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| 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.”
In its blog post announcing the flash, the company says “the AF180FG will replace the AF201FG as soon as it is sold out.” That means that if you’re interested in the more powerful AF201FG, you may want to grab it soon – especially given that it’s currently for sale at the same $199.95 price point that the AF180FG will be when it goes on sale in ‘mid-September.’
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) |
Author:
This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.
