
A versatile bounce and zoom AF flashgun for many Pentax AF film and some early digital SLR cameras (see below)
- Quality Vivitar AF flash
- Tilting head for bounce
- 28-85mm wide-tele zoom
- Guide number 28m (91ft)
- TTL auto exposure control
- AF illuminator for low light
- For Pentax AF 35mm SLRs
- For Pentax *ist D DS DS2
- For the Samsung GX-1S
- NOT for any other DSLRs
- Boxed with instructions
- Includes AA batteries
Vivitar was one of the top accessory brands, and this is an excellent flash unit for Pentax AF 35mm film and the early *ist D, DS, DS2 and Samsung GX-1S digital SLR cameras, but NOT later digital models. It has a bounce and zoom head, AF illuminator, and provides fully automatic dedicated TTL flash control. The flash is in fully working order, very good condition, boxed with instructions (copy) and Alkaline batteries. Please read the full description for more important information.
Wide range zoom flash head with 28mm and 35mm wide angle, 50mm standard and 85mm (or longer) telephoto positions, to give extra coverage for wide angle lenses, and extra range with telephotos. The equivalent focal lengths on suitable Pentax DSLRs are 18mm, 35mm and 55mm. The flash head tilts up to 90 degrees for bounce flash, which gives much softer, more natural lighting than direct flash, and reduces the chance of redeye. The guide number is 28m (91ft) with ISO 100 at the 50mm zoom setting (less at wide angle, more at telephoto). This gives a theoretical maximum range of up to 20m (65ft) with 50mm f/1.4 lens and ISO 100, and even more at higher ISO. As with all flashguns, actual range will depend on the conditions.
TTL (Through The Lens) flash control system for extremely accurate exposures, compensating automatically for bounce flash, filters, extension tubes/bellows and other factors. Works automatically in all exposure modes. Comprehensive scales on the rear of the flash include film speeds from ISO 25 to 1000, apertures from f/1.4 to f/22 and distances from 1.3 to 20m (4.3 to 68 feet). Ready light, test button and auto check light provided. Works in the camera's autofocus mode, and has a large AF illuminator on the front to assist focusing in low light. This is switched on automatically as required with suitable cameras. This Vivitar 728AFPK flashgun is nicely made, compact and lightweight at only around 148x70x45mm (5.8x2.8x1.8") and 200g (7oz) without batteries. It's powered by 4x standard AA batteries, and alkaline types are recommended (supplied).
An excellent flash for Pentax AF film and early digital users.
Condition: Excellent+++ (8.5/10)
The flash is in fully working order (checked on our Pentax camera), all features work as expected, with the movements and controls working positively. Cosmetically it shows just the usual surface marks here and there in the plastic finish, mainly around the hot shoe. The box is showing signs of age but complete, and the instructions are a copy (in English) but legible. The battery cover is loose when the compartment is empty but holds securely when loaded, while the contacts are slightly marked but have been cleaned and work fine.
No cracks, splits or deep scratches, and overall it's in nice shape.
Complete and boxed with instructions (copy), plus 4x Alkaline AA batteries.
Pictures in this listing show the actual flash offered for sale.
Compatibility
This flash can be used on many Pentax 35mm and medium format AF SLR cameras, including the SFX (SF1), SFXn (SF1n), SF7 (SF10), Z-1 (PZ-1), Z-1P (PZ-1P), Z-5, Z-5p, Z-10 (PZ-10), Z-20 (PZ-20), Z-50p, Z-70 (PZ-70), MZ-3, MZ-5 (ZX-5), MZ-5n (ZX-5n), MZ-6 (ZX-L), MZ-7 (ZX-7), MZ-10 (ZX-10), MZ-30 (ZX-30), MZ-50 (ZX-50), MZ-60 (ZX-60), MZ-S and *ist 35mm cameras, plus the 645N and 645NII medium format models. Automatic, dedicated operation with shutter speed and/or aperture set automatically (depending on the exposure mode) when the flash is charged, and flash ready status shown in the viewfinder. TTL Auto flash control system for the most accurate exposures.
It's compatible with the Pentax *ist D, DS, DS2 and Samsung GX-1S digital SLRs in TTL mode (ISO settings of 200 or 400 are recommended). The trigger voltage is a very low, safe 7.5v, which is well within the ISO 10330 standard of 24v, Pentax's stated limits of 25v or 30v for DSLRs, and even the most voltage-intolerant cameras usually accept up to 6v. It's NOT suitable for any other Pentax or Samsung digital models, which only support P-TTL – see below.
AF flash units are NOT suitable for manual focus Pentax cameras, or the digital EI-2000. AF flash units are NOT suitable for any other digital models such as the *ist DL, DL2, K100D, K100D Super, K110D, K200D, K10D, K20D, K-30, K-50, K-70, K-500, K-m (K2000), K-x, K-r, K-S1, K-S2, KP, K-1, K-1 II, K-3, K-3 II, K-5, K-5 II, K-5 IIs, K-7, K-01, 645D, 645Z and Q series, or the related Samsung GX-1L, GX-10 and GX-20 models. These digital cameras require P-TTL flash units for full compatibility, but some flashes for Pentax manual focus cameras can be used with restrictions – please check our other listings or contact us for details. It's NOT suitable for Samsung NX or film cameras.

