
Review Summary
2007-02-04T19:00:00
Fast recycling lets you work fast. Consistently accurate.
Chico
2007-02-04T19:00:00
Started using one and liked it so much I bought a second unit. Second unit is ready with fresh batteries if needed and has been used for fill and back lighting for portraits. The size of the unit is a bit larger than I was looking for, however, it has all the features I wanted and then some.
Panda P.
Among the technically advanced functions the Sunpak PZ5000AF flash offers are, auto power zoom capability from 28mm to 135mm, as well as manual zoom control. In addition to being able to tilt vertically a full 90 degrees, the PZ5000AF also includes a separate negative 10 degree tilt function for close-up applications, assuring proper lighting coverage at very close distances. Flash head swivel is 270 degrees to further enhance creative lighting control (180 degrees left and 90 degrees right).
With a powerful guide number of 180 (135mm/feet/ISO100) and ISO range from 6-6400 in 1/3 EV settings, the PZ5000AF's onboard processor features touch-selectable controls for accessing its various flash functions. These include: TTL, Auto Sensor, Power Ratio, Manual, 2nd Curtain Synch, Multi-flash (strobo) and Slave, as well as a distance/aperture bar display that shows feet and meters. All functions are clearly visible and easily identified on the large LCD display with selectable illumination. In addition, a large, circular selector pad permits easy scrolling through functions in each of the various operating modes.
In Auto Mode, settings may be adjusted from f2 to f16 in 1EV increments, while the Power Ratio function is selectable from 1/1 to 1/64 output in 1/3 step EV. Multi-Flash stroboscopic control may be set to rates from 1 Hz to 99 Hz, for up to 99 repetitive flashes. With Minolta cameras, you can also select a Slave function for wireless auto or manual mode control.
The PZ5000AF is powered by either four AA Alkaline or Ni-Cd batteries. To conserve battery power, the flash features an Auto Off sleep mode that places it in a standby setting when it is not used for more than five minutes. Momentarily depressing the camera?s shutter release button wakes the flash. For virtually instant recycle times, the PZ5000AF flash accepts either the available Sunpak TRI-PAKII High Voltage Battery Pack or Sunpak 510 Volt Battery Pack. An AC Power Adapter is also available.