Flash tutorial?

[jlemire]

Many years ago I was given a Pentax P3 SLR, a Pentax 50mm lens, and a

Sunpak auto 144 D flash unit. After a few non-serious attempts at

using the system, it went into storage. A few years ago, I

rediscovered the system and began again, with much more intent, to

try taking photographs. I have since "upgraded" to a an auto-

everything SLR and have added some lenses. Until now, I have

completely ignored the flash unit. Looking at the back of the flash

unit leaves me completely baffled. Is there a good (even

illustrated) guide somewhere for how to use one of these things?

 

Apparently I can set an ASA/ISO, as well as choose between two

distance ranges (2-10m or 0.7-3.5m). A particular f-stop is

displayed depending on the combo of ISO and distance. What does that

f-stop represent?

 

Also, the unit shows 4 squares in the lower right with letters in

them (CPRN, M(B), OM(A), and Ch). I can choose one of these. What

are they? What do the letters mean?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[jlemire]

I just figured out what those 4 boxes are for - to set the make of camera: (1)Canon, Pentax, Ricoh, Nikon; (2)Minolta(B); (3)Olympus, Minolta(A); (4)Chinon.

 

Still confused about the rest...

[al_kaplan1]

The f/stop is the one you set on your lens when using that distance range and ASA/ISO. The setting on the flash controls the flash intensity. You've now discovered that auto-everything SLR's can be a bigger pain in the ass than total manual cameras. You're locked into what they can do, or you have to figure out how to get around those constraints, not always possible. By the time the camera figures exposure and focusses the picture you saw is gone.

[gregg_johnson]

Al is correct - The f/stop is the one you set on your lens when using that distance range and ASA - I use this flash with an old Canon AE-1p and it works great, never a problem, and I've had the flash probably as long as I've had my Canon AE-1p (15-20 years).