R. Bush Loc: Ogden, UT

Can I use an older Pentax AF280T on a modern Pentax K5 digital camera and how would I set both units to give me automatic flash?

EdR Loc: Gig Harbor, WA

I have a K3 and previously a K50. My owners manual listed Pentax flashes I could use, but that one was't one I could use.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Voltage is usually a factor regarding old flash units. Higher voltage could destroy the camera, if not compatible.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

My Nikon D810 is rated for trigger voltage up to 250v. You should check the manual of your camera before attempting to use an old flash unit.

I was curious to see if there were real world incidents of camera damage by using an old flash on a modern digital camera so I googled it. I found all kinds of articles warning about this potential damage but no actual reports of it occurring.

Makes me wonder if this isn't just an unproven theory and not a likely affect. On the other hand, my cameras are way too costly to risk it.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

It will work fine with your K5 in manual and automatic modes. Trigger voltage is 7.8 volts, no problems there.
Download the PDF manual here:
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/pentax_flashes/pentax_flashes.htm

R. Bush Loc: Ogden, UT

Thanks to all who helped me find out about using an older Pentax strobe with my more modern digital K5 camera. A special thanks particularly to RWR for his help and the link he supplied.

studavis

It is recommended that you DO NOT use a FILM CAMERA FLASH with a DIGITAL CAMERA as it could do damage to the camera's computer.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Everyone can adapt any flash if it has a flash connector built on it. Just use the flash on a multi voltage wireless system or a plug-in adapter. Most remotes will not have the auto ability so manual or ttl flash use will be needed. Most work off camera but some can be plugged in.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Six responses to date ... and only one actually understood the question enough to answer it!!

Ron SS Loc: Silver Spring, MD

Higher voltage feedback from older flash units is definitely a real possibility, but there are hot shoe attachments, such as by Wein, that goes between the flash and your camera hot shoe and limits the voltage feedback to safe levels.

R. Bush Loc: Ogden, UT

This picture was taken tonight at a neighborhood block party. The camera used was my K5 Pentax and the kit 50-200mm zoom lens. The flash was that older Pentax AF280T flash I asked about earlier. I bounced the flash off the back of our host's home and got this soft, defused and warm toned glow from the yellow bricks. I think Liz will like this snapshot of her.

(Download)

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Very good portrait!

Pentax dslr cameras are made with the ability to use both high and low voltage flashes without "burning" up things inside. As you found out, your flash did work. Often the automation will not because of the pin-out configuration and because certain technologies didn't exist back then.

Before I mentioned using a remote to operate older flashes simply because it works. Before I broke it by dropping it out a two story house window on to cement, my very old Honeywell strobe worked too. *(My stupid mistake!)

According to every book I scanned through, my four AF-500FTZ flashes, (an older 90's model flash), will not work on my K5. It does but not totally automatic nor for high speed sync. If I need a strong flash, the AF500FTZ is my goto flash. *(It does tend to "eat" batteries though.) If I need the automation, I go for my smaller modern flash. the AF360FGZ.

I'd say your AF280T worked great for you! I think Pentax just wants people to buy new idiot proof type with Pttl circuitry, (Ittl or Ettl for a couple other brands), where the older type flashes only had ttl circuitry or less.

Remember too that some of the older flashes have abilities new flashes just don't have. For example my AF500 has an adjustable "flickering" flash that works very good for photos that can be taken of a moving subject at various positions on the same shot. Like posing a person to jump, dancer in motion, or a baseball player swinging a bat, etc. in a dark room.

BebuLamar

This is off topic but I have used many film camera flashes with my digital cameras and I have no damage.

BebuLamar

If you read the K5 manual it does not recommend the 280T. I am quite sure that you can use them together without damage. I would turn off the built in flash. Set the camera on manual. Use one of the 2 available non TTL auto range on the 280T. I am sure TTL doesn't work.

Ron SS Loc: Silver Spring, MD

In most cases where there is no ttl interlock for automatic functioning (old model, not ttl, not compatible), can still use the flash on automatic but set on 'A' for aperture mode.
Set the camera for aperture mode or Manual, with same aperture setting.
Actually, set the camera aperture where you want it and see if that setting is an option on the flash. Older automatic speedlights may have limited and perhaps alternating f/# options skipping some intermediate settings.
Adjust the flash unit setting if using for fill.