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FAQ


AF540FGZ II/AF360FGZ IIProducts Information

Below is a list of frequently asked questions and corresponding answers for the Auto-flash PENTAX AF540FGZII/AF360FGZII.


Basic Specifications and Functions

Specifications

Which camera is supported models?


The supported models are all PENTAX digital-SLR cameras.
But, camera models marketed before K-r and K-5 cannot use the white LED as the AF-assist spot beam.
(When using the former camera models (AF-assist spot beam emitted), set the function menu (Fn2: AF Spot Beam) to OFF in the flash.)
Can the flash be used with a film-SLR camera?


No, it cannot. The flash is exclusive product for digital-SLR cameras.
Cannot the white LED be used as the AF-assist spot beam with camera models marketed before K-r and K-5?


No, it cannot. (AF-assist spot beam emitted, but occur the auto-focus position deviation.)
However, it can get same effect like the AF-assist spot beam by methods below.

<Preparation>
Set the function menu (to Fn2 and Fn3) in the flash as follows.
Fn2: AF Spot Beam to OFF. (If setting to except OFF, the AF spot beam is emitted when depressing the shutter release button halfway.)
Fn3: LED Beam Mode to 1 or 3. (If setting to 2, the flash does not discharge when taking a picture.)

<Taking Pictures Process>
1. Press the LED button (LED) to turn on the LED beam.
2. Set the camera/AF into focus using this light.
3. After setting the auto-focus to in-focus, press the shutter release button to take a picture.
When setting Fn3 to 1, discharges the flash with LED beam turned on.
When setting Fn3 to 3, discharges the flash with LED beam turned off.

Why cannot use the AF-assist spot beam with Live View mode of camera?


AF spot beam does not light by the specification.
However, it can get same effect like the AF-assist spot beam by following methods.

<Preparation>
Set the function menu (Fn2 and Fn3) in the flash as following.
Fn2: AF Spot Beam to OFF. (If setting to except OFF, the AF spot beam will be emitted when depressing the shutter release button halfway.)
Fn3: LED Beam Mode to 1 or 3. (If setting to 2, the flash does not discharge when taking a picture.)

<Taking Pictures Process>
1. Press the LED button (LED) to turn on the LED beam.
2. Set the camera/AF into focus using this light.
3. After setting the auto-focus to in-focus, press the shutter release button to take a picture.
When setting Fn3 to 1, discharges the flash with LED beam turned on.
When setting Fn3 to 3, discharges the flash with LED beam turned off.
What are the focal lengths covered by the flash coverage angles?


The focal lengths are 13mm (Wide-angle panel used), 16mm, 19mm, 24mm, 34mm, 48mm and 58mm.
What are the focal lengths covered by the flash coverage angles with 645D/645Z used?


The focal lengths are 25mm (Wide-angle panel used), 30mm, 35mm, 43mm, 62mm, 87mm and 106mm.
What are the focal lengths covered by the flash coverage angles with Q series camera used?


The focal lengths are 3mm (Wide-angle panel used), 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 13mm and 15mm.
What is the color temperature?


Approx. 5500K.
Can the flash output be set to the full flash output (GN54/GN36) in the manual flash mode (M), when the TEST ready lamp lights up?


Yes, it can full flash output in the M mode.
What is difference about the LED emitter (AF spot beam) between AF360FGZ/AF540FGZ and AF360FGZ II/AF540FGZ II?


AF360FGZ/AF540FGZ: By red LED with AF chart-pattern.
AF360FGZ II/AF540FGZ II: By white LED.
Is there the limit at a series of the LED lighting time?


There is no limit.
Can the flash be used with LED beam as catchlight at taking a still picture?


Yes, it can. It is possible to use the flash when clip-on to the camera, attached off shoe adapter or set wireless mode.

Firmware Download

Camera models listed below can use the white LED beam of AF360FGZII/AF540FGZII as the AF-assist spot beam for the phase difference autofocus method, by downloading the necessary firmware at the URL below.


Supported models:

PENTAX 645D, K-5II/s, K-5, K-50, K-500, K-r


Firmware Download URL:
https://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/download_digital.html

Why focusing cannot get in right position if the firmware is not updated?


When using the LED beam as the AF-assist spot beam of the flash unit, it may be caused the focus position deviation.
After updating the firmware, can use the camera with conventional flash units such as AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ, etc?


Yes.
Can AF360FGZ II/AF540FGZ II be not used with camera models marketed before K-r and K-5?


The auto-focus position deviation occurs at the AF-assist spot beam emitted, but it is possible to use without any problem about other functions.

Battery and Power Sources

How many numbers of times of the consecutive flashes by the batteries kind?


The numbers of times according to the batteries kind are as follows.
Model Battery type Total number of flashes
AF360FGZ II AA Alkaline (LR6) Approx. 250
AA Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)(2500mAh) Approx. 300
AA Lithium (FR6) Approx. 440
AF540FGZ II AA Alkaline (LR6) Approx. 200
AA Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)(2500mAh) Approx. 250
AA Lithium (FR6) Approx. 350
How long of the recycling time by different battery types?


The recycling time according to different battery types are as follows.
Model Battery type Recycling time
AF360FGZ II AA Alkaline (LR6) Approx. 2.5 sec.
AA Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)(2500mAh) Approx. 1.5 sec.
AA Lithium (FR6) Approx. 2.5 sec.
AF540FGZ II AA Alkaline (LR6) Approx. 5 sec.
AA Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)(2500mAh) Approx. 3 sec.
AA Lithium (FR6) Approx. 5 sec.
Is there an external power sources available for the flash?


No, there is not.
Is there an optional AC adapter available for the flash?


No, there is not.
Can manganese batteries be used for the flash?


No.

Multiple lighting flash

Can the flash be used as multiple lighting with old and new flashes connected?


Yes, it can, but a part of function is impossible to use. Malfunction occurs for the focusing at the AF-assist spot beam used.
Can the flash be used as multiple lighting with the conventional flash in wireless flash mode?


Yes, it can.
How many utmost numbers of flashes can take a picture by connecting with the Extension Cord F5P?


Maximum two including attached hot shoe.
How many utmost numbers of flashes can use by the wireless at the same time?


The flash setting in the wireless mode (SLAVE) is up to one.

Optional Accessories

Is there an optional white reflector for catchlight available?


No, there is not. But, the white LED beam is used for catchlight.
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