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ladyjulian · Joined: 06 Apr 2012 Posts: 14

I'm not sure this is the appropriate place to put this, so sorry if I've gotten it wrong.

I need to purchase a detachable flash (also sorry; I have no idea what the correct term for 'detachable flash' is - one that fits into the hot shoe on the top of the camera and can be adjusted to bounce of the ceiling).

I have a Pentax K-X. Suggestions on the kind of flash? Thank you!

pjmorley · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 3300

You are probably referring to a hot shoe mounted flash gun. There are lots to choose from some are Pentax but 3rd party manufactures such as Sigma, Metz etc. will make compatible flashes too.

Generally, buying the same make as the camera means it will be better suited to the capabilities of the camera in terms of sync speed, camera specific TTL exposure but actually some 3rd party ones are excellent and quite often a bit cheaper.

Whatever you choose, go for one with the biggest Guide number and one that has manual override so you can set the flash independently if you need to. I don't use Pentax but the Pentax AF 540FGZ looks reasonable but check some reviews before buying, some people don't like it. It is worth checking 3d party manufacturers too. I don't know where you are but this is a UK site...

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-pentax-af-540fgz-flashgun/p1013155

rinder99 · Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 4:22 pm

speedlight is the term.

pjmorley · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 3300

kenk · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 2935

Very important- make sure the head can swivel so that you can bounce the light off walls, ceilings, or other surfaces.

rinder99 · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 9:33 pm

triceratops · Joined: 15 Nov 2006 Posts: 7861 Location: The other Nevada

Even though they're spelled differently, they are pronounced the same. I always use the term speedlight (or speedlite if you prefer) when referring to a hot-shoe mounted flash and everyone knows exactly what I'm talking about, whether they have a Nikon, Canon or something else. The term is starting to fall into the same category as Jeans or Kleenex. They may have started out as a specific product, but over time evolved into a generic description of a class of products.

rinder99 · Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 10:41 am

Ya, I was looking at an AD today for Canon Speedlights. LOL. Flashgun was a term I first heard as a kid with Big Bulbs that you had to stick in your mouth first and get them wet or they wouldn't fire.

wolfienz · Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 4:00 am