Just got word of a new firmware update for Pentax mounted Metz flashes (so far i know the 48 AF-1, 50 AF-1, 58 AF-1 & 2) that allows for optical servo mode with pre-flash suppression. In other words, your P-TTL pop up flash can now work as a trigger.
Ok, ok, i know that Pentax bodies (the newer ones) already support wireless flash with P-TTL control, but for us *ist users (we are becoming a rare species) it means optical slave for all of us. Additionally, the servo mode is full manual, so under/overexposure is your own fault, not the camera's anymore. :) More control = more creativity anyways.
So head on over to the Metz website, break out your USB cables and let the updating begin!
Metz Flash Units: Firmware Downloads
Ok, so now that you've updated, to enable this mode, cycle (using +/- buttons) through the options till you reach SL (stands for "slave"). Now press the + button until you see "M" (manual) and beneath that, "SERVO". Now set your flash power, pop up your DSLR's flash and shoot away!
But (yes there is a "but"), optical slaves are line of sight only so therefore range is limited by current optical laws. And secondly, the flash will fire when other flashes in the vicinity (including non-Pentax) fire. Here is when radio slaves (such as the Cactus V4 or new V5's) have an advantage. But this means that even your little point and shoot can become a studio camera too! (tested and confirmed with a Sony DSC P&S)
And you can have some fun with other people's pictures... (imagine the look on their faces when all their pics come out white!)
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