Technical question, Pentax Flash

[stephentaylor]

I might be in the wrong section but it's Pentax-based... ...I have bought a 360 FGZ flash, thinking it would work remotely via infra-red by itself. Apparently I need two 360's in tandem - one infra-red, the other connected to the hotshoe - to be able to use two flashes at the same time.

Is it possible to use say the 360 plus a basic flash unit together? By that, I mean, can I mount a basic flash unit on the hotshoe, position the 360FGZ somewhere nearby (no cables attached), then press the shutter release and both flashes fire in sync with the shutter?

I hope so, 'cos I can then get a second hand cheapo basic flash and have the benefit of dual flash...

Tks
Steve

[johnriley1uk]

The 360 can be set in Slave mode so it will fire if another flash or an IR trigger is used.

[Monobod]

I think it can also be used wirelessly off camera but controlled by the pop up flash on the K10D/K20D, John may correct me if I am wrong

[johnriley1uk]

Unfortunately if you try to use the pop up flash the pre-flash upsets everything and you will get a blank exposure.

The answer is a tiny flashgun in the hotshoe or an IR trigger. Then as many 360 flashguns as you like can be set off as long as they are all set to Slave.

[stephentaylor]

Ok thanks Johh, but how would that work in practise? Set the 360 to slave mode; insert a small (say, manual) flash in the hotshoe; press the shutter and they both fire?

Tks
Steve

[johnriley1uk]

Spot on. Be careful which cheap flash unit you use though - some older ones have very high triggeer voltages that can potentially damage digital SLRs.

[stephentaylor]

I think I'm just missing the hot shoe adapter - that is, the one that the 360 sits on whilst it's off-camera that enables/engages the contact pins.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Steve