Ricoh Imaging announces a new Penatx AF180FG compact auto flash, compatible with both Pentax DSLRs and Ricoh GR cameras (check of pre-orders at Adorama, Amazon, and B&H Photo):
Additional information:
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.
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.
Main specifications of AF180FG:
| Model | Clip-on type serial control P-TTL autoflash |
|---|---|
| Lighting Mode | P-TTL Auto (first curtain sync, second curtain sync), Manual (FULL, 1/4) |
| Manual guide number [ISO100・m] |
18 |
| Manual guide number [ISO200・m] |
twenty five |
| Beam angle | Fullsize | 24mm | 20mm* |
|---|---|---|---|
| APS-C size | 16mm | 13mm* | |
| Q Series | 4mm | 3mm* | |
| 645Z/645D | 30mm | 25mm* | |
| Up/Down Angle | 53° | 85°* | |
| Left/Right Angle | 70° | 98°* |
| Bounce function | Equipped with a click stop that can be adjusted up and down, and the lock must be released when adjusting to -10°. Upper set angle (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°) Lower set angle (0°, -10°) |
|---|---|
| Light Intensity Compensation | – |
| AF assist light | – |
| Flash interval and number of times | ・Approx. 6 seconds, approx. 100 times (AAA alkaline battery) ・Approx. 5 seconds, approx. 130 times (AAA nickel-metal hydride battery [Ni-MH 800mAh]) |
| Wide panel board | Pull-out type |
| power supply | 2 AAA batteries , 2 AAA alkaline batteries (LR03), 2 AAA nickel-metal hydride batteries (Ni-MH) |
| Size and weight | Approximately 65mm (width) x 72.5mm (height) x 31mm (thickness), approximately 141g (battery not included) |
| Other features | Dust-proof and drip-proof construction for digital cameras Power saving function (auto power off (180 seconds)) Red-eye reduction function (linked to autofocus cameras with red-eye reduction function) Light output setting (manual flash (1/1, 1/4)) |
| What’s in the box | Case O-AC149 |
* When using wide panel
