Versatile flashgun with bounce and zoom for Pentax manual focus, AF and digital SLR cameras (see below)

• Tilt and swivel for bounce
• 28-85mm zoom flash head
• Powerful guide no. to 35m
• Dedicated auto operation
• 3 auto exposure modes
• 6 manual power settings
• For Pentax SLR cameras
• Fits AF and digital SLRs
• Fits Samsung GX DSLRs
• Sets speed automatically
• Works OK, two minor faults
• Includes 4x AA batteries

This is a large, powerful auto and manual, bounce, swivel and zoom flash unit dedicated for Pentax manual focus SLR cameras, and it also works on many AF and digital models with some restrictions (see below). It's in very good condition, and comes with new batteries. There are two minor faults, but these don't affect normal operation - see the Condition section below for more information.

The bounce and swivel flash head tilts up to 90 degrees and swivels over 330 degrees for bounce flash in vertical or horizontal positions. Bounce flash gives much softer, more natural lighting than direct flash. The head can also be tilted downwards for close-up shots, where the flash would normally miss the subject. The zoom flash head adjusts for 28mm and 35mm wide angle, 50mm standard and 85mm and longer telephoto lenses (or the equivalents on other formats), giving wider coverage or greater range as appropriate.

Powerful guide numbers vary with the zoom setting from around 35m (115 feet) at 85mm to 23m (75 feet) at 28mm with ISO 100. Three auto exposure modes are provided, giving auto ranges from 0.5 to 18m (1.6 to 58 feet), depending on the aperture and zoom settings. Thyristor circuitry used in auto modes for faster recycling and more flashes per set of batteries. As with all flashguns, actual range will depend on the conditions. Full manual control is also available, from full power down to 1/32. The lower power settings provide shorter flash duration and faster recycling.

Dedicated auto operation on suitable Pentax cameras (see below), setting the shutter speed automatically and showing flash ready in the viewfinder. Aperture priority auto exposure mode works best where the aperture is set on the camera manually, and it is not suitable for TTL or program flash modes.

Comprehensive control panel on the rear of the flash provides distances, apertures from f/1.4 to f/32 and film speeds from ISO 25 to 800. Ready light, plus auto check light confirms correct exposure after the shot has been taken (also shown in the viewfinder with auto cameras).

This independent Soligor 30D flashgun is nicely made, measures around 160mm (6.5 inches) tall on the camera and weighs under 450g (without batteries). Power is supplied by 4x standard disposable alkaline AA batteries (included). Locking shoe fitting for secure mounting.

An excellent flash for Pentax users!

Condition: Excellent+++ (8.5/10), minor faults
The flash charges and fires correctly, and dedicated features have been tested on suitable film and digital cameras. There are two minor faults, which don't affect normal operation. Firstly, the test button is very stiff and intermittent, but it does work. Second, there is an option for audible signals (beeping when charged, etc.) and this feature doesn't work at all. Our price reflects these problems, and is around £10 less than we'd usually charge. Cosmetically there are just the usual signs of use including some small scratches, mainly around the hot shoe. The battery contacts are clean with no signs of corrosion. No cracks, splits or deep scratches, and overall it's in nice shape! Pictures in this listing show the actual item offered for sale.

Includes 4x new Alkaline AA batteries

Compatibility
This flash can be used on any Pentax SLR camera with a hot shoe, with dedicated features working as follows:

Dedicated auto flash works on models including the Pentax ME Super, ME-F, MG, MV, MV-1, Program A (Program Plus), A3 (A3000), P50 (P5), MZ-M (ZX-M), Super A (Super Program) and LX, SFX (SF1), SFXn (SF1n), SF7, Z-1 (PZ-1), PZ-1 (PZ-1P), Z-10 (PZ-10), Z-20 (PZ-20), Z-70 (PZ-70), MZ-3, MZ-5 (ZX-5), MZ-5n (ZX-5n), MZ-6, MZ-7 (ZX-7), MZ-10 (ZX-10), MZ-30 (ZX-30), MZ-50 (ZX-50), MZ-S, *ist, 645, 645N, 645NII and *ist D, DS, DS2, DL, DL2, K100D, K100D Super, K110D, K200D, K10D, K20D, K-m (K2000), K-x, K-r, K-5, K-7 and 645D digital, plus the Samsung GX-1S, GX-1L, GX-10 and GX-20.

The shutter speed is set automatically when the flash is charged, and flash ready status is shown in the viewfinder. Please note that this flash is not compatible with TTL or program flash modes - you set the aperture manually (A mode works well), and then the flash sets the correct exposure depending on the distance.

Auto or manual (non-dedicated) flash modes work on older Pentax cameras such as the ME, MX, KM, KX, K2, K1000, Spotmatic F and other M42 cameras, plus many others.

Other cameras including digital
The flash is also suitable for any non-dedicated camera with a hot shoe, including many digital models. It's ideal for digital cameras such as the popular Fujifilm S9500, S9600, S100FS, S200EXR (HS10 down to 28mm zoom equivalent), Panasonic DMC-FZ10, FZ20 and FZ30, etc. The trigger voltage is quite low at under 11v, which is well within the ISO 10330 standard of 24v, and the Pentax limit of 30V for DSLRs. It's not recommended for other cameras with dedicated hot shoes (using more than one contact) other than those listed above.