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Ricoh announces a Pentax auto flash for DSLRs and GR-series compacts
DPReview News |
| Image: Ricoh |
Ricoh has announced a new flash unit that it will sell under the Pentax brand. Dubbed the AF180FG auto flash, it fits the hotshoes of Pentax DSLRs and Ricoh's GR-series of compact cameras. You can select between TTL auto modes with first-curtain or second-curtain sync, as well as full manual mode with either full- or 1/4-level discharge. It has a Guide Number of 18m at ISO 100.
The company is marketing the AF180FG as a 'rugged' flash, stating that it has 18 seals which make it 'dustproof' and 'weather-resistant.' As with the existing AF201FG, the head has 10 angle adjustments; it can be set to -10, 0, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, and 135 degrees. It cannot be rotated to the side.
Ricoh says the flash has a built-in wide-angle panel that you can manually pull out to cover a 20mm angle of view for full-frame cameras (13mm APS-C models such as the Pentax K3 III or GR III). Without the panel, it'll cover a 24mm angle for full-frame/16mm for APS-C.
The flash runs off of two AAAs. Ricoh says you can expect approximately 100 shots with a 6-second recycle time if you're using alkaline batteries and around 130 shots with a 5-second recycle time with nickel-metal hydride batteries.
We've asked Ricoh what the difference is between this and the existing AF201FG, other than the lower Guide Number, and were told "That’s the only real difference – the new AF180FG flash shares the same compact size and functionality as the AF201FG flash."
The flash will go on sale in 'mid-September,' and will have an MSRP of $199.95.
Press Release
Ricoh Imaging announces rugged PENTAX AF180FG compact auto flash, compatible with PENTAX DSLRs and RICOH GR Series cameras
New flash unit features dustproof, weather-resistant construction and simplified operation
PARSIPPANY, NJ, September 4, 2024 — Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX AF180FG auto flash. Compatible with both PENTAX DSLRs and RICOH GR Series digital cameras, this compact, portable flash has a maximum guide number of 18 at ISO 100/m. Designed with outdoor shooting in mind, it features 18 seals in crucial parts of the body, including the hotshoe, making it a highly dependable dustproof, weather-resistant accessory. When paired with a dustproof, weather-resistant DSLR camera body and lens, it assures solid performance, even in harsh outdoor conditions such as rain, mist and dust.
The AF180FG features bounce-flash functionality with a flash head that can be adjusted vertically to 10 different angles, up to 135°, to soften shadows and create more natural, true-to-life portraiture. Its simplified operating system lets the user start using the flash instantly by turning the discharge mode dial, which also functions as the ON/OFF switch. In addition to the OFF position, this dial provides a choice of four discharge modes: P-TTL auto flash with leading-curtain synchronization and P-TTL auto flash with trailing-curtain synchronization – in both settings, the flash’s preliminary emission is detected by the camera’s light sensor to accurately control the main discharge level for proper exposure; and manual flash with full discharge and manual flash with 1/4-level discharge.
The AF180FG also incorporates a built-in wide-angle panel that slides out to cover a 20mm angle of view (in 35mm format).
| Pricing and Availability |
The AF180FG will be available mid-September at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.95.
For further information, please visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com
| Main Features |
1. Compact body, with dependable dustproof, weather-resistant design for outdoor shooting
This auto flash unit has a compact, well-balanced body ideal for use with PENTAX and RICOH digital cameras compatible with P-TTL, which includes PENTAX DSLRs and the RICOH GR series cameras. Thanks to 18 seals applied in crucial parts of the body including the hotshoe, it features a highly dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction. When paired with a dustproof, weather-resistant DSLR camera body and lens, it assures solid performance, even in harsh outdoor conditions such as rain and dust.
2. Bounce flash function up to a 135-degree tilt angle
The flash head can be adjusted vertically to 10 different angles (-10, 0, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 and 135 degrees) for bounce-flash operation. By bouncing the flash discharge off the ceiling or wall during indoor shooting, the user can soften the subject’s shadow to create more natural, true-to-life portraiture.
3. Simplified, dial-access operation
This flash unit features a simplified operating system that lets the user start flash photography instantly by turning the discharge mode dial, which also functions as the ON/OFF switch. In addition to the OFF position, this dial provides a choice of four discharge modes: P-TTL auto flash with leading-curtain synchronization and P-TTL auto flash with trailing-curtain synchronization, in both of which the flash’s preliminary emission is detected by the camera’s light sensor to accurately control the main discharge level for proper exposure; and manual flash with full discharge and manual flash with 1/4-level discharge.
Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Power output / Guide number | ISO 100 18, ISO 200 25 |
| Coverage | 3–25 mm |
| Bounce tilt | 135.00° |
| Bounce tilt - notes | Stops for -10, 0, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 and 135 degrees |
| Minimum number of flashes (with AA alkaline batteries) | 100 |
| Recycle time (with alkaline batteries) | 6 sec |
| Power source | AAA |
| Dimensions | 2.6 x 2.9 x 1.2″ (66 x 74 x 30 mm) |
| Weight | 5.00 oz (142 g) |
