wisecrafter Loc: Pocahontas, Arkansas

I read somwhere that a non pentax flash could burn the electronics up so they would not be able to use the built in flash.
Any body know that for sure. I have a Starblitz 200a that i would like to use with my K-X.

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

Some old flashes will burn up the electronics but most modern made for digital flashes are safe. The only issue is there are only a few 3rd party flash that are P-TTL so you have to use them in manual there is no TTL with the K-x.
You can check voltages on old flash if they are in the 6 to 8 volt range they are OK here is a sight that list a lot of the old flashes
http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

derekmadge Loc: Waterloo, Ontario,Canada

I have kept my old flash and saved up for a Metz 58 AF-2 http://www.henrys.com/63563-METZ-58AF-2-DIGITAL-FLASH-PENTAX.aspx . It was neck and neck between that and the Pentax 540FGZ (The Pentax 50 AF1 was also in the running but I decided to wait until I had the money to get the better model)

Check this link for more information : http://pttl.mattdm.org/

In the end the Pentax and Metz were comparably priced (price at link above is a non-discount, Canadian chain- US prices were around $400.00)and had similar spec. THe Pentax had one minor (for my need, spec the Metz did not, and I can't even remember it now) but I was convinced my several on line reviews that the Metz was simply a little better built.

Unfortunately I haven't had time to use it enough to give you my impressions but I did keep the old flash in case I need another remotely triggered by the main flash; the old one will trigger from the light of the Metz for, perhaps fill at the side of the room or behind someone.

wisecrafter Loc: Pocahontas, Arkansas

Thanks for all the info. Don't look like I will use it on the camera. I can use it as a slave though.

Thanks again for the info, and Hangman45 for the list!