with the cheap flashes. A name-brand wireless combo worked fine, though.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Well, i bought this for a wedding i recently shot. it was amazing. every during the daytime was perfectly exposed when combined with the high speed synch capability. at night, we moved indoors under a tent. changing the auto zoom to a constant 50mm, and letting it choose the output of light, it was consistant everytime, for almost perfect exposures.

at work we use the nikon systems, and the sb800 that i've read many rave about really don't touch this.

actually, the 800 can swivel, which the 360 can not. (but there is an almost 500$ price difference)

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Regarding the user manual, it doesn't address the newer DSLR's and there are some instructions that seem to be lacking regarding certain control settings.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

I purchased this as a step up from my manual flashes to help get pictures of the kids indoors. So far shooting in Av mode and auto mode the output and exposure have been fine.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Not the most powerful flash in the world, and it doesn't rotate to bounce light off walls (or off the ceiling if you go vertical format) but it is very compact, does all the usual tricks (second curtain/slow synch, fast synch, auto zoom) plus the biggie--real wireless slave flash and contrast lighting on the K20D! Just pop up the on-camera flash, spend a couple of minutes getting the the 360 talking to the little flash, and presto! Something canon and Nikon would make you spend a lot more for! Yet another bonus for the Pentax user. And if you decide to ditch the Canon 430EX, save the little foot that came with it and the Sto-fen diffuser--they both fit the 360 like a glove, and make it easy to mount your 360 on a cheap tripod for all your cool, two-flash pics!

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Took great pictures with it right out of the box.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

I have had this for about a year. It works better than the built in flash, but I cannot get the wireless or slave modes to function.

I think I had figured out the slave flash settings and gotten it to work some in the past, but now I am having no luck. I have tried repeatedly and followed the instructions and diagrams in the manual to a "T", but no go.

I guess I should have used it more heavily when new. Maybe I could have realized the problems early enough to return it, but I guess I'm stuck with it now.

If you buy one, test the dickens out of it as soon as you can to make sure yours works as advertised.

Perhaps some other reviewers might have some pointers in this matter.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

I use this flash and a second one indoors and outside for groups. 2 of these cost less than 1 bigger one and work nicely together - excellent coverage in a small package.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Very straight-forward, easy to use. Gets the job done. I use it for fashion shows and it has a nice and quick recycle time.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Its a great value for the price. It gives very consistent output. I use it with all my old manual lenses. Light output is quite good, works great in night or fill. Only thing I do not like is lack of rotation on horizontal axis.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Vary Good Deal, I'm very happy. Go for It.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

This isn't a bad flash, and a few tricks make it better. Use Energizer Li-ion AA's, they really are worth the premium price! Also, all three of my pentax DSLR's underexpose with P-TTL or TTL metering. It's correctable though if you dial in +1.0 exposure compensation... it's not always needed, but frequently helps. Lastly, it lacks a twist head, which is critical for more advanced photography. Unless you're planning on remaining a ho-hum snapshooter go for the 540... for a little more money you get alot more flash!! Also, I purchased two of these to use on umbrellas to suppliment my 540 for large groups. I wish I would have just used two 540's instead because the K10D will control off camera with the build in flash, so if you're considering these flashes for that purpose, you'll be happier with the greater power of the 540

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Had trouble getting it to sync. It either overexposed or underexposed or partially exposed my images. I have Nikon equipment that worked right out of the box. Not so with the Pentax equipment. I was not impressed.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

I have been using the 360 with an Pentax istDL and when used in the P-TTL mode it is consistently under exposed. I have tried to adjust the flash compensation with both the camera and the flash. It helps but it is still under exposed much of the time. I get better results when using it in the manual mode. The problem is I purchased an automatic flash. When I need to be sure of my flash I use my 25yo Sunpak 522. You are paying for a bunch of bells and whistles which are useless unless you plan on buying more Pentax flashes.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

This flash is great for most uses. There is only one thing to take note of; (not a slam, it’s a great product) buy a set of rechargeable batteries as it consumes standard alkalines in a hurry.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

Very happy with the flash and I understand it'll work with the new Pentax k10d & k100d as a wireless!

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

I use two of these flashes in the wireless mode with a pentax *st slr. The camera's built in flash works as a controller and the the other flashes in slave mode. The wireless is perfect because it won't be triggered by another flash. This feature has been most useful at wedding receptions where someone always triggers their flash even if asked not to. It also has a fairly large guide number for how small it is. Only problems I've had was in trying to use the wireless flash outdoors in sunlight, but all wireless flashes have that problem.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

The flash works quite well. I haven't taken a bad picture with it (well, not a bad one caused by the flash). Lot's of features and flexibility. Works great with my Pentax K100D.

Comments about Pentax Pentax AF-360FGZ Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash, Guide Number of 119, ISO 100.:

This is a very high quality flash unit and can do everything you aill need.
It could be about 1 inch taller for larger belled lens.