Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm)
The Pentax AF-540 FGZ is a professional flash unit that is fully compatible with the entire line of Pentax cameras, from the original 67 to 645N II & MZ-S, MZ-SD or digital *ist, K100D, K110D and K10D series cameras. It will support advanced flash functions of even the latest digital SLR camera models.
Full manual control of flash output is possible even in slave mode, or use the TTL flash capabilities of the camera it's mounted on to achieve painless exposure with every aperture. The pop-up flash incorporated into many Pentax 35mm SLRs can be used to trigger the AF-540 FGZ wirelessly, and when combined with the MZ-SD or *ist D camera this is done with TTL metering!
NOTE: Off-camera corded TTL or P-TTL flash with the AF-540 FGZ requires two pieces; Hot Shoe Adapter F or Fg (catalog #31022 & 31045 respectively), and Extension Cord F5P or Extension Cord F5PL (37347 & 37349 respectively).
- Autozoom head covers from 24-85mm (20mm wide-angle adapter included)
-
Compatible with every Pentax camera, but has special features when used with MZ-S/MZ-SD or *ist series cameras:
- P-TTL Preflash evaluative metering
- HSS Focal plane high-speed flash sync
- Wireless TTL capability with ratio lighting control & four transmission channels
- Second-curtain sync
- Illuminated LCD panel
- AF Infared lowlight assistance illumination
- Excellent battery conservation; 200 full flashes with alkalines, 250 with 2500 mAH NiMH, 350 with lithium, & 700 full flashes with TR-III battery pack
| Type | Shoe mount |
| Guide No. |
68' (21 m) at 20mm 105' (32 m) at 24mm 115' (35 m) at 28mm 128' (39 m) at 35mm 148' (45 m) at 50mm 164' (50 m) at 70mm 177' (54 m) at 85mm |
| Angle of Coverage |
60° to 23° (24 to 85mm in 35mm format) 85° (20mm) with built-in wide angle diffuser |
| Auto f/Stops | Full TTL at all apertures (with TTL-capable Pentax cameras) |
| Vari-Power |
In Manual mode: 1/1, 1/2, 1/4th, 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32nd, and 1/64th With wireless slave: 1/1, 2/3rd, 1/2, 1/3rd |
| TTL Dedication | Yes, including P-TTL |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes |
| Zoom Head | 24-85mm (flash senses focal length automatically) |
| Off Camera Terminal | Yes; can be triggered off-camera in slave mode (with TTL if used on MZ-S or *istD series cameras) |
| Recycle Time |
(based on fresh batteries & full power) 6 Seconds with alkaline, NiMH, & lithium 4.5 Seconds with TR-III battery pack |
| Power Source | Four AA 1.5-Volt batteries (alkaline, lithium, NiCad, NiMh) |
| Dimensions | 3 x 5.6 x 4.2" (76 x 142 x 107mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 13.4 oz (380 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 77 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Consistent output (50)
- Good power output (46)
- Fast recycling (43)
- Easy to use (39)
- Versatile (38)
Cons
- Heavy (9)
- Heavy / bulky (9)
Best Uses
- General purpose (61)
- Portraits (55)
- Night photography (37)
- Fill flash (35)
- Photojournalism (29)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (29), Enthusiast (15), Semi-pro photographer (11), Semi-professional (10), Professional (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (26), Yes (6)
Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent Flash
I use this for my 67II medium format and with a K10D digital rig. If you update the firmware for the K10D, the popup flash on the camera will control the AF-540, so...Read complete review
I use this for my 67II medium format and with a K10D digital rig. If you update the firmware for the K10D, the popup flash on the camera will control the AF-540, so this can be used as a key light, with on camera fill. I also have Canon EX multiple flash, and this unit can be added to the mix without problems--pretty easy to proof digital images.
Slave 2 setting is optical trigger. This makes the flash very versatile. I have been a Canon user for 30 years (for small format) but am really warming-up to Pentax! I plan to buy additional AF-540Z units as background, accent and hair lights--a very portable lighting kit,
in combination with a Quantum T2. At maximum power, this has got to be a 75 watt-second pop--quite respectable!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Disappointed
Had it for 8 months without much use ( I have another brand camera and flash) and the circuitry blew out while covering a wedding. Maybe I got a defective one. Because of the...Read complete review
Had it for 8 months without much use ( I have another brand camera and flash) and the circuitry blew out while covering a wedding. Maybe I got a defective one. Because of the problems getting it back to the manufacturer from my country (no local dealer) I just did not bother. I am getting a Metz to replace it.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 77 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
This product really amazed me when I discovered that coupled with my K20d I Could use it on its stand wifi without any other device.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
Does everything I need it to do. I really like the swival head for more creative lighting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
I use this unit for both on-camera and off-camera applications. I chose this flash over others for off-camera capabilities, and for it's ability to swivel.
I haven't used the flash extensively, but so far I have no major complaints about the product. I chose this flash over the AF-360 FGZ because of the swivel feature, which is a must for bouncing when shooting in vertical and for proper orientation of the flash when using it as a slave unit (I believe there is a photo sensor that must be able to "see" the light from your pop-up flash when triggering from your camera). The manual controls are essential, especially for off-camera use.
I wish this flash came with a tripod-mountable cold-shoe.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
I upgraded from the 350. I am really impressed with this flash. The 350 was okay, but this flash is clearly better. I love the new configuration of the batteries, make so much more sense. Now it is heavy, but small price to pay for such a great flash !
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
Consistant output every time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
It's (friendly used )easy to used
Powerful
but a bit heavy
Great by
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
I had this flash once before and even though it worked great, I returned it to the store I had purchased it from thinking I could get by with a cheaper off brand. I had regretted that decision ever since. I finally gave in and purchased it again, even at a higher price than before, because it is worth it. This flash does it all and best of all it works great on automatic settings as well. I use it on my Pentax K-10 and have taken wedding photos with it. I am so glad to have this flash back in my camera bag!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
It's great when it works, but I've had to buy three of then in two years
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
This is being used on a K-5 where it performs fairly well. Light output is good. The Pentax flash system (PTTL) could stand a bit of updating, but this flash works as well as anything else out there for it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
- High cost
- Not enough accessories
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
Have had this flash for a week now and it's the first flash I have ever owned. Decided to go full boar and get Pentax's most expensive flash. I agree with some other reviewers that the battery cover seems flimsy as does the catchlight panel. My biggest complaint so far is the lack of included accessories. The bag that it came with has no belt loop to attach it to my sling bag and the only other accessory included was the plastic disc for table top wireless use. If I'm paying this much for a wireless flash I would expect Pentax to include a tripod mount accessory and a diffuser at the very least.
But enough complaining. I love this flash. The ability to bounce the light in any direction I choose opens up a whole new dimension to my photography and the wireless feature is very cool.
Given the price, however, I might be more open to exploring the cheaper options if I were to ever buy a different flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
Big light power.
Great light balance.
I haven't any problem with this product yet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
Ultimate flash to have with Pentax camera. Still learning but can just let it do everything in auto. Swivel head and wireless capabilities make it near perfect. It will be shared with other Pentax cameras in the family. It is heavy to carry on a day out but a fair trade-off for its features.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
I bought this product to improve my pictures, especially indoor ones. Still, I need to learn a lot about use and possibilities. It has a lot of options to be tried and I'm sure I will have a fun with it. The design is maybe outdated, but I don't care about this. The changes that has brought to me, in terms of picture quality, are great!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
Flash will work with a high speed sync. I can remove the flash from my camera and use it a a remote flash set off by the camera. This is one of the main reasons I bought this flash. I also sync. with my 360 remotely.
It takes a while to learn how to use if to it's full potential
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
Since changing to digital photography, this is exactly what I needed for flash power.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
Used for indoor photography, weddings, etc.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Great for fill flash
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
I love it! It's really easy to use. I haven't read everything but I put it on my camera and started taking pictures!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Documentation
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
I'm still getting to know this product but thus far very impressed with it's function and power. I have to take a 1/2 star off for the documentation - seems there are a couple of misdirects in it that contradict camera manual, but nonetheless (and my Pentax camera manual is excellenet, BTW)I'm a fan. I may buy a second one very soon.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
I bought this to replace the older Pentax flash that will not work fully with my K-7. This one does work with my K-7. It seems to work well with the Pentax lens and the Sigma AF lens I have as well. I am still learning what it is capable of.
I have used my old TTL extension hotshoe cable with this flash mounted on a flip frame. It seems to work in P-TTL. It would not respond once but I put the flash directly on the camera, powered up and back down, then put it back on the extension and it worked again. The fix lever is plastic and cheap feeling. The zoom motor sounds funny but maybe I am just picky about what an expensive flash should be and feel like...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 50mm):
This is an amazing flash. It took sometime to read through the manual, but with some experimenting, the improvement in the overall quality of my photos is outstanding. This flash is very versatile and works well in general photography as well as a fill flash. I have also used it as a remote flash and found it syncs well with other devices Overall highly satisfied with this flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Batteries & Power
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- Price: $1.50
- Price: $13.99
Flash Diffusers
- Price: $9.95
Reflectors
- Price: $39.95
Brackets
- Price: $107.99
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $40.00
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- Price: $39.95
Flash Pouch
- Price: $24.99
Flash Adapters
- Price: $199.00
Flash Accessories
- Price: $26.95
- Price: $19.95
What's in the Box
- Off Camera Flash Stand
- Case
- 1-Year Warranty
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